Learning to drive a car might be thrilling as well as challenging. As beginner drivers, we’re eager to hit the road and enjoy the freedom of driving. However, many new drivers are vulnerable to committing common mistakes at this stage. That’s why it is crucial to realise that driving comes with lots of responsibilities and ensures your safety and that of others on the road.
Whether you’re a newly licensed driver or in the stage of driving test preparation in Melbourne or Brisbane, you should be aware of some common driving mistakes most beginning drivers make.
In this blog, we’ll discuss these common driving mistakes and practical tips for avoiding them.
1) Speeding
It’s common for beginners to exceed the speed limits – something out of temptation and something unintentional. Exceeding speed limits reduces the ability to control unexpected situations and increases the possibility of accidents.
Solution: Slowing Down
Speed limits are set for a reason. In beginner driving lessons, drivers are taught to check the speedometer and road signs regularly. Practicing maintaining the speed limit and staying alert on unfamiliar roads, during night driving, and in adverse weather conditions can help you avoid accidents.
2) Failing to Locate Blind Spots
Blind spots are areas around the vehicle that a driver cannot see through the side mirrors and rearview mirror. New drivers often fail to locate blind spots, significantly when changing lanes and merging.
Solution: Stay Alert of Your Surroundings
When you learn to drive car, make a habit of checking your mirrors and shoulder checks before changing lanes. Make sure to practice this routine until it comes naturally during your driving lessons.
3) Rushing through Turns
Another common mistake for inexperienced drivers is taking turns too quickly, which leads to the risk of losing control.
Solution: Taking Control on the Turns
In beginner driving lessons in Melbourne and Brisbane, instructors teach the new drivers to look ahead and approach turns slowly. Then, they can gradually increase the speed once they gain more control over steering.
4) Forget to Signal
Failure to signal while taking turns can cause serious accidents and is against the law. Many beginner drivers often ignore the need to use indicators when changing lanes or merging traffic.
Solution: Communicate Your Intentions
Be mindful to use your indicators while turning left or right, slowing down or stopping. During the driving test preparation in Melbourne or Brisbane, applicants are also asked to recognise hand signals to avoid the risk of collisions.
5) Distracted Driving 
Let’s admit that distractions are everywhere in today’s digital world. Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents. Checking your phones, texting, making calls, or can distract new drivers from the road.
Solution: Keep Your Focus
Put your phone on silent and stay focused when you learn to drive car. In Melbourne or Brisbane, you can pull over to a safe zone or wait to reach your destination when you need to use your phone.
6) Tailgating
Tailgating or not maintaining a safe following distance is a common and dangerous mistake among beginner drivers.
Solution: Keep a Safe Distance
Follow the ‘three-second rule’ – maintain a safe following distance of a minimum of three seconds. When driving at high speed or in adverse conditions, increase the following speed to get adequate time to react.
7) Poor Parking
New drivers are often bad at parallel parking and reverse parking, which can cause problems for others.
Solution: Practice Makes Perfect
During the driving test preparation, you can practice in empty car parking areas to enhance your parking skills. Also, focus on using mirrors effectively and reference points to align your car.
Driving Mistakes for Beginners: Key Takeaways
Try to stay attentive and responsible when you learn to drive car confidently on the road. As a new driver, you should focus on avoiding these mistakes. Remember that it takes time, patience, and years of practice to become a pro driver.
If you want to learn or hone your driving skills and ensure you pass the driving test on the first go, enroll in beginner driving lessons in Melbourne or Brisbane with HIENZ Driving School.
