Summer Tips for Driving Instructors in Crawley, West Sussex
Summer in Crawley and the wider West Sussex area brings longer days, sunnier skies, and warmer weather — perfect for driving lessons, right? Not always. For driving instructors, high temperatures can pose challenges that impact both comfort and safety on the road.
Whether you’re teaching in Langley Green, Tilgate, or around the Crawley Driving Test Centre, here are some essential summer tips to help you and your learners stay cool and focused.
Keep Your Car Cool
Your vehicle is your office, and in summer heat, it can quickly become stifling. Keeping it cool is crucial for both you and your students.
Use a windscreen sunshade while parked, especially around busy spots like Crawley Town Centre or K2 Leisure Centre.
Keep your air conditioning regularly serviced to handle multiple lessons per day.
Consider legal window tints to reduce glare and interior heat.
Ventilate your car between lessons, especially if parked near Crawley College or in full sun.
A comfortable environment makes for a more productive lesson and helps reduce learner anxiety, too.
Hydration is Important
Whether you’re covering dual carriageways on the A264 or heading out to quieter areas like Pease Pottage for manoeuvre practice, staying hydrated is essential.
Always keep a cold water bottle in the car, especially during afternoon sessions.
Encourage learners to bring their own drinks — many new drivers feel nervous, and dehydration doesn’t help.
Take quick breaks between lessons at local parks like Tilgate Park or rest spots like Manor Royal.
Driving instructors in Crawley know the area can get surprisingly hot in summer — hydration keeps your focus sharp and reaction time fast.
Polarised Sunglasses
The summer sun over Crawley can create intense glare, especially during evening lessons along routes like the A23 or around Ifield.
Polarised sunglasses reduce glare from the road, mirrors, and other cars.
Choose driving-safe sunglasses that don’t distort your vision.
Keep a spare pair in your glovebox in case you forget yours — they’ll come in handy during those long summer days.
When teaching learners who are just gaining confidence, your visibility needs to be crystal clear at all times.
Adjusting Lesson Times to Reduce Peak Hour Sun
The sun is at its strongest between 1 PM and 4 PM, and that can make lessons uncomfortable for both instructors and learners.
Offer early morning or evening slots for cooler, more pleasant driving conditions.
Promote flexible lesson times on your website and social media: “We adapt to Crawley’s summer weather for your comfort and safety.”
Use shaded areas like residential roads in Maidenbower or Bewbush during warmer times of the day.
Flexibility with lesson times also makes you stand out among other Crawley-based instructors.
✅ Final Thoughts
Driving in summer can be enjoyable — if you’re prepared. As a professional driving instructor in Crawley, West Sussex, it’s your job to create a safe, calm, and cool learning space no matter the weather.
📞 Need driving lessons in Crawley this summer?
At Ultra Drive, we offer climate-controlled vehicles, flexible lesson times, and expert instruction across all areas of Crawley and West Sussex.
Book now and enjoy a comfortable learning experience all summer long.
