Learning to drive isn’t just about turning the key and steering straight. It’s also about forming good habits and avoiding bad ones, especially early on.
Feeling unsure behind the wheel? Not confident about your parking skills? Or maybe you’re searching for auto driving lessons near me and wondering what not to do? These concerns are common, but very fixable.
The good news is that many slip-ups learners make can be avoided with the right approach. From skipping questions to brushing off feedback, small mistakes can add up if left unaddressed.
So, before they become bad habits, let’s walk through the seven errors new drivers often make during lessons—and how to stay clear of them.
1. Skipping the Setup
A proper setup at the start of every drive matters more than most think. Your seat, mirrors, and steering position all affect how well you drive.
Small steps to follow each time:
- Adjust seat height and distance
- Check mirrors (rear-view and side)
- Buckle up
- Place your hands correctly on the steering wheel
Starting right makes everything easier afterwards.
2. Thinking Too Hard While Driving
If you hesitate too much, it can lead to confusion or unsafe stops. Some new drivers overthink simple actions, like merging or turning, and it slows down their learning.
Quick solution:
Break each task into smaller steps. Listen carefully to your instructor, and don’t hesitate to ask for instructions again. Over time, those small tasks start to feel natural.
3. Relying Only on Your Lessons
You’ll make real progress by practising between sessions. Limiting yourself to lesson time only can slow your confidence and skill-building.
Try this instead:
- Get extra supervised practice when possible
- Drive around quiet neighbourhoods or empty carparks
- Try out different weather or road conditions
After all, simply searching for auto driving lessons near me is just the beginning—what you do outside the lessons counts, too.
4. Keeping Quiet About Confusion
If something doesn’t make sense during the drive, speak up. Staying quiet can lead to repeated mistakes or frustration later.
What helps:
Treat your instructor like a coach. If you’re unsure about a rule or technique, ask. The sooner you understand it, the smoother your next lesson will be.
5. Rushing Into High Speeds
New drivers sometimes want to prove they can handle fast driving. But pushing your speed early on can work against you.
Instead:
Focus on control first. Perfect smooth stops, gentle turns, and lane changes. Once you’ve nailed those, you’ll be more ready—and safer—when it’s time to drive faster.
6. Ignoring Instructor Feedback
The lesson doesn’t end when the car stops. Your instructor often offers feedback—don’t brush it off or tune it out.
Make the most of it:
- Jot down key points after each lesson
- Ask follow-up questions if anything is unclear
- Use those notes to guide your practice
The learning continues outside the car. Staying engaged helps you grow faster.
7. Avoiding Harder Skills
Most learners have at least one area they avoid, like reverse parking or hill starts. But ignoring tough spots doesn’t help.
Better approach:
Target your weak points. Let your instructor know what feels difficult and ask for more time on it. It’ll pay off—especially on test day.
Final Thoughts
Learning to drive isn’t just about clocking hours—it’s about building smart habits and learning from your mistakes. If you’re actively looking for auto driving lessons near me, don’t just show up—make the most of every minute behind the wheel.
Be curious, take notes, practise beyond your lessons, and don’t fear the tricky parts. These early days matter more than you think. Avoiding these seven mistakes will set you up for success, not just for your test, but for years of safe and confident driving.
