Common Learner Driver Mistakes & How to Overcome Them

Learning to drive can be an exciting time in your life, but it can also be stressful and daunting. You need to navigate busy roads and achieve high speeds while ensuring safety for yourself and others. New drivers make up a high percentage of road accidents, which means safer driving practices and learner insurance are necessities. We all make mistakes, but you need to be nearly perfect when it comes to your test. Here are a few of the most common mistakes learners make and how they can be avoided.

Failing to Check Blind Spots

Blind spots are the areas around your vehicle that are difficult to see without using your mirrors. Failure to carefully and consistently use these can result in accidents, especially when changing lanes or turning in the road. Check blind spots before any manoeuvre and do a 6-point check, checking mirrors and over your shoulder.

Not Maintaining a Safe Distance

Keeping a safe distance from vehicles in front is needed in case of harsh weather conditions or sudden braking, which can lead to serious accidents. Learners can often be tempted to get too close to the car in front, especially when feeling nervous. Practice keeping a minimum of two seconds between the vehicle in front, which will give you enough time to react – leave longer for wet or slippery road conditions.

Sticking to the Speed Limit

When there’s so much else to focus on, it’s easy to find yourself exceeding the speed limit, but it’s important to stay under the legal limit. Failure to do so can lead to accidents and fines. Speed limits are set for a reason, so keep an eye on your speedometer every so often while still ensuring you have eyes on the road. Reduce your speed if necessary, such as for traffic, weather conditions, and poor visibility. Even a touch over the limit on your test can be a failure, so make sure that this is on your mind throughout.

Parking Errors

You’ll be asked to complete one of three manoeuvres during your test, either parallel parking, bay parking, or pulling up and the right and reversing. These can be the trickiest part for learners, leading to curbs being hit and multiple adjustments. Practise these over and over again in a quiet and safe area with plenty of space. Use markers and cones if necessary.

These are a few of the most common mistakes that learners make. By being aware of these and how they can be avoided, you can develop positive habits and become a safe, competent, and confident driver.