Maybe you’ve already noticed inconsiderate driving behavior—speeding, not stopping fully at stop signs, and tailgating are all examples of it.
Sadly, even the most experienced drivers are guilty of them. But these behaviors will do you no good on your driving test.
Practicing safe driving techniques now will help train you against these dangerous habits—and
prepare you to pass your driving test on your first try.
1. Ignoring Right-of-Way Laws
Adhering to right-of-way laws is crucial to your success during your driving test. Your administrator will likely ask you to change lanes, make a few turns, and merge into traffic.
Demonstrating these maneuvers with ease, confidence, and control will convey to the administrator that you’re aware of, and understand, the rules of the road.
2. Forgetting to Use Your Mirrors
Any time you need to change lanes, even if there’s no one else on the road, you should always check your mirrors before making the move. Your administrator will be keeping a close eye on this task, as well as what your driving posture is like.
Practice checking your mirrors when you enter your vehicle, as well as during your drive. This is a huge part of your driving test.
3. Not Using Your Signal
According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, almost 50% of drivers in the U.S. neglect to use their turn signal to indicate they’re turning. And what’s even worse: It also says that about 2 million car accidents can be attributed to lack of turn signal use every year. Like clockwork, using your turn signal should be something you automatically do when needing to change lanes or merge.
Though you’ll likely see other cars maneuver around without using their turn signals, your test administrator will not be happy with that. Using your turn signals will not only help you get your license, but it’ll also help keep you safe.
4. Not Taking Your Time
Unsafe driving habits are often the result of motorists rushing to get where they’re going. Driving over the speed limit is a good example of this. While going five miles over may seem innocent enough, your driving test administrator will consider it unacceptable.
Your administrator will watch to make sure you come to a full stop at stop signs and red lights. You may see other drivers make rolling stops, but don’t copy them. If you do it while you’re practicing, you’ll likely to do it on your driving test.
Instead, leave early or build extra time into your driving schedule so that there’s no rush when you’re driving. Speeding, trying to beat yellow lights and other unsafe behaviors may save you a bit of time every so often, but they’re not worth it in the long run.
Since you’re just starting out, you’ll likely want to stick to quieter roadways, like neighborhood streets. This will truly help you practice as you’ll need to be mindful of pedestrians, changing speed limits, and school zones. Practicing thoroughly now will ensure your behind-the-wheel driving test will go smoothly the first time around.
5. Being Overconfident
Distracted driving may be the leading cause of accidents involving teen drivers. But do you know what could be the underlying reason for this behavior? Overconfidence.
Even experienced drivers who are very high in confidence can lack caution. They think that they can get away with anything because they already know every driving rule. They trust that their excellent driving skills merit them to take on-road challenges that are beyond their capabilities. But guess what? This attitude will only lead them to be more likely to commit errors.
And here you are, a newbie just trying to pass your driving test. Even experienced drivers get into accidents, so what makes you better than them?
Overconfidence kills. Don’t think that you will be able to ace the test just because you spent extra hours driving with your mom or dad. Practice makes perfect, but driving requires a strong sense of responsibility. You should always leave a little room for possible mistakes so that you’ll be encouraged to do your best at all times.
There’s No Rush in Becoming a Safe Driver
Passing your driving test the first time is not an impossible task.
Be careful about these 5 habits that you need to avoid, but remember that it takes more than following these tips to make it.
Still, don’t forget that failing the driving test is not the end for you. Don’t put too much pressure upon yourself. Failing is not a bad thing, too. It just means you’ll get extra time to practice driving.
Getting your driver’s license is not a contest but preparation for becoming a safe driver. At the end of the day, you just have to be sure that you’re ready to hit the road once you pass the test.
