TL;DR:
- New drivers often face challenges like speeding, distracted driving, and poor lane discipline.
- Most driving mistakes are due to inexperience and can be fixed with awareness and training.
- Enrolling in a structured program like Get Drivers Ed builds skills and confidence.
- Practice, patience, and proper education are the keys to safe driving.
Getting behind the wheel for the first time is a big milestone — but it can also be overwhelming. Whether you're a teen or an adult, starting your driving journey means learning fast, thinking on your feet, and avoiding common rookie errors.
To help you out, we’ve broken down 10 of the most common mistakes new drivers make—and how to avoid them. With some practice, smart habits, and support from a program like Get Drivers Ed, you’ll be road-ready in no time.
1. Distracted Driving
Why It’s Common
It’s tempting to glance at your phone or change your playlist, especially when driving feels repetitive.
How to Avoid It
- Use Do Not Disturb mode on your phone.
- Set your music and GPS before driving.
- Focus entirely on the road, especially in traffic or near schools.
Distractions can cost lives. According to the CDC 🔗, thousands are injured each year due to distracted driving.
2. Not Using Mirrors Effectively
Why It’s Common
Reliance on mirrors can make you forget about blind spots.
How to Avoid It
- Use the “mirror, signal, shoulder” routine before any lane change.
- Physically turn your head to check blind spots.
- Get comfortable with this during your first weeks on the road.
This habit can prevent serious accidents, especially on highways. Learn more from IIHS’s blind spot safety guide 🔗.
3. Speeding or Driving Too Slowly
Why It’s Common
New drivers often struggle with speed control, especially on open roads.
How to Avoid It
- Regularly check your speedometer.
- Follow posted limits, even if others around you are speeding.
- Take a defensive driving course to learn how speed impacts control and reaction time.
4. Rolling Stops
Why It’s Common
New drivers sometimes misjudge what a “full stop” really means.
How to Avoid It
- Always stop completely, even when no one is around.
- Count to three before proceeding.
- Practice this technique in your Texas lesson modules.
5. Improper Lane Changes
Why It’s Common
Some drivers switch lanes without signaling or checking surroundings.
How to Avoid It
- Use your blinker every time.
- Check mirrors and blind spots.
- Change lanes slowly and confidently.
The NHTSA 🔗 recommends signaling at least 100 feet before changing lanes or turning.
6. Tailgating
Why It’s Common
It’s easy to underestimate stopping distance when you’re new to driving.
How to Avoid It
- Follow the 3-second rule: Choose a fixed point ahead and count the seconds between when the car ahead passes it and when you do.
- Increase distance in bad weather..
7. Ignoring Weather Conditions
What It Looks Like
Driving like it’s sunny when it’s raining or foggy.
How to Avoid It
- Slow down and increase following distance.
- Use low beams in fog and wipers in the rain.
- Avoid cruise control on wet roads.
Learn more about driving in tough conditions from this helpful weather safety guide 🔗.
8. Misunderstanding Road Signs
What It Looks Like
Missing a yield sign, misunderstanding a school zone, or not recognizing no-parking zones.
How to Avoid It
- Spend time reviewing sign shapes, colors, and meanings in your drivers ed course.
- Take practice quizzes through Get Drivers Ed to build confidence.
9. Overconfidence or Excessive Caution
Why It’s Common
Once driving starts to feel easy, new drivers might let their guard down.
How to Avoid It
- Remind yourself that experience comes with time.
- Don’t skip practice sessions or educational refreshers.
- Revisit advanced modules or take a refresher course if you’re feeling too confident
10. Not Practicing Enough
What It Looks Like
Passing the written test, then jumping into real-world driving without enough behind-the-wheel time.
How to Avoid It
- Log at least 30-50 hours of varied driving practice.
- Include nighttime, freeway, and city driving.
- Supplement your practice with a trusted online course like Get Drivers Ed.
Check this Teen Driving Guide 🔗 from the IIHS for stats and resources on teen driving safety.
Conclusion: Stay Ahead by Learning from Others’ Mistakes
Mistakes are part of learning — but some can be costly. By knowing what to watch for and taking a proactive approach, you can build safer habits from the beginning. Whether it's using mirrors correctly, avoiding distractions, or respecting speed limits, small changes make a big impact.
That’s where Get Drivers Ed comes in. Our comprehensive online driving course is designed to help you avoid these common pitfalls, pass your driving test, and become a confident driver for life.
Start your driving journey the smart way. Enroll in Get Drivers Ed today and steer ahead with confidence.
