Passing your driving test is a milestone worth celebrating. Months of lessons, practising, and revising the Highway Code have finally paid off, and you’re now a fully-fledged driver. However, this is where the real challenge begins. Many new drivers make mistakes in the excitement of their first few months on the road, and these can lead to costly, dangerous, or even illegal situations. To help keep you safe and confident, we’ve compiled a list of the top mistakes to avoid and how to handle them.

Overconfidence Behind the Wheel

It’s natural to feel a rush of pride and independence once you’ve passed your test, but overconfidence can quickly lead to trouble. Without the watchful eye of an instructor, some drivers begin to relax too much and take unnecessary risks.

Common Signs of Overconfidence:

  • Speeding, especially in residential or unfamiliar areas.
  • Tailgating or failing to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
  • Attempting tricky manoeuvres, such as overtaking on narrow roads, without proper experience.

How to Stay Grounded:

Remember, passing your test doesn’t mean you’ve learnt everything about driving. The learning process continues as you face new situations on the road. Take things slowly, follow speed limits, and always maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. If something feels out of your comfort zone, it’s okay to wait or take extra care.

Neglecting Car Maintenance

Owning a car comes with responsibilities that go beyond simply knowing how to drive. Failure to maintain your vehicle can lead to breakdowns, accidents, or fines for driving an unsafe car.

Common Maintenance Mistakes:

  • Ignoring low tyre pressure or worn-out tyres.
  • Forgetting to check oil levels, coolant, or brake fluid.
  • Overlooking warning lights on the dashboard.

How to Avoid Them:

Set a monthly reminder to perform basic car checks. For tyres, ensure they are inflated to the correct pressure listed in your car’s manual and that the tread depth is at least 1.6mm. Use a 20p coin to check the depth; insert it into the tread, and if the outer band of the coin is visible, the tyres need replacing.
Familiarise yourself with all the warning lights on your dashboard and act immediately if one lights up. Issues like low oil or overheating can cause serious damage to your vehicle if left unresolved.

Ignoring Road Rules Once the Test is Over

Passing the test demonstrates that you know the rules of the road, but sticking to them once you’re an independent driver is crucial. A licence isn’t a free pass to cut corners or pick and choose which rules to follow.

Common Rule Breaks:

  • Failing to indicate when changing lanes or turning.
  • Rolling through stop signs or red lights in a rush.
  • Misjudging right of way at roundabouts or junctions.

How to Stay Law-Abiding:

Continue to update your knowledge of the Highway Code as rules can change. For example, the 2022 updates introduced new priorities for pedestrians and cyclists. Driving apps or online resources are excellent ways to stay informed. Always take your time at junctions and roundabouts to understand who has priority, and never rush decisions.

Underestimating Weather Conditions

British weather can be notoriously unpredictable, and new drivers often underestimate how rain, fog, or ice can affect their driving. Poor weather conditions require extra caution, especially during your first year on the road when you’re still gaining experience.

Weather-Related Mistakes:

  • Driving too fast on wet or icy surfaces.
  • Failing to use lights correctly in foggy conditions.
  • Not clearing ice or condensation from windows before setting off.

How to Adapt:

Adjust your driving style to match the weather. Reduce your speed and maintain a larger gap from the vehicle in front when driving in wet, icy, or foggy conditions. Ensure your car is prepared for winter by checking your wipers, lights, and tyre condition regularly. Always fully clear your windows before setting off, no matter how quickly you want to leave.

Allowing Distractions

Distractions while driving can dangerously split your attention. New drivers are especially prone to losing focus because they’re still getting accustomed to managing multiple tasks behind the wheel.

Typical Distractions:

  • Using your phone, even hands-free, to take calls or check messages.
  • Loud music that prevents you from hearing emergency vehicles.
  • Chatty passengers who take your attention away from the road.

How to Stay Focused:

Make it a rule to put your phone on silent or store it out of reach to eliminate temptation. If you need to adjust your route or respond to a call, pull over safely first. Politely remind passengers that you need to concentrate, particularly if they’re being overly lively.

Skipping Additional Training

Many drivers assume that once they’ve passed their test, they no longer need lessons. However, courses like Pass Plus can provide invaluable experience for handling more complex driving experiences.

Missed Opportunities for Improvement:

  • Avoiding motorway driving because you weren’t taught it during lessons.
  • Feeling unprepared for night driving or heavy traffic conditions.
  • Lacking confidence when driving in unfamiliar areas.

How to Continue Learning:

Consider enrolling in a Pass Plus course, which covers essentials like motorway driving, night driving, and handling rural roads. It’s a great way to build confidence, improve skills, and even reduce your insurance premiums. Don’t shy away from asking experienced drivers for advice or watching online tutorials to broaden your knowledge.

Not Managing Stress

Driving stress is a reality for most drivers, new or experienced. Being stuck in busy traffic, dealing with aggressive drivers, or handling mistakes can rattle your nerves.

Stress-Induced Mistakes:

  • Making impulsive decisions, such as changing lanes without checking mirrors.
  • Losing composure when confronted with critical situations, such as close calls.
  • Becoming flustered instead of focusing on solutions.

How to Stay Calm:

Learn to control your breathing if you start to feel overwhelmed. Practise mindfulness techniques before heading on journeys that may cause anxiety. Always plan your routes ahead of time and, if possible, travel at quieter times to avoid traffic.

Final Thoughts

The period after passing your driving test is exciting, but it also requires responsibility and continued learning. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll not only keep yourself safe but also build the habits needed for a lifetime of safe driving.

Stay vigilant, take pride in driving responsibly, and enjoy your new independence. Remember, every successful driver continues to learn long after the test is passed. Keep practising, keep improving, and always prioritise safety above all else. Safe travels!