Getting a driving license is a life-changing step that can open up the world and give you a new sense of independence, but it can also be difficult to get used to driving and there are many common mistakes that you should try to avoid – particularly as a new driver on the roads as you do not want to develop bad habits. Keep reading to discover a few of the main mistakes to avoid as a new driver.
Too Many Passengers
A common mistake that a new driver makes is having too many passengers in the car. Having a car full of people can be stressful for a new driver and lead to distracted driving, which is incredibly dangerous, particularly for a new motorist. Instead, try to limit the number of people that you take in the car and only drive with those that you feel comfortable with.
Speeding
Speeding is an unnecessary risk that endangers you and other road users, so you need to develop a positive habit by always being aware of and sticking to the speed limit.
Not Keeping Enough Distance
Not keeping enough distance between your car and the car in front will frustrate other motorists and also create unnecessary danger. It is important to know the stopping distances for different conditions and always provide enough distance (but not too much). The general rule of thumb is to remain at least 2 seconds from the vehicle in front.
Not Taking Out Temporary Insurance
When learning to drive, you need to make sure that you have insurance in place anytime that you are behind the wheel. You can take out learner driver insurance that will provide protection and give you peace of mind while learning to drive.
Not Adjusting the Seat
If you share your car with someone else, it is likely that you have different preferred seat positions. You should always drive in the position that makes you the most comfortable, so you should adjust the seat to how you feel comfortable and confident each time.
Not Looking Ahead
It is easy to focus entirely on what is directly in front of you while driving. While you certainly need to pay close attention, you also need to look ahead so that you can see what is coming up and be prepared.
Low Tyre Pressure
Many new motorists struggle with basic maintenance when getting started, especially topping up tyre pressure. You should get into the habit of testing the pressure on a regular basis and know how to top the tyres up to the recommended pressure. This will improve efficiency, safety, performance and longevity.
These are a few of the main mistakes that you want to avoid as a new driver so that you can become a competent, confident and safe motorist.
Aftab Hussain is a versatile journalist who covers a wide range of news topics with depth and precision. His commitment to delivering unbiased reporting ensures that readers stay well-informed about the most significant events and stories shaping India and the world.