Biggest Mistakes A Learner Can Make
- erinbates404
- May 22
- 2 min read
Here I'll walk you through some 'mistakes' that can be made when learning how to drive, and how to avoid them.
Developing Bad Habits:
This is a big one. Family and friends might not be aware of the latest driving techniques or rules, and they could unintentionally pass on bad habits that are hard to break later on. Things like improper hand positioning, not checking blind spots thoroughly, or coasting in neutral.
Top Tip - This is why we recommend both you, and your coaching buddy, read the highway code before you start, so you know the proper, up to date rules of the road.
Lack of Structured Learning:
Some people respond best to very structured learning. Without that, you may miss important topics or not learn things you need to know.
In order to avoid this, we have included multiple posts in our 'steps to passing' section so you can get to practicing the different types of roads that could appear on your test route. And don't worry about not covering information you need for your test, we've got you covered!
Inconsistent Instruction:
Different family members or friends might give you conflicting advice, which can be confusing and frustrating. It's important to have a consistent approach and stick to it.
Top Tip - This is why it's important to have a dedicated person to coach you so you're getting consistent advice from the same person! Feel free to read up on our coaching advice.
Not Practicing Enough in Diverse Conditions:
It's easy to get comfortable driving in familiar areas and in good weather. But you need to practice in different conditions, like rain, at night, and on different types of roads (dual carriageways etc.) to become a well-rounded driver. Check out our information on a particularly tricky type of road!
Ignoring the Rules of the Road:
It's easy to become complacent and forget about the rules of the road when you're just driving around with family or friends. But it's important to stay focused and follow all traffic laws at all times!
Not Getting Enough Feedback:
It's important to get regular feedback on your driving skills and help you identify areas where you need to improve. Without that, you might not be aware of your weaknesses and could develop bad habits.
Top Tip - After tackling something or at the end of a lessons, try reflecting on how the driving went and identify areas you want to work on next time.
Skipping the Theory:
Some people focus so much on the practical driving that they neglect the theory. It's important to study the driver's manual and understand the rules of the road before you get behind the wheel. Here's our information on the theory test!
Any questions? Let us know!

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