Common Mistakes New Drivers Make and How to Avoid Them

If you’ve just passed your driving test, congratulations!

Learning to drive is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with increased risks. New drivers are prone to making mistakes, and while many of these can be harmless learning experiences, others can be potentially dangerous.

From overconfidence to poor maintenance habits, it’s worth knowing about some of the most prevalent challenges that come with gaining experience on the roads.

1. Skipping the basics

Any driving instructor knows to remind their pupils to check their mirrors and blind spots every time they change direction. From switching lanes to turning left on a quiet road, checking your mirrors could be the difference between a safe arrival and having a serious accident.

Even after passing your test, it’s really important to keep checking your mirrors whenever you change direction. Plus, you’ll need to keep them in good condition too. If you’re stopped by the police and you’ve got a damaged or missing wing mirror, you could be fined up to £2,500.

2. Overconfidence behind the wheel

Feeling too confident can lead to rash decisions and unfortunate mistakes. Whether you’re driving alone or with friends, you should try to stay realistic about your ability. If you’re feeling nervous, adding a ‘P’ plate to your vehicle may help other drivers to give you some more space. From harsh braking to sudden acceleration, young driver insurance policies often monitor these behaviours. However, safe driving habits are often rewarded with a discount on renewal.

3. Speeding and misjudging distance

If in doubt, slow down! It’s easy to feel pressured into driving faster than you normally might, especially if you’ve got your friends in the back seats.

Speed limits are set for a reason, so try not to see it as a target speed. While it might be perfectly safe to drive at the maximum speed allowed, it could be dangerous not to adjust your speed on tight corners or in the presence of hazards.

4. Poor lane discipline

If you’ve learned to drive in a rural area and you’re now driving in the city, learning about larger roundabouts, one-way routes and contraflow systems can feel very confusing. If you’re unsure, it’s always worth revisiting the Highway Code or even asking for some top-up lessons from your instructor.

Poor lane discipline – including changing lanes without indicating or at the very last moment – can be incredibly dangerous for you and other road users, especially more vulnerable ones like cyclists.

5. Neglecting regular maintenance

Finally, don’t forget to look after your car.

You should book it in for a service at least once a year, with a biannual check on the oil and filters for older vehicles. Basic checks on your tyres, coolant, and engine oil levels can be carried out at home. These could save you a small fortune in repairs.

Above all, knowing how to build safe driving habits will keep you safer from the beginning of your journey as a driver. If you can work on consistency and staying safe, you’ll start every drive with optimism and peace of mind.

This is where I link up