Managing Glare Complaints — Bright Headlights in the Spotlight

In recent years, an increasing number of drivers in the UK have reported discomfort and safety concerns associated with the glare from bright headlights.

With the adoption of LED and HID bulbs, night driving is becoming a visual challenge for many.
This issue is especially concerning for learner drivers who are already managing stress, unfamiliar environments, and limited visibility.

As road safety advocates, ADIs (Approved Driving Instructors) play a crucial role in preparing learners for real-world scenarios, including managing glare from overly bright headlights.

What’s Causing the Glare?

The introduction of high-intensity discharge (HID) and LED headlamps has improved visibility for the driver behind the wheel—but often at the expense of other road users.

Poorly aligned or modified headlights can produce a piercing beam that causes eye strain, momentary blindness, and delayed reaction times.

Compounding the problem are taller vehicles such as SUVs, whose elevated headlight positioning creates a direct line of glare into standard passenger cars.

The Legal Landscape

While headlight brightness and positioning are subject to regulation, many vehicles still pass MOT checks despite causing disruptive levels of glare.

The RAC has advocated for stricter regulations, including improved standards for alignment and beam intensity.
For instructors, staying informed about these developments helps communicate realistic expectations and legal guidelines to learners.

An RAC survey of 1,866 drivers in December 2024 found 95% thought at least some car headlights were too bright. Of those drivers:

• 53% had been “temporarily blinded” while driving
• 79% said they find it hard to tell when some vehicles are indicating
• 77% found it difficult to judge the position of oncoming vehicles on the road
• 25% avoid driving at night due to headlight dazzle; a further 22% would like to drive less at night due to dazzle, but had no option other than driving (for example, for work)

Some drivers reported suffering eye pain, fatigue and headaches after experiencing dazzle on the road. For more information, check out this link. Click here

Key Talking Points for Instructors

1. Adaptive Habits: Teach learners to look slightly to the left of oncoming headlights rather than directly at them.
2. Mirror Adjustments: Demonstrate how to switch the rear-view mirror to its anti-glare setting at night.
3. Vehicle Preparation: Emphasise the importance of clean windscreens and properly adjusted mirrors to reduce light scatter. How to clean your windscreen.
4. Following Distances: Discuss increasing following distances in night conditions to minimise discomfort and reaction delay.

The ADI Opportunity

Night driving instruction remains an underutilised area in many lesson plans.

Incorporating low-light or after-dark sessions not only improves competence but also builds learner confidence in challenging conditions.