Top 5 Mistakes New Drivers Make and How to Avoid Them

Learning to drive is one of the most exciting milestones in a young person’s life. It symbolizes freedom, independence, and the beginning of a new chapter. But with that freedom comes responsibility — and let’s be honest, the early days behind the wheel can be a little overwhelming.

At Actron Driving Academy, we work with hundreds of new drivers every year. We’ve seen first hand how a bit of guidance can make all the difference between nervous, mistake-prone driving and confident, safe habits that last a lifetime.

Whether you're just getting your learner’s permit or recently passed your road test, this post will help you avoid five of the most common mistakes new drivers make — and show you exactly how to handle them like a pro.

1. Driving Too Fast… or Too Slow

New drivers often struggle with maintaining the right speed. Some are anxious and end up driving significantly below the speed limit, which can frustrate other drivers and even cause accidents. Others, feeling excited or trying to "keep up with traffic," unintentionally drive faster than they should.

Why it matters: Driving at inappropriate speeds — whether too fast or too slow — puts you and others at risk. Speeding reduces your reaction time, while driving too slowly can disrupt the flow of traffic and increase the chance of a rear-end collision.

How to avoid it:

• Always follow posted speed limits. They’re not suggestions — they’re carefully calculated for each road’s conditions.

• Use your speedometer frequently, especially in school zones or residential neighborhoods.

• Practice driving at different speeds in a safe environment, such as a quiet suburban street or with an instructor during a driving lesson.

At Actron Driving Academy, our instructors teach you how to confidently “read the road” and maintain safe, appropriate speeds in all driving environments.

2. Forgetting to Check Blind Spots

Many new drivers rely solely on their mirrors. While mirrors are helpful, they don’t show everything — especially what's directly beside or slightly behind your vehicle. That’s where blind spots come in.

Why it matters: Failing to check blind spots is one of the leading causes of accidents, especially during lane changes and merges. You could easily miss a cyclist, a motorbike, or a fast-approaching car.

How to avoid it:

• Always check your mirrors first — then quickly glance over your shoulder to physically check your blind spot before changing lanes or merging.

• Make it a habit: every time you signal, make it a rule to check your blind spot.

• In your practice sessions, ask someone (like an instructor or parent) to quiz you on blind spot checks to build muscle memory.

At Actron, we emphasize blind spot checks in every in-car session because safety isn’t optional — it’s essential.

3. Getting Distracted While Driving

Distractions are everywhere: your phone buzzes, the music needs changing, a friend is chatting beside you, or you're trying to eat that snack on the go. For new drivers, these distractions can be overwhelming and dangerous.

Why it matters: Distracted driving is one of the top causes of accidents worldwide. When you're new to driving, your brain is already working hard to process road signs, mirrors, pedestrians, and traffic flow. Adding distractions to the mix significantly raises the risk of missing something critical.

How to avoid it:

• Put your phone away. Better yet, use “Do Not Disturb While Driving” mode.

• Set everything up before you drive — GPS, music, air conditioning.

• If you’re driving with passengers, especially other teens, kindly let them know that you need to focus. Real friends will understand.

• Avoid eating or drinking behind the wheel until you feel 100% comfortable driving.

At Actron Driving Academy, we help students build strong habits from day one. That includes practicing focus and minimizing distractions — because safe driving starts with smart choices.

4. Braking Too Late or Too Suddenly

Many new drivers struggle with smooth braking. They either brake too hard at the last second or misjudge the stopping distance and coast too slowly. While this is a normal part of learning, repeated sudden stops can be dangerous.

Why it matters: Abrupt braking can lead to rear-end collisions and makes your driving unpredictable to those around you. It also wears down your brakes faster, which can be costly in the long run.

How to avoid it:

• Learn to read traffic patterns ahead of you. If you see brake lights or congestion up ahead, begin slowing down early.

• Keep a safe following distance (ideally a 3-second gap between you and the car in front of you).

• Practice smooth braking in a quiet area where you can focus on feel and timing. Try slowing down gradually at different speeds until you get a feel for how your car responds.

We coach our students at Actron to develop "situational awareness" — meaning they anticipate what’s coming and respond proactively, not reactively.

5. Panicking in Unfamiliar or Stressful Situations

Unexpected situations — like getting honked at, missing a turn, or facing heavy traffic — can cause anxiety for new drivers. The natural instinct may be to panic, stop suddenly, or make an impulsive move, which often creates more risk.

Why it matters: Panicking often leads to unsafe decisions. Inexperienced drivers may swerve, freeze in intersections, or make sharp turns without signaling — all of which can result in accidents.

How to avoid it:

• Take a deep breath. Stay calm and remind yourself that even experienced drivers make mistakes.

• Keep going safely. Missed a turn? Let your GPS reroute or pull over safely to figure things out — don’t try to correct the mistake in a rush.

• Gradually increase your experience. Start with familiar neighborhoods, then work your way up to highways, roundabouts, or night driving.

At Actron Driving Academy, we support students through real-life driving scenarios. Our instructors create a low-stress environment where students build resilience and confidence at their own pace.

Final Thoughts on Mistakes New Drivers Make: Mistakes Are Normal — Learning Is the Goal

Every experienced driver once made these same mistakes. The key is to recognize them early and actively work on improving your habits. With the right instruction and plenty of practice, you’ll become not just a good driver — but a great one.

At Actron Driving Academy, we believe that learning to drive should be a supportive, empowering experience. Our instructors are here to help you understand the rules of the road, develop safe habits, and become a confident, capable driver — one lesson at a time.

Want to learn more about our lessons or book your first session? contact us today!