Knowing how to drive is an excellent skill but challenging to learn. Now, it is not exactly as tricky as many believe it to be, but the improper knowledge of road rules and your duties as a driver can lessen the complexity. Sitting behind the wheel with inadequate driving sense is a threat to yourself and others around you.
Human error is the cause of almost 99% of road accidents. Unfortunately, many people repeat the same mistakes on the road, unaware of their faulty habits. Many mistakes seem minor but can cause a lot of trouble to you and other drivers on the road.
As a learner, you must know about the common driving mistakes to ensure you receive your license on the first attempt. This article highlights the most typical mistakes you must avoid when seeking driving lessons. So, dive in!
Top 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid During Driving Lessons
Here are the common mistakes to give you a heads-up before you hit the road.
1. Unsafe Lane Changes
Unsafe lane change means moving a car from one lane to another recklessly. Many drivers fail to follow the instructions and blindly jump into other lanes. Passing a slower vehicle closely or forcing a car off the road are standard examples of unsafe lane changes. It brings grave consequences and often results in road rage, fines, accidents, dangerous road conditions, and property damage.
Changing lanes is not arduous, at least when done right. First, you must look at the road condition to watch out for traffic, turn on your indicator, check your side and rearview mirrors, and check for a truck, motorcycle, or car in your blind spot. Turning on the signal indicates to other vehicles your intention to switch lanes. Only when all is clear should you change lanes.
2. Distracted Driving
Driving is not all about steering the wheel to reach your destination. It is physically and mentally draining, especially if you are a new driver. Learners often pay attention to a single element and lose concentration on the entire drive. Anything that distracts you from attentively driving is a distraction.
Several road accidents happen because drivers fail to notice their surroundings. Not observing the road conditions even for a few minutes and fidgeting with other things can take a downturn for you. You must focus on the task and keep your mind on the road to nurture a good driving trait.
3. Being Consistent
It is not a mistake a driver makes; it is about not being on the road enough. Many take one lesson every week and do not bother to turn up for weeks. Longer breaks can cause you to mix up the information your instructor provided. And you may have trouble remembering the rules once you take the wheel.
The saying, “Practice makes perfect,” is true in driving. Taking consistent lessons will help you learn to drive faster and more efficiently. To help you enhance your driving skills check Transport Training Centres which offers comprehensive driving training services and learn more about how we can help you become a confident and responsible driver.
4. Driving too Slowly
Going fast is dangerous, but so is driving at a slow speed. Drivers around you may feel held up and start tailgating, beeping horns, and worse, pulling into the lanes to get ahead of you. Studies reveal that almost half the drivers are likely to overtake a slower vehicle on a fast route.
It is understandable why you would want to go slow as a learner. However, it can become a habit over time. Observing the other vehicles on the road and driving at the same speed is wise to avoid mishaps.
5. Parking
Parking your car very close to another, neglecting parking signs, and ignoring blind spots, are only a few parking mistakes. However, these minor and seemingly no-harm-done mistakes can lead to severe violations and damages that will be heavy on your pockets.
Parking is among the dreaded parts of driving. Learning to reverse and parallel parking may be hard but not impossible. The main factors to heed when parking are to not run over the curb or hit other vehicles. Learn to read the road conditions, be attentive and aware, and keep practicing, and you will undoubtedly master the skill.
6. Disregarding Basic Driving Rules
Almost everyone knows the primary road rules, such as traffic lights, zebra crossing, proper use of high beams, etc. Sadly, many learners forget to pay attention to them and focus on more complex tasks. Ignoring traffic lights is as much a violation as it is a mistake. Similarly, it is wise to stop at pedestrian crossings to let others pass.
While many people choose to neglect the rules, some read them wrong. It leads to reckless and hurried driving and increases the chances of road crashes and accidents. These signs enable an orderly flow of traffic on highways; hence, adhering to them is the obligation of every driver.
7. Riding the Brakes
“Have two feet, must use both.” The rule may be rational, but applying it when driving is not. Many think keeping the left foot on the brake and the right on the accelerator is okay. It works fine if you have control over your actions and are not in your learning phase.
Using both feet can develop an involuntary but nasty habit of slamming on the pedals simultaneously. Not only does it wear the brakes out, but it also causes you to drive jerkily.
8. Improper Sitting Position
Comfort matters, but getting too comfortable while driving is not a good idea. Many people slump in their seats and compromise control of the car. Sitting far behind the wheel can lull you into a daze and diminish your attention from what is happening on the road.
You must sit straight and place your hands on the steering wheel. Be in a position that gives you a clear view of the side-view and rear mirrors and allows you to take immediate action.
9. Listening
Listening to your instructor during the lessons seems the easiest thing to do. Unfortunately, many do not pay attention to them. It leads to a continuous cycle of the same mistakes over and over.
The instructors stay throughout the lesson with you for a reason. They help you learn how to drive and pass the knowledge to sidestep avertable damages and dodge silly mistakes on the road.
10. Checking Mirrors
Many people, especially learners, underestimate the importance of checking mirrors. When you get behind the wheel, the most essential thing is a mirror check. Whether you want to change lanes, observe the blind spot, move forward on a congested road, or turn the other way, a mirror check is the first step.
Adjusting the mirrors makes driving more effortless and helps you elude catastrophic mistakes. You should set the side mirrors wide enough that it barely shows the side of your car, while the inside mirror should be in a way that captures the entire back window. Instructors heavily push the point to set all mirrors adequately for safe driving practice.
Conclusion
There is no need to panic if any of these mistakes remind you of your driving behavior. There is no better time than now to hone your driving skills and improve your habits! As a new driver, you have a long way to go and a lot to learn. Working and polishing your maneuvering skills will help you prevent making common mistakes.
No one is a flawless driver; it does not mean you cannot become one. Want to learn effective tricks to avoid fines and ticket charges due to a driving mistake? We can help you! At Onroad Driving School, we provide private lessons to level up your driving skills. Our Sydney Driving School is home to trained instructors who are there with you at every step to equip you with immaculate strategies. What are you waiting for, then? Book a driving lesson with Onroad Driving School today!
