10 Common Mistakes New Drivers Make and How to Avoid Them

New drivers often make avoidable mistakes due to inexperience and nerves.


Common issues include distracted driving, speeding, and poor lane discipline.


Enrolling in a trusted drivers ed program like Get Drivers Ed builds safety, confidence, and skills.


Learn strategies to avoid these mistakes and become a responsible, confident driver.


Introduction

Getting behind the wheel for the first time is exciting—but also a bit nerve-wracking. Whether you're a teen starting your driving journey or an adult finally earning your license, it's normal to make a few errors along the way. But what if you could avoid the most common ones from the start?

That’s exactly what we’re covering here. We’ll walk through the top 10 mistakes new drivers make—and more importantly, how to avoid them. By learning these early on (especially through a trusted course like Get Drivers Ed), you’ll build better habits and stay safe on the road.

1. Distracted Driving

The Mistake

One of the biggest and most dangerous habits new drivers fall into is distracted driving—especially using a smartphone while driving.

How to Avoid It

Turn off notifications before starting your car.


Use Do Not Disturb mode or a hands-free system if necessary.


Keep your eyes on the road—always.


According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, taking your eyes off the road for even 5 seconds at 55 mph equals driving the length of a football field blind. Stay focused and minimize distractions at all times.

2. Speeding

The Mistake

Many new drivers don’t realize how easy it is to speed without noticing, especially in areas with changing speed limits.

How to Avoid It

Regularly check your speedometer.


Use cruise control when appropriate.


Follow posted speed limits and practice defensive driving, which you’ll learn in-depth with Get Drivers Ed.


3. Tailgating

The Mistake

Following too closely reduces your reaction time and increases the chance of a rear-end collision.

How to Avoid It

Follow the “3-second rule”: Stay three seconds behind the car in front.


Increase this gap in bad weather or heavy traffic.


4. Poor Lane Discipline

The Mistake

Swerving, drifting, or failing to stay centered in a lane is a tell-tale sign of inexperience.

How to Avoid It

Keep hands at 9 and 3 o’clock on the wheel.


Use lane markings and your side mirrors for reference.


Practice regularly on quiet roads or in driving school modules with Get Drivers Ed.


5. Improper Use of Mirrors

The Mistake

New drivers often neglect to use mirrors properly—or at all.

How to Avoid It

Check mirrors every 5-8 seconds while driving.


Adjust mirrors before starting the car.


Use the mirror-signal-blind spot routine before changing lanes.


6. Not Understanding Road Signs

The Mistake

Many new drivers ignore or misread road signs, leading to confusion or unsafe driving.

How to Avoid It

Familiarize yourself with traffic signs and signals through a structured course like Get Drivers Ed.


Take practice quizzes online to reinforce knowledge.


Always obey warning, regulatory, and informational signs.


7. Rolling Stops

The Mistake

Not coming to a complete stop at stop signs or red lights before turning is both illegal and dangerous.

How to Avoid It

Always stop fully—wheels no longer moving.


Wait at least 3 seconds before proceeding, checking both directions.


8. Overconfidence or Fear

The Mistake

Some drivers become overconfident after a few drives, while others are overly anxious, leading to hesitation.

How to Avoid It

Practice consistently with varied driving conditions.


Use tools and tips from Get Drivers Ed to build confidence.


Stay calm, but alert.


9. Poor Weather Driving

The Mistake

Driving the same way in rain, fog, or snow as you would in ideal conditions is risky.

How to Avoid It

Slow down and increase following distance.


Use low beams in fog and wipers in rain.


Avoid cruise control in slippery conditions.


You can also find helpful weather-specific driving tips from reputable safety organizations.

10. Not Practicing Enough

The Mistake

Driving is a skill—and skills fade without practice. New drivers sometimes feel ready after only a few hours.

How to Avoid It

Log at least 30-50 hours of driving before taking your test.


Include night driving, highway driving, and city navigation.


Supplement your learning with an online drivers ed course like Get Drivers Ed, where structured lessons help reinforce good habits and prepare you for the road ahead.


Conclusion: Master the Road with Confidence

Everyone makes mistakes—especially when learning to drive. But the great news is, most of these common mistakes are totally avoidable with the right education, mindset, and practice.

Whether it’s checking your mirrors, managing your speed, or learning how to drive safely in bad weather, being aware of these pitfalls will make you a safer, smarter driver. That’s where Get Drivers Ed comes in—our comprehensive online drivers ed program is designed to give new drivers the knowledge and confidence to steer ahead safely.

Ready to start your journey the right way?

Enroll in Get Drivers Ed today and become the driver you’re meant to be—confident, prepared, and in control.