Learning to drive is an exciting journey, but it’s also a complex skill that takes practice to master. Every new driver, without exception, makes a few common errors along the way. The good news? By knowing what these mistakes are, you can actively avoid them and build safe, confident driving habits from day one.
At Breeze Driving School, we’ve trained thousands of new drivers. We see the same patterns emerge, and our goal is to turn these common stumbles into stepping stones for success. Here are the top 5 mistakes every new driver makes and our proven strategies to avoid them.
1. The “Stop-and-Go” Brake Ride
The Mistake: Jammed, last-minute braking that throws passengers forward and wears down your brakes. This often happens because new drivers are focused on the car directly in front of them, rather than scanning the road ahead.
How to Avoid It: Practice “progressive braking.” This means applying steady, increasing pressure to the brake pedal to slow down smoothly, and then gently releasing it just before you come to a complete stop. Look 10-15 seconds down the road to anticipate red lights, slowing traffic, or pedestrians. This gives you plenty of time to slow down gradually, making the ride safer and more comfortable for everyone.
2. Riding the Clutch (Or Riding the Brake)
The Mistake: For manual drivers, keeping slight pressure on the clutch pedal while driving. For automatic drivers, driving with their left foot hovering over the brake. Both habits cause premature wear and tear on critical components and reduce your control.
How to Avoid It: Develop the simple habit of “heels on the floor.” When you are not actively changing gears (manual) or braking, your left foot should rest on the dead pedal (the spot to the left of the clutch) and your right foot should pivot between the gas and brake. This prevents accidental pressure and builds a solid, stable driving position.
3. Forgetting the “Over-the-Shoulder” Life Saver
The Mistake: Relying solely on mirrors before changing lanes or merging. Mirrors have blind spots—areas you cannot see that can easily hide another car, cyclist, or motorcycle.
How to Avoid It: Make the Blind Spot Check (BSC) a non-negotiable part of your routine. Every single time you change direction, check your mirrors and do a quick, over-the-shoulder glance into the blind spot of the direction you’re moving. This simple, one-second check is the ultimate defense against sideswipe collisions.
4. The “White-Knuckle” Grip on the Wheel
The Mistake: Gripping the steering wheel at “10 and 2” with locked elbows and white knuckles. This tense posture is exhausting and can lead to overcorrecting, especially if you hit a pothole or bump.
How to Avoid It: Adopt the modern, relaxed “9 and 3” hand position. Imagine the steering wheel as a clock and place your hands at 9 and 3. This gives you optimal control while allowing your shoulders and arms to stay relaxed. Your grip should be firm but not tight—think of holding a baby bird, not crushing a can.
5. Hesitating at Intersections and Merges
The Mistake: Slowing down to a crawl or stopping completely when you need to merge into flowing traffic or make a left turn across oncoming traffic. While caution is good, excessive hesitation is unpredictable and dangerous.
How to Avoid It: Be predictable, not just polite. When merging, the goal is to match the speed of traffic and find a safe gap. When turning, commit to your decision when you have a clear, safe opening. Confidence comes from practice in low-traffic areas, gradually building up to busier roads.
Stop Making Mistakes. Start Driving Confidently.
Knowing these mistakes is the first step. Actively correcting them with the guidance of a professional instructor is what builds true, lifelong driving confidence. You don’t have to learn through trial and error.
At Breeze Driving School, our certified instructors are experts at identifying these common habits and providing patient, clear coaching to fix them. We create a supportive environment where you can practice perfectly, building the right skills from the very beginning.
Ready to develop safe, smooth, and confident driving habits?
For a limited time, we’re offering a FREE 30-Minute Defensive Driving Assessment. In this session, you will:
- Get a professional evaluation of your current driving skills.
- Receive personalized tips to correct any of the mistakes listed above.
- Experience the Breeze difference with a certified, friendly instructor.
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Don’t let common mistakes hold you back. Book your spot and start your journey to becoming a masterful driver today