Everyone makes mistakes, and it’s just part of being human. But if you’re new to driving, some mistakes can be incredibly costly—such as getting into an accident or speeding through a stop sign. If you are done taking your lessons from your driving school in Ajax, and you’ve got a new license but haven’t yet started to take the smart drive test, here are five common mistakes that new drivers should avoid and learn to drive smart.
Mistakes That New Drivers Must Know & Avoid!
Without stretching the conversation, let’s get straight into the five mistakes.
Hurrying through the process
Take your time and learn the basics. Many drivers don’t take their time to learn the basics of driving, which can lead to many accidents. It would help if you got comfortable with driving before trying more advanced maneuvers like parallel parking or passing other cars.
Neglecting To Scan The Road Ahead
When you’re a new driver, it can be easy to avoid noticing what’s happening in your peripheral vision. But when you’re behind the wheel, you need to pay attention to what’s happening around you and how far away other cars are from you and one another.
Overcrowding The Car
If there are too many people in the vehicle with you, then it’s more likely that someone will get hurt or damage will be caused. Everyone must have their seat adjusted properly to not put unnecessary strain on their neck or back while ensuring they have enough legroom and head space.
Following Too Closely
Following too closely is one of the most common mistakes that new drivers make. It’s a habit that can be hard to break when you’re learning how to drive, but it’s important to remember that following too closely can lead to a car crash. If you are going 50mph and there is a car in front of you, leave at least 3 seconds between your vehicle and theirs. Similarly, if you are going 60mph and there is a car in front of you, leave at least 4 seconds between your vehicle.
For every 10 miles over 50 mph (60 for 60), add another second or two until reaching 80 mph (100 for 100). The rule of thumb is if you are going 50mph, then leave 3 seconds between vehicles, so that means if someone was driving 70mph, they would have 7 seconds space between them and the car in front of them.
Not Wearing Seat Belt
If you haven’t already learned these online driving courses, please take it from us: always wear your seat belt. The law in Canada demands that all drivers and passengers of vehicles wear a seatbelt while on the road. In Ajax, failing to do so can result in a fine of up to $1000, 3 demerit points, and even imprisonment if the offence causes bodily harm or death. [1]
It’s also important to note that wearing a seat belt isn’t just about keeping yourself safe—it’s also about keeping everyone else safe! If your vehicle is involved in an accident without you buckled up, it becomes much more challenging for first responders to pull you out if they don’t know where you are inside the car.
Ready To Become a Pro Driver?
As a new driver, you have a lot to learn to drive smart. You must develop the skills necessary to drive safely and become accustomed to the many rules of the road. Well, proper guidelines and driving lessons play a crucial role in your lifetime driving experience. And that’s the reason why you should consider choosing a good driving school in Ajax that can help you get a good push. Don’t get overwhelmed! Sit back and think about us! We at Growing Star Driving School offer Certified driving instructors to help you become a pro driver. So, contact us now!
