How to Avoid Common Mistakes New Drivers Make

Learning to drive is a major milestone. But even after you’ve passed your test, the real learning begins on the open road.

According to data from the DVSA, nearly 1 in 5 newly qualified drivers is involved in a crash within their first year of driving. That’s a troubling statistic and one that’s entirely avoidable with the right awareness and habits.

Whether you're a fresh faced driver or a parent keeping tabs on a teen's road habits, understanding the most common mistakes made by new drivers and how to avoid them could be lifesaving. Let’s get into it.

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1. Overconfidence Behind the Wheel

Passing your test doesn’t mean you’re an expert. Confidence is important, but overconfidence leads to risk taking.

A 2024 study by Brake, the road safety charity, found that 34% of new drivers admit to speeding within the first month of passing their test.

Avoid it:

Stick to the basics. Follow speed limits rigidly. Don’t feel pressured by other road users. You’ve got nothing to prove. Remember, experience comes with time, not with driving fast.

2. Poor Awareness of Road Conditions

Rain, fog, black ice, these aren’t theoretical hazards. They’re frequent and dangerous, especially in the UK. Many new drivers fail to adjust their speed and stopping distances accordingly.

Avoid it:

Always check the Met Office forecast before heading out. In poor weather, double your stopping distance at minimum, and use dipped headlights when visibility drops below 100 metres. Defensive driving saves lives.

3. Distractions in the Car

According to ROSPA (2023), mobile phone use is one of the leading causes of distracted driving among under 25s. But phones aren’t the only culprit; music, passengers, even eating at the wheel all count.

Avoid it:

Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” and out of reach. Keep music volume at a moderate level. If you’re carrying friends, stay focused and don't be afraid to ask them to quieten down if they’re distracting you. The car isn’t a party.

4. Tailgating and Following Too Closely

New drivers often misjudge safe following distances. The Highway Code recommends the two second rule in dry conditions, and more when it’s wet or icy. But this rule is frequently ignored, particularly in heavy traffic.

Avoid it:

Use visible markers (like a road sign or lamppost) to measure your distance. When the vehicle ahead passes that marker, count “one thousand and one, one thousand and two.” If you pass it before finishing, you’re too close.

5. Poor Mirror Use and Blind Spot Checks

One of the simplest but most neglected habits among new drivers is regular mirror checking. Many forget blind spots altogether, especially when changing lanes or merging.

Avoid it:

Stick to the MSM (Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre) routine religiously. Get into the habit of glancing at your mirrors every 8 to 10 seconds and always shoulder check before changing lanes, even in slow moving traffic.

6. Improper Roundabout and Junction Behaviour

Roundabouts and junctions are high pressure zones for new drivers. Many either hesitate excessively (leading to congestion and confusion) or enter unsafely without judging gaps properly.

Avoid it:

Practise roundabouts during quieter hours. Watch the wheels of approaching vehicles to gauge movement. Signal clearly and position yourself early. Don’t rush under pressure from vehicles behind you; safety first.

7. Parking Anxiety and Errors

Parallel parking and reversing into bays are still a major stumbling block for new drivers. While not usually life threatening, poor parking leads to accidents, scrapes, and fines.

Avoid it:

Take your time. Use your mirrors and reverse camera if available. Don’t be embarrassed to take multiple attempts. Practice in empty car parks outside business hours, it builds confidence without pressure.

8. Failing to Understand Basic Car Maintenance

Not every issue needs a mechanic. But many new drivers don’t even know how to check tyre pressure, oil level, or washer fluid, let alone what dashboard warning lights mean. Ignoring simple car maintenance can lead to costly repairs or breakdowns.

Avoid it:

Familiarise yourself with your vehicle handbook. Learn how to check your tyre tread (the 20p coin trick is easy and effective). Keep a basic toolkit and emergency kit in your boot. Remember: an MOT test is not a substitute for regular maintenance.

9. Misjudging Gaps and Overtaking Poorly

A major danger area, particularly on motorways and A roads, is misjudged overtaking. Inexperience can lead to near misses or worse. Overtaking without fully gauging the speed of oncoming traffic is a common mistake.

Avoid it:

If you’re unsure, don’t overtake. Stick to left lane driving unless passing. Overtake only when you can see a clear, safe distance ahead and there’s no doubt you’ll complete the move smoothly. Always signal early and return to the left once past.

10. Ignoring the Importance of Rest and Focus

Driving while tired is as dangerous as driving drunk. The Highway Code warns against driving more than 2 hours without a break, yet new drivers often push themselves, especially on long trips.

Avoid it:

Plan journeys in advance with breaks built in. If you’re tired, stop. A 15 minute nap or a strong coffee can make a difference. Never underestimate fatigue; it’s a silent killer on the roads.

Final Thoughts:

Being a new driver is an exciting chapter, but it also comes with serious responsibility. Most mistakes listed above stem from a lack of experience, not bad intentions. The key is to stay alert, humble, and committed to learning.

Your goal isn’t just to get from A to B. It’s to stay alive doing it, while keeping others safe too. Safe driving is smart driving.

Elliot Sharp

Vehicle Safety & Insights Analyst, Smart Driving Column