Night driving, rain, fog, wind and floods

Key points

1. Headlights must be used from sunset to sunrise, and driving with only parking lights is unlawful.

   Source: Handbook p. 61

   “Headlights must be used from sunset to sunrise. Turn on low beams when daylight begins to fade to help others see you. Driving with parking lights only is unlawful.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 61

2. Dim your headlights within 200 feet when following another vehicle and when meeting oncoming vehicles.

   Source: Handbook p. 61

   “Dim headlights when following within 200 feet of another vehicle, and when meeting oncoming vehicles.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 61

3. In rain, you may need to turn off cruise control; increase following distance and use low beams.

   Source: Handbook p. 62

   “It may be necessary to disengage cruise control. Increase your following distance. Use low beam headlights.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 62

4. Six inches of water reaches the bottom of most cars; 2 feet of moving water can carry away most vehicles.

   Source: Handbook p. 62

   “Remember, six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling. Two feet of moving water can carry away most vehicles”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 62

5. Travel on roads posted 40 MPH or more is not recommended when visibility is under 1/4 mile.

   Source: Handbook p. 62

   “Travel on roadway with posted speeds of 40 MPH or more is not recommended when visibility is less than 1/4 of a mile.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 62

6. After leaving a protected area in high wind, be ready to make steering corrections.

   Source: Handbook p. 62

   “Watch for open spaces after driving in a protected area. Be ready to make steering corrections because of changes in the wind.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 62

7. Use headlights whenever you use windshield wipers.

   Source: Handbook p. 66

   “Use headlights whenever using windshield wipers.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 66

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Nebraska practice test

1. 1. What two adjustments does Nebraska recommend when rain makes the road surface wet?

   1. Reduce speed and increase following distance
   2. Maintain speed and follow more closely
   3. Increase speed and use high beams
   4. Keep the same gap and use cruise control
   Show answer

   Reduce speed and increase following distance. Water reduces tire grip and can produce hydroplaning, so the manual pairs a lower speed with more space behind the vehicle ahead. Slowing gives the tires a better chance to remain in contact with the pavement, while the larger gap compensates for longer stopping distance. Following more closely is especially hazardous because wet braking may take longer than expected. Nebraska also points drivers toward low-beam headlights in rain. A good visual cue is standing water or spray: ease off the accelerator early and create room before the road becomes difficult to manage.

2. 2. What should a driver do after leaving a protected area and entering an open space during high winds?

   1. Accelerate to reduce the effect of the wind
   2. Release the steering wheel so the vehicle can self-correct
   3. Be ready to make steering corrections as the wind changes
   4. Move beside a large truck for shelter
   Show answer

   Be ready to make steering corrections as the wind changes. A protected area can hide wind that becomes noticeable as soon as the vehicle reaches an open stretch. Nebraska tells drivers to anticipate that change and be ready for steering corrections. Releasing the wheel removes control, and accelerating does not make a sudden side force predictable. Driving beside a large truck creates another hazard because the truck can also experience wind movement and block the driver's view. Reduce surprises by holding a steady course, watching the roadway, and leaving room to correct smoothly rather than making a sharp reaction.

3. 3. When does the Nebraska manual say travel on roads posted 40 mph or more is not recommended?

   1. When it is raining at all
   2. When the temperature is below freezing
   3. When visibility is less than a quarter mile
   4. At night
   Show answer

   When visibility is less than a quarter mile. In fog, reduce speed and proceed with extreme caution, and travel on a roadway with posted speeds of 40 mph or more is not recommended when visibility is less than one quarter of a mile. Use low beams, since high beams reflect back off fog. If you cannot see far enough to stop within your sight distance, pull well off the road and wait.

Source: the Nebraska Driver's Manual, Section 5: Special Driving Conditions. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.