5 Common Mistakes New Drivers Make and How to Avoid Them

Adventure Driving School | Serving Bergen & Passaic County, NJ

Learning to drive is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with responsibility. At Adventure Driving School, we've helped thousands of new drivers across Bergen and Passaic County get their licenses — and we’ve seen the same beginner mistakes over and over again. Don’t worry — we’re here to help you avoid them.

Here are the top 5 mistakes new drivers make and simple tips to steer clear of them:

1. Not Checking Mirrors Frequently Enough

Mistake: Many new drivers focus only on what’s directly ahead and forget to check their mirrors regularly.
Why It’s Dangerous: Blind spots can lead to lane-change accidents, missed hazards, and surprises from fast-moving vehicles.
How to Avoid It: Train yourself to glance at your rearview and side mirrors every 5–8 seconds. Always check your blind spots before changing lanes or merging.
🪞 Pro Tip: Practice mirror checks during each driving lesson until it becomes second nature.

2. Braking Too Hard or Too Late

Mistake: Slamming on the brakes at the last second is common for nervous or distracted drivers.
Why It’s Dangerous: It can cause skidding, rear-end collisions, or loss of control — especially in bad weather.
How to Avoid It: Look far ahead and begin braking early and gently. Always anticipate the flow of traffic and stay alert.
🚘 Pro Tip: Leave at least a 3-second following distance in good weather — more if it’s raining or snowing in New Jersey.

3. Speeding or Driving Too Slowly

Mistake: New drivers often misjudge the appropriate speed — either going too fast to keep up or too slow out of fear.
Why It’s Dangerous: Both extremes can disrupt traffic and increase crash risks.
How to Avoid It: Always follow posted speed limits. In residential areas, school zones, or tight roads like those in towns like Fair Lawn or Paterson, keep it slow and steady. On highways like Route 80 or the Garden State Parkway, match the flow of traffic safely.
🛣️ Pro Tip: Get familiar with local roads in Bergen & Passaic County during your practice drives to boost confidence.

4. Getting Distracted — Especially by Phones

Mistake: Texting, changing music, or even chatting too much with passengers pulls focus away from the road.
Why It’s Dangerous: Distracted driving is a top cause of teen accidents — and it only takes a second to cause a crash.
How to Avoid It: Put your phone on Do Not Disturb or use hands-free mode if absolutely necessary. Focus on the road — your messages can wait.
📵 Pro Tip: Create a distraction-free zone in your car during practice — no phones, snacks, or multitasking.

5. Overcorrecting or Panicking Under Pressure

Mistake: When surprised (like a car suddenly stopping ahead), new drivers often oversteer or hit the brakes too hard.
Why It’s Dangerous: Overreactions can cause spinouts, veering into other lanes, or off-road incidents.
How to Avoid It: Stay calm, breathe, and maintain a steady grip on the wheel. The more hours you practice with a licensed instructor, the more confident you’ll feel in unpredictable situations.
🧠 Pro Tip: Book multi-hour lessons to build muscle memory and confidence behind the wheel.

🚦 Final Thoughts

Driving takes practice, patience, and proper guidance. At Adventure Driving School, our certified instructors are trained to help you overcome these common mistakes with ease. Whether you're a teen getting your first permit or an adult nervous about the road, we’ve got your back.

📍 Serving Elmwood Park, Lodi, Hackensack, Paterson, Paramus, Fair Lawn, and all of Bergen & Passaic County, NJ

🔗 Ready to Start Driving?
Click the link in our bio or visit https://adventuredrivingschool.net to book your first lesson today!
📞 Call or Text: 201-581-1711