I occurred to me that there is no provision in driving leading up to the actual test and actually passing that can prepare you for driving in the snow. This is after many years of having to do just that here in Bulgaria during the winter months in a basic Lada saloon. There is no preparation other than first hand experience that driver face when the heavy snow falls. How do you deal with it? I have given some tips that may well help first timers. Even in mild climates now snow may well appear for the firs time since the ice age due to climate change, so be prepared to possibly face it.
Driving aside there are five rules you should check out when snow comes. The first and probably the most sensible is. Do I need to take this journey? Can it be delayed at a time when it is less hazardous? So many driver just think that the have to make a journey when actually a quick phone call to rearrange a meeting or go shopping a day later, (I'm sure most people have a little food stored at home or a neighbour who you could ask to borrow.)In this day and age there is no need to be isolated and that includes being isolated in you car stuck in snow. So, always take your mobile phone with you on journeys, especially in snowy condition and make sure it is fully charged for the latter.
Before you set off driving in the snow assuming the journey is vital, always make sure you have told someone where you are going. Always check that your destination route is open to traffic and the conditions haven't made it impassable. If it is impassable just resign yourself to not going and not take a chance that somehow you can get through
Before the journey is made make sure you have a blanket and appropriate clothing in case you come to a stand still in traffic. Journeys are always going to be slower and delays inevitable so prepare for it. You may even consider taking a flask of hot tea, even if your journey is short on paper. You can always drink it when you get to your destination so it won't be wasted.
Finally, get mentally prepared for the journey, you know it will take longer and you may have problems en route so accept that. Do not get stressed or impatient as the tendency is to try and make up for lost time by driving more dangerously and with less caution. Believe me this happens. So just go with the flow and just try relax.
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