Safe2Drive Blog

Cold weather can catch new drivers off guard, especially if it’s their first winter behind the wheel. Even experienced drivers deal with seasonal car trouble, but new drivers may not know what’s normal, what’s preventable, and when cold temperatures can turn into a safety issue. Understanding common cold weather car problems new drivers face can help prevent breakdowns and reduce stress when temperatures drop.

Battery Failure

One of the most common issues is battery failure. Cold temperatures slow down the chemical reactions inside a battery, which reduces the power available to start the engine. Batteries that are already old or weak are much more likely to fail in winter. Short trips can make things worse because the battery doesn’t have enough time to recharge. Checking your battery before winter arrives can help prevent you from being stranded on a cold morning.

Tire Pressure Drops

Another issue new drivers often overlook is tire pressure drops. Air inside tires contracts as temperatures fall, which lowers tire pressure. Even a few degrees can make a noticeable difference overnight. Underinflated tires affect handling, braking, and fuel efficiency, so it’s a good idea to check pressure regularly during cold months.

Frozen Locks and Windshield Wipers

Frozen locks and windshield wipers are small problems that can become a real pain. Moisture in locks can freeze, making it hard to get into the car. Windshield wipers can freeze to the glass after snow or freezing rain, and forcing them can tear the blades or damage the arms. Letting the vehicle warm up, using the defroster, and gently freeing frozen parts can prevent damage and save time.

Reduced Visibility

Cold weather also brings reduced visibility. Frost, ice, and snow can quickly cover windshields and mirrors. Shorter daylight hours mean you may be driving in dim light more often. Even dirty headlights and taillights can make it harder for you to see and for other drivers to see you. Clearing all glass and lights before hitting the road is critical, especially when conditions are slippery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do car batteries die in cold weather?

Cold temperatures slow the battery’s chemical reactions, which reduces the power available to start the engine. At the same time, engines need more power to start when it’s cold, which makes battery failure more likely.

How does cold weather affect tire pressure?

As the air inside tires contracts, tire pressure drops. Even a small temperature change can lower pressure enough to affect handling. Checking tires often during winter helps you maintain safe driving conditions.

What should you do when windshield wipers and door locks freeze?

Avoid pulling frozen wipers off the glass, since this can damage the blades or arms. Let the car warm up and use the defroster to loosen ice. For frozen locks, gently warming them or using de-icer works best instead of forcing the key.

Why won’t my car start when it’s very cold?

In very cold temperatures, the battery may not supply enough power to start the engine. Thickened engine oil and increased resistance can also make starting difficult. Repeated issues may indicate a battery or charging system problem that needs checking.

Knowing the common cold weather car problems new drivers don’t expect makes winter driving more manageable. Preparing your car ahead of time and practicing safe habits in cold conditions can prevent stress, breakdowns, and collisions, keeping both drivers and passengers safe on icy or snowy roads.

Interested in learning more about traffic safety?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

Cold weather can catch new drivers off guard, especially if it’s their first winter behind the wheel. Even experienced drivers deal with seasonal car trouble, but new drivers may not know what’s normal, what’s preventable, and when cold temperatures can turn into a safety issue. Understanding common cold weather car problems new drivers face can help prevent breakdowns and reduce stress when temperatures drop.

If you’re getting ready to apply for a learner’s permit or your first driver license in Florida, there are a few education requirements you’ll need to know about. Florida wants every new driver to understand traffic laws and the risks of impaired driving before they hit the road. All first-time drivers are required to complete a driver education course, but the specific course you take depends on your age. The Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course is required for divers age 18 and older.

TLSAE stands for Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education. It’s a required 4-hour online course for first-time adult drivers (age 18 and older) who’ve never held a driver license before. The course explains how alcohol and drugs affect your ability to drive and reviews key Florida traffic laws. You can take the course entirely online, at your own pace, and Safe2Drive will submit your completion to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) for you.

Who Needs Which Course?

If you’re 18 or older and this is your first time applying for a Florida driver license, you’ll need to complete the 4-hour TLSAE course before you can get your Class E license. This applies even if you’re older than 21 and have never had a license before.

Florida has recently updated its driver education rules. If you’re under age 18, the 4-hour TLSAE course alone no longer qualifies you for a learner’s license or driver license. Instead, you’ll need to take the 6-hour Florida Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course, which meets the state requirement for teen driver education.

What the TLSAE Course Covers

The TLSAE course focuses on:

• How alcohol and drugs affect your ability to drive
• Florida traffic laws and legal responsibilities
• Safe driving habits and risk awareness

The Safe2Drive course is interactive and online, so you can finish it at your own pace and complete it from home or on your device on the go . Once you pass, Safe2Drive reports your completion directly to FLHSMV, and you’ll get a receipt emailed to you. Easy!

What’s Next After TLSAE or DETS

After you complete the required education:

1. Study for the Florida Class E Knowledge Exam, also called the Florida permit test, if you’re going for a learner’s permit. You can actually bundle your DETS course and permit test with Safe2Drive.
2. Gather your documents, including proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Florida residential address.
3. If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the consent form.
4. Head to a Florida driver license office for your vision test and photo. Once you pass your knowledge exam, you’re on your way!

Getting your Florida learner’s permit or first driver license doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Once you know which course you need and what steps come next, the process becomes much more manageable. Whether you’re an adult completing the TLSAE course or a teen starting with the DETS course, finishing your driver education is an important step toward becoming a safe, responsible driver. With Safe2Drive’s online courses and automatic reporting to the FLHSMV, you can focus less on paperwork and more on getting ready for the road ahead.

If you’re getting ready to apply for a learner’s permit or your first driver license in Florida, there are a few education requirements you’ll need to know about. Florida wants every new driver to understand traffic laws and the risks of impaired driving before they hit the road. All first-time drivers are required to complete a driver education course, but the specific course you take depends on your age. The Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course is required for divers age 18 and older.

National Passenger Safety Week, observed from January 19 to 26, is a vital campaign dedicated to a side of road safety that is often overlooked: the person in the "co-pilot" seat. While we often focus on the person behind the wheel, the reality is that passengers play a significant role in the safety of every trip. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving remains a primary cause of collisions, and a passenger’s behavior can either be a dangerous distraction or a life-saving asset.

A passenger’s influence begins the moment they enter the vehicle. An active, safety-conscious passenger can act as a second set of eyes, identifying hazards that a driver might miss. On the other hand, a disruptive passenger can be just as dangerous as to the driver as texting is. By understanding their role, passengers can empower drivers to stay focused on the road ahead.

Being a proactive passenger means more than just sitting quietly; it means actively participating in the safety of the journey. Here are some ways passengers can help prevent crashes and ensure a safe arrival for everyone:

• Act as the "Navigator." One of the most helpful things a passenger can do is take charge of the GPS and music. By handling the technology, you allow the driver to keep both hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road--eliminating two major sources of manual and visual distraction.
• Speak up when necessary. If the driver is speeding, tailgating, or glancing at their phone, do not be afraid to say something. A polite but firm reminder to "watch out" or "slow down" can snap a driver’s focus back to the task at hand. Your life is in their hands, and you have a right to feel safe.
• Help scan for hazards. Especially during long trips or in heavy traffic, two pairs of eyes are better than one. Passengers can assist by spotting road debris, identifying upcoming traffic jams, or checking blind spots when the driver is attempting to merge.
• Avoid being a distraction. Keep the volume of your voice at a reasonable level and avoid showing the driver things on your phone or in a book. If the driver seems stressed or is navigating a difficult intersection, pause the conversation until they are back in a steady flow of traffic.
• Keep an eye on the driver’s condition (especially on long trips). If you notice the driver is becoming drowsy, aggressive, or is showing signs of impairment, offer to take over the driving or suggest pulling over for a break. Preventing a fatigued driver from staying behind the wheel is one of the most effective ways to avoid a catastrophic event.

The Power of the Passenger

The goal of National Passenger Safety Week is to shift the culture of "being a passenger" from a passive role to an active one. We often talk about defensive driving instincts, but "defensive passenger" instincts are just as crucial. When you choose to buckle up, stay alert, and support your driver, you aren’t just a passive rider--you’re a vital part of the vehicle’s safety system. By working together, we can significantly reduce the number of collisions on our roadways.

Interested in learning more about traffic safety?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

National Passenger Safety Week, observed from January 19 to 26, is a vital campaign dedicated to a side of road safety that is often overlooked: the person in the "co-pilot" seat. While we often focus on the person behind the wheel, the reality is that passengers play a significant role in the safety of every trip. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving remains a primary cause of collisions, and a passenger’s behavior can either be a dangerous distraction or a life-saving asset.

Getting your first driver license is an exciting milestone, but in the Lone Star State, the process involves several specific steps depending on your age. Texas utilizes a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for teens to ensure new motorists gain experience in a controlled manner before they are given full driving privileges. Whether you’re a teenager eager to get on the road, or an adult starting for the first time, understanding the requirements from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the best way to ensure a smooth application process and avoid multiple trips to the driver license office.

Navigating the application process can feel overwhelming, but it essentially boils down to education, documentation, and testing. Here is a detailed checklist of how to get a first-time driver license in Texas:

• Complete a Driver Education Course. If you are between the ages of 15 and 24, you are required by law to complete a state-approved driver education course. For teenagers, one of the most popular options is Parent-Taught Driver Education (PTDE). This allows a parent or guardian to act as the instructor, providing a comfortable learning environment. Alternatively, students can choose the Alternative Method of Instruction (AMI) course. This is an "Instructor-Led" online option where the 32-hour classroom portion is delivered entirely online. Adults (18-24) must complete a shorter 6-hour adult driver education course, which covers essential Texas traffic laws and road safety.
• Apply for a Learner License. For those under 18, you must hold a learner license for at least six months, or until you turn 18, before you can apply for your provisional license. This phase is critical, as it allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and has at least one year of driving experience. This "behind-the-wheel" time is where you develop the instincts necessary to handle Texas highways safely.
• Finish the Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) Program. Every new driver in Texas, regardless of age, must watch a free distracted driving video provided by the DPS. Teens watch a 2-hour video (Impact Texas Teen Drivers), while adults watch a 1-hour version (Impact Texas Adult Drivers). This must be completed after your drivers ed course but before your driving test. Note: The certificate you receive is only valid for 90 days, so time this carefully with your scheduled driving appointment.
• Gather Your Documents. When you head to the DPS, you’ll need a stack of original paperwork. This includes proof of U.S. Citizenship (or Lawful Presence), your Social Security number, and two documents proving Texas residency (like a utility bill or bank statement). If you’re under 18, you also need a Verification of Enrollment (VOE) form from your school to prove you are attending classes and making progress toward graduation.
• Pass the Required Tests. To earn your license, you must prove your competency through a vision exam, a written knowledge test (which is often included in your drivers ed course), and the final behind-the-wheel driving skills test. You can schedule the driving test at a DPS location or through a third-party provider that is state-authorized.

Texas DPS Approval

Before you can walk out with your license, you must receive Texas DPS approval. This involves a formal in-person appointment where an agent will meticulously verify your original documents--remember, photocopies are not accepted! During this visit, they will take your thumbprints and capture your official license photo. If you chose the parent-taught route, the agent will also verify your PTDE program guide and logs. Once the agent confirms that you’ve met all legal requirements and passed your exams, you will receive a temporary paper permit. Your official license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks, officially marking the start of your journey as a licensed Texas driver.

Interested in learning more about traffic safety?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

Getting your first driver license is an exciting milestone, but in the Lone Star State, the process involves several specific steps depending on your age. Texas utilizes a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for teens to ensure new motorists gain experience in a controlled manner before they are given full driving privileges. Whether you’re a teenager eager to get on the road, or an adult starting for the first time, understanding the requirements from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the best way to ensure a smooth application process and avoid multiple trips to the driver license office.