Taking your driving test can be a nerve-wracking experience, and even skilled drivers can make mistakes under pressure. At Driven to Drive Driving School, we want to set you up for success by highlighting the most common driving test mistakes and how you can avoid them.
By being aware of these mistakes and practicing good driving habits, you’ll boost your confidence and increase your chances of passing your test on the first attempt.
1. Letting Nerves Take Over
The Mistake:
Many learners feel anxious during their driving test, which can lead to shaky control, hesitation, or forgetting key skills.
How to Avoid It:
🧘♂️ Practice relaxation techniques – Deep breathing, positive visualization, and thinking of your test as just another drive with your instructor can help calm your nerves.
💡 Remind yourself that small mistakes don’t mean failure – Stay focused and keep driving to the best of your ability.
2. Not Checking Mirrors Regularly
The Mistake:
Failing to check your mirrors frequently enough can make you unaware of surrounding vehicles, leading to unsafe lane changes or sudden braking.
How to Avoid It:
👀 Check your mirrors every time before:
✔ Setting off
✔ Changing lanes or road position
✔ Approaching hazards
✔ Slowing down or stopping
🚗 Make mirror-checking a habit to ensure constant awareness of your surroundings.
3. Forgetting to Use Turn Signals
The Mistake:
Neglecting to indicate or signaling too late can confuse other road users and lead to unsafe driving situations.
How to Avoid It:
⚠ Signal early and clearly before every turn or lane change.
🚦 Indicate at least 3 seconds before maneuvering to give other drivers time to react.
4. Making Rolling Stops
The Mistake:
Some learners slow down at stop signs or red lights but fail to come to a complete stop, which is an automatic fail.
How to Avoid It:
🛑 Always stop completely behind the line and count “one, two, three” before moving off.
🚘 Check for traffic and pedestrians before proceeding safely.
5. Driving Too Slowly
The Mistake:
Driving significantly below the speed limit can be just as dangerous as speeding. It may cause frustration among other drivers and disrupt traffic flow.
How to Avoid It:
⚖ Maintain a steady speed close to the limit unless road conditions require you to slow down.
🛣 Keep up with traffic, provided other drivers are obeying the law.
6. Driving Too Fast (or Too Fast for Conditions)
The Mistake:
Exceeding the speed limit or failing to adjust your speed in rain, fog, or traffic can be dangerous.
How to Avoid It:
📏 Stick to posted speed limits and be aware of school zones and work zones.
🌧 In bad weather, reduce speed and increase your following distance to stay safe.
7. Improper Lane Changes
The Mistake:
Failing to signal, check mirrors, or monitor blind spots before changing lanes.
How to Avoid It:
🔄 Follow the mirror-signal-blind spot check rule:
1️⃣ Check your mirrors
2️⃣ Signal your intention
3️⃣ Perform a head check for blind spots
4️⃣ Change lanes smoothly while maintaining speed
8. Lack of Steering Control
The Mistake:
Oversteering, understeering, or driving with one hand can result in poor vehicle control.
How to Avoid It:
👐 Keep both hands on the wheel in the 9-and-3 position.
🔄 Use hand-over-hand steering for smooth turns and maintain good control.
9. Braking Too Hard
The Mistake:
Slamming the brakes in normal situations makes for uncomfortable driving and can be dangerous.
How to Avoid It:
🛑 Apply gradual pressure to the brakes and slow down smoothly.
⚠ Maintain a safe following distance to avoid sudden braking.
10. Following Too Closely (Tailgating)
The Mistake:
Driving too close to the vehicle ahead leaves you with little time to react if they stop suddenly.
How to Avoid It:
🚗 Keep a 3- to 5-second following distance from the car in front.
🌧 In wet or icy conditions, increase your following distance for extra safety.
11. Distracted Driving
The Mistake:
Checking your phone, adjusting the radio, or losing focus during the test can result in immediate failure.
How to Avoid It:
📵 Turn off your phone and avoid unnecessary distractions.
👀 Stay fully focused on the road and listen carefully to your examiner’s instructions.
Final Thoughts: Drive Smart, Pass Confidently!
Making mistakes during your driving test is natural, but knowing what to watch out for and practicing the right habits can help you pass with flying colours!
At Driven to Drive Driving School, we ensure our students are well-prepared and confident before taking their test. With regular lessons, expert guidance, and mock tests, you’ll be ready to impress your examiner and earn your licence.
🚗 Ready to book your driving lessons?
Contact Driven To Drive!
Taking professional driving lessons is the first step towards becoming a confident and responsible driver. At Driven to Drive, we offer expert guidance tailored to your requirements, helping you master the skills to navigate the road safely and confidently. Don’t wait — take control of your driving journey moment!
Contact Driven to Drive to book your lessons and experience the difference professional instruction can make. Let us help you drive toward success!
FAQs
1. How many driving lessons do I need to pass the test?
The number of lessons needed varies depending on your experience, confidence, and ability to learn. On average, most learners need between 20- 30 hours of lessons.
2. Can I learn to drive without taking professional lessons?
While it’s possible, professional lessons provide structured training and expert guidance that are difficult to replicate when learning informally.
3. Are driving lessons worth the cost?
Yes, driving lessons are a valuable investment in your safety and skills, frequently helping you save money by avoiding accidents and passing your test sooner.
4. Can driving lessons help experienced drivers?
Absolutely! Refresher courses are available for educated motorists to ameliorate specific chops or regain confidence after a long break.
5. What’s the best age to start driving lessons?
The stylish age depends on your country’s legal driving age. Utmost learners begin as soon as they meet the minimal age demand, generally 16 or 17.
