Common Mistakes Learner Drivers and Newly Qualified Drivers Can Make

Everyone makes mistakes when they are learning to drive, and many experienced drivers still repeat them. The important thing is to spot them early, understand why they matter and fix them with practice. It is also useful to know which mistakes are simply skills to improve and which can be a driving offence.

This guide covers the most common mistakes made by learner drivers and newly qualified drivers, with advice based on the Highway Code and official GOV.UK guidance.

Mistake or offence?

A mistake is a gap in skill or judgement that practice can fix. An offence is a breach of the law that can bring penalties. Sometimes the same moment can be both, so it helps to know the difference.

Observation at junctions and roundabouts

Poor observation is one of the most common problems. At junctions, the Highway Code (Rule 170) says to take extra care and watch for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians, who are not always easy to see. Typical mistakes include:

• Pulling out after a quick glance, without looking right and left again
• Not waiting for a safe gap, or judging it by the first vehicle only
• Failing to look into the road you are turning into for pedestrians
• At roundabouts, not watching other traffic. Rule 185 says to give priority to traffic from your right unless signs, markings or lights say otherwise, and to watch other road users, who may not be signalling correctly

If you are unsure, wait. At a ‘Stop’ sign you must stop behind the line (Rule 171), and at a ‘Give Way’ line you must give way to traffic on the main road (Rule 172).

Mirrors and blind spots

Mirrors do not show everything. The Highway Code (Rule 161) says all mirrors should be used effectively throughout your journey, that mirrors do not cover every area and that you need to look round to check blind spots. Remember Mirrors, Signal, Manoeuvre.

• Checking mirrors but forgetting the blind spot before moving off (Rule 159)
• Checking too late, so the information is out of date by the time you act
• Not checking the blind spot before changing lane or turning right
• Looking, but not reacting to what you see

Our guide to moving off and pulling up safely covers the full routine.

Speed and following distance

Learners often drive too fast for the conditions, or too slowly for the road. The speed limit is an absolute maximum and does not mean it is safe to drive at that speed in all conditions (Rule 125). Rule 126 says to drive at a speed that lets you stop well within the distance you can see to be clear, and to allow at least a two-second gap on high-speed roads, at least doubled on wet roads and up to ten times greater on icy roads.

Common mistakes are tailgating, not adjusting for rain or poor light, and braking late and harshly. See our guides to stopping distances and the rules for driving at night.

Positioning and lane discipline

Position affects your view and other road users’ safety. The Code says to keep to the left unless signs or markings indicate otherwise, keep well to the left on right-hand bends and use both hands on the wheel where possible (Rule 160). Common mistakes include:

• Drifting towards the kerb or the centre line
• Taking the wrong lane at a roundabout or junction
• Changing lane without checking, or unnecessarily in congested traffic
• Staying in the right-hand lane on a two-lane dual carriageway after overtaking (Rule 137)

Before changing lane, use your mirrors, take a quick sideways glance if necessary, signal and move when clear (Rule 133).

Signalling

Signals should be clear and in plenty of time, but not misleading (Rule 103). The most common mistakes are:

• Signalling too late, or only as you start the manoeuvre
• Signalling too early, such as before a side road you are not turning into
• Forgetting to cancel the indicator
• Assuming other drivers’ signals are correct. Rule 104 reminds you that an indicator on another vehicle may not have been cancelled

Hesitation and planning

Hesitation is natural when you are new, but too much of it can create danger, for example stopping unnecessarily at a clear junction or missing a safe gap. The cure is usually planning: look well ahead, read the road, choose your speed and position early and decide before you reach the hazard. Confidence grows with repetition, and our page on support for nervous drivers may help if nerves are the main issue.

Misjudging other road users

• Cyclists and motorcyclists: they are easy to miss in mirrors and at junctions. The Code says to remain behind them where needed and give them room (Rule 170).
• Pedestrians: if they have started to cross a road you are turning into, they have priority, so give way (Rule 170).
• Long vehicles at roundabouts: they may need to straddle lanes (Rule 187).
• Other drivers’ speed: do not rely on them seeing you or signalling correctly. Leave yourself time and space.

Parking and manoeuvring

Parking mistakes are common during lessons and on the test. They include poor observation, going too fast, lacking a reference point and stopping too far from the kerb. When you stop at the roadside, the Highway Code (Rule 239) says do not park facing against the traffic flow, stop as close to the side as you can, and make sure you do not hit anyone when you open your door.

Also be aware of where you must not stop or park, including near a school entrance, at or near a bus stop, and opposite or within 10 metres of a junction, except in an authorised parking space (Rule 243). Ask your instructor to practise manoeuvres slowly until your reference points and observation become a habit.

Mistakes on the driving test

The driving test lasts around 35 minutes and includes an eyesight check, ‘show me, tell me’ questions, general driving including independent driving, and a reversing exercise. GOV.UK says to take it only when you can do everything without instruction, and that there is no minimum number of lessons you must have had.

• Nerves on the day: rushing, forgetting routines or freezing. Plenty of practice routes help
• Panicking after a mistake: GOV.UK says you can carry on if you make a mistake, and it might not affect your result if it is not serious
• Weak vehicle checks: revise the show me, tell me questions

The examiner marks faults, and GOV.UK explains how they affect your result on its driving test faults and result page. For more advice, see our driving test tips.

Newly qualified drivers on their own

Passing is a starting point. Once you drive alone, mistakes can show up in new ways:

• Overconfidence: speeding up, following too closely or taking more risks
• Distractions: passengers, music and phones, with nobody to remind you
• New situations: motorways, night driving, bad weather and busy city roads. Learners can only use motorways with an approved driving instructor in a dual-control car, so many new drivers have little experience
• Penalty points: GOV.UK says your licence is cancelled if you get 6 or more penalty points within 2 years of passing your test, and you would need to apply for a new provisional licence and pass both tests again (new drivers rules)

Consider Pass Plus, a practical course of at least 6 hours that GOV.UK says is most useful to new drivers in the year after passing. You need a Pass Plus registered ADI to teach you. See our Pass Plus page and refresher lessons if you want more practice.

Phones, seat belts and legal duties

The phone law still applies if you are stopped at traffic lights, queuing in traffic or supervising a learner. You can use a device hands-free if you do not hold it and it does not block your view (GOV.UK). Rule 150 of the Highway Code also says not to rely on driver assistance systems, as you remain responsible for the vehicle.

How to improve

• Ask for feedback after each lesson and note the mistakes that repeat
• Practise one skill at a time, such as junction observation or lane changes
• Use varied roads and conditions, including busier roads and different times of day
• Read the Highway Code and test yourself with practice questions
• Take your time. Do not book a test until you can drive without instruction
• Stay calm after errors. Notice, correct and move on safely

Learning in an automatic car means no clutch or gears, which removes errors such as stalling and leaves more attention for observation and planning. See why choose automatic driving lessons, and the pricing page for lesson costs.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common mistake learner drivers make?

Poor observation, particularly at junctions and roundabouts, is among the most common. Slow, thorough checks and good planning help.

Is making a mistake on the driving test an automatic fail?

Not necessarily. GOV.UK says you can carry on after a mistake and that it might not affect your result if it is not serious. See its faults and result page for details.

Can I use my phone at traffic lights?

Not if you hold it. GOV.UK says the law still applies when you are stopped at lights or queuing in traffic.

What happens if a new driver gets points?

Your licence is cancelled if you reach 6 or more points within 2 years of passing your test.

Do new drivers need more lessons after passing?

There is no requirement, but options such as Pass Plus and refresher lessons can help build experience.

Are automatic cars easier?

They remove clutch and gear changes, which many learners find helpful. You still need the same observation, planning and judgement.

Quick checklist

• Look properly at every junction and roundabout, then look again
• Use mirrors early and check blind spots before moving or changing lane
• Match your speed to conditions and keep a safe gap
• Signal clearly, in good time, and cancel it
• Plan ahead so you are decisive, not hesitant
• Never hold a phone, and always wear a seat belt
• Keep learning after you pass