Learning to drive is an exciting journey, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. As a new driver, it’s normal to make mistakes as you gain experience on the road. However, understanding these common pitfalls and how to avoid them can help you become a safer and more confident driver. At Stellar Driving School, we’ve seen firsthand the types of mistakes new drivers often make, and we’re here to guide you through them. Let’s explore some of the most common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

1. Oversteering and Understeering

The Mistake:

New drivers often struggle with oversteering (turning the wheel too much) or understeering (not turning the wheel enough). These mistakes can lead to difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle, especially during turns or when navigating curves.

How to Avoid It:

• Practice Smooth Steering: Focus on making smooth, gradual movements with the steering wheel. Overcorrecting can cause the vehicle to swerve, so aim for controlled, gentle adjustments.
• Anticipate the Turn: Slow down before entering a turn, and start steering early. This will help you make the turn smoothly without oversteering or understeering.
• Use Both Hands: Keep both hands on the steering wheel in the 9 and 3 o’clock positions. This gives you better control and makes it easier to steer accurately.

2. Failing to Signal

The Mistake:

Failing to use turn signals is a common mistake that can lead to accidents. Some new drivers forget to signal when changing lanes, making turns, or merging onto highways, leaving other drivers unaware of their intentions.

How to Avoid It:

• Make It a Habit: Always signal before making any change in direction or lane. Even in situations where you think no one is around, it’s important to signal to reinforce the habit.
• Check Your Surroundings: Before signaling, check your mirrors and blind spots to ensure it’s safe to make the move. Then, signal your intentions well in advance of taking action.
• Practice in Low-Traffic Areas: If you’re struggling to remember to signal, practice in a quiet area where you can focus on building the habit without the pressure of heavy traffic.

3. Improper Lane Changes

The Mistake:

Improper lane changes, such as changing lanes without checking blind spots or not signaling, are common mistakes that can result in accidents. New drivers may also struggle with judging the speed and distance of other vehicles when merging.

How to Avoid It:

• Use the Three-Point Check: Before changing lanes, perform a three-point check: (1) Check your rearview mirror, (2) check your side mirror, and (3) glance over your shoulder to check your blind spot.
• Signal Early: Signal your lane change at least three seconds before you intend to move. This gives other drivers ample warning of your intentions.
• Practice in Light Traffic: Start practicing lane changes in light traffic conditions. This will help you get comfortable with the process before tackling busier roads.

4. Tailgating

The Mistake:

Following too closely behind another vehicle (tailgating) is a dangerous habit that leaves little room for error. If the car in front of you stops suddenly, you may not have enough time to react, leading to a rear-end collision.

How to Avoid It:

• Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Use the “three-second rule” to keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. Choose a fixed point on the road, and when the vehicle ahead passes it, count three seconds before your car reaches the same point.
• Increase Distance in Bad Weather: In adverse weather conditions, like rain or fog, increase your following distance to four or more seconds to account for longer stopping times.
• Stay Alert: Always stay focused on the road and be prepared to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions. Avoid distractions that could cause you to miss cues from the vehicle ahead.

5. Rolling Stops

The Mistake:

A rolling stop occurs when a driver slows down but doesn’t come to a complete stop at a stop sign or red light before proceeding. This mistake is not only illegal but also dangerous, as it can lead to accidents with pedestrians or other vehicles.

How to Avoid It:

• Come to a Full Stop: Always bring your vehicle to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights. Your wheels should stop moving entirely before you proceed.
• Pause and Look: After stopping, take a moment to scan the intersection for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. Ensure it’s safe before moving forward.
• Practice in Residential Areas: Practice making full stops in residential areas where there are many stop signs. This will help you develop the habit of stopping completely.

6. Driving Too Fast for Conditions

The Mistake:

New drivers sometimes drive too fast for road conditions, such as in rain, snow, or heavy traffic. This can lead to loss of control, longer stopping distances, and an increased risk of accidents.

How to Avoid It:

• Adjust Your Speed: Always adjust your speed based on road conditions. In bad weather, reduce your speed and increase your following distance to allow for more reaction time.
• Stay in Control: Driving too fast can make it harder to control your vehicle, especially in adverse conditions. Slow down to a speed where you feel comfortable and in control.
• Plan for Extra Time: If you know the weather or traffic is bad, leave earlier to give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination safely.

Conclusion

Making mistakes is a natural part of learning to drive, but understanding these common pitfalls and how to avoid them will help you become a more skilled and confident driver. At Stellar Driving School, we’re dedicated to helping you develop safe driving habits that will serve you well on the road. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to brush up on your skills, our experienced instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to become a safer, more confident driver? Contact Stellar Driving School today to schedule your next lesson and keep your driving journey on the right track!