5 Beginner Driver Mistakes That Can Put You at Risk

November 24, 2025

Author: Canadian Smart Drivers

 Learning to drive is an exciting and meaningful milestone, but for most new drivers, the early stages can feel challenging. Ontario roadways are occupied with many oncoming cars, and the state of the road can change quickly. New drivers must navigate many rules when driving. New drivers must understand giving the right-of-way, where to put their car, when and how fast to go, etc.

In fact, small beginner driver mistakes can lead to large dangers to new drivers as they continue to acclimate to real-world driving. The good news is that by being aware of the errors that can occur, new drivers can take precautions to eliminate them. With repetitive practice and the right training on the road, especially via structured Drivers ed in London Ontario, new drivers can develop positive habits that will remain with them for years.

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Mistake 1 — Not Checking Blind Spots Properly

Not checking blind spots is one of the most frequent and dangerous errors among new drivers. Many beginners rely only on mirrors because they haven’t yet developed a complete scanning routine. Others simply feel awkward turning their head or worry they’ll drift out of their lane while doing so.

This mistake is more serious than most learners realise. Missing a blind spot can easily result in cutting off another vehicle, sideswiping a car during a lane change, or overlooking a cyclist or motorcyclist. These hazards are particularly common on highways and multi-lane roads across Ontario.

The solution is simple: Always perform a proper shoulder check before merging or changing lanes. Adjust your mirrors correctly to minimise blind areas, and build a scanning pattern that includes rear-view mirror, side mirrors, and a quick shoulder check. Professional instructors correct head movements and teach learners how to maintain lane position while checking blind spots, which is why enrolling in structured Drivers ed London Ontario programs is so beneficial.

Mistake 2 — Following Too Closely

Many beginner drivers follow the vehicle ahead too closely without realising how risky it is. Some misjudge stopping distances, while others feel pressured by fast-moving traffic and attempt to “keep up.” Unfortunately, tailgating is one of the main causes of rear-end collisions in the province.

If you follow too closely behind another vehicle, you limit your ability to react quickly if that vehicle should abruptly stop. You also miss out on the opportunity of seeing the vehicles further up the road to help prevent collisions with those vehicles should they suddenly stop or slow down, thus giving you less room for technical error. In addition, this is even more dangerous in inclement weather such as snow, rain, or frozen roads.

Beginners should always follow the three-to-four second rule. Choose a fixed point ahead and count how long it takes you to reach it after the car in front passes it. In winter or during heavy rain, increase this distance. Safe space cushions give you more control, more reaction time, and far better visibility. Instructors at Canadian Smart Drivers spend considerable time training students to understand and maintain safe following distances, especially important for Ontario winters.

Mistake 3 — Speeding or Driving Too Slow

Beginners in driving may have difficulty recognizing the appropriate rates of speeding; many will turn to excessively slow speeds because of nerves, and many will accelerate without intent due to errant interpretation of driving signs or overconfidence in their driving abilities. There are serious problems associated with both significantly reducing (or excessively increasing) your driving speed; however, each behaviour can be equally as unsafe when practiced.

Many drivers who drive below the posted speed limit will create significant frustration for the majority of other drivers, will cause unanticipated and dangerous actions by other drivers in the surrounding area, and will make the process of merging lanes and making turns much more difficult for other drivers.

Conversely, if a driver drives at an excessively high rate of speed (exceeds the posted speed limit), the driver will not be able to make a quick stop, will have an increased distance required to come to a complete halt, and will be significantly more likely to lose control of the car (especially if the road surface is wet or icy). Both excess speed and too much speed by the driver would be more hazardous than either condition for the driver.

To avoid this mistake, new drivers should try to match the speed of surrounding traffic safely, while adhering to all posted speed limits. Pay attention to the speed limit signs (especially in school zones and residential areas) as well as signs for areas where this may be inappropriate for new drivers. Learn speed management with a certified instructor in order to build confidence and experience when driving in all different types of driving environments.

Mistake 4 — Getting Distracted While Driving

Distraction is one of the top contributors to collisions—not just for beginners, but for all drivers. But for newer drivers learning the fundamentals of driving, both distraction and lack of experience contribute substantially to the risks of being an inexperienced driver. The most common distractions include smartphones, changing radio stations, conversing with passengers, looking at a GPS, eating while driving, or just being preoccupied with thoughts about where they are going. Even a brief moment of inattention can result in missing important signs, drifting between lanes, delayed reactions, or failing to notice a hazard ahead.

Preventing this mistake starts with creating a distraction-free routine. It’s important to set up your GPS and to turn your phone off or turn on do not disturb before beginning to drive, to help create a safe atmosphere for driving. If you want to listen to music while driving, choose your playlist before actually driving anywhere.

Canadian Smart Drivers provides training to help develop a focus-driven habit and reduce distractions on the road, especially when driving in new or busy areas.

Mistake 5 – MKX (Driving Errors at Intersections)

Intersections can be very difficult for new drivers, as they are typically not only dealing with their own vehicle reaction time and judgement; they are also having to assess multiple forms of traffic signals, evaluate potential hazards associated with other vehicles around them, and to be sure that they understand the rules of the right of way correctly in order to safely navigate the intersection.

These mistakes can lead to side-impact collisions, running stop signs, or turning into the path of oncoming vehicles.

Judgment in intersections improves with practice and understanding. By slowing down early you have a chance to assess the patterns of traffic at that intersection. You can be more certain of an intersection’s safety if you scan the area beforehand (both left and right before you enter an intersection). Practising common right-of-way situations with a qualified instructor gives the learner added confidence in the reality of driving in busy areas of Ontario.

Additional Tips for New Drivers

To be a safe and confident driver you must practice consistently. Practise in various weather and traffic times (daytime/nighttime). Review the up-to-date road rules regularly especially as you’re preparing for your G2 test. Taking a defensive driving course could strengthen your skills in hazard perception and decision-making.

Above all, have patience with yourself because your confidence will build gradually with every drive that you take.

Canadian Smart Drivers have a flexible way of learning that works with your availability. We have certified instructors, a high pass rate, and programs that focus on actual Ontario driving conditions, so that whether you’re a beginner or an experienced driver, you will receive the instruction needed to develop your driving skills.

Conclusion

Every new driver experiences challenges, and the mistakes outlined above are among the most common. What matters is not perfection, but awareness. By recognising these five beginner driver mistakes and learning how to avoid them, new drivers greatly reduce their risk on the road.

Good habits formed early—checking blind spots properly, maintaining safe distances, controlling speed, staying focused, and making smart decisions at intersections—create a strong foundation for safe lifelong driving. Well-trained professionals who have been in the industry for many years will help make the learning process of becoming a safe and truly effective driver as easy as possible for you.

If you wish to receive quality instruction and guidance, as well as to gain knowledge through a structured curriculum with the support of professional instructors, then the Drivers ed London Ontario classes offered by Canadian Smart Drivers are ideal for you. No matter if you are a teen, adult learner, or have taken driving lessons in the past, the proper driver’s education will allow you to be confident and feel prepared to tackle any road and season, as well as face any challenge you may encounter when driving in Ontario.

 

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