🚦 Common Mistakes Beginners Make in Driving Lessons — And How to Avoid Them
Everyone makes mistakes when learning to drive — but knowing what to expect can help you avoid them! This post outlines the most common beginner errors and how your driving instructor at Ilker Driving School helps you fix them quickly.
6/19/20251 min read


🤯 1. Forgetting to Check Mirrors
New learners often focus too much on the road ahead and forget to check their mirrors. It’s completely normal — but essential for safe driving.
How to avoid it:
Your driving instructor will remind you to follow the MSM routine (Mirror–Signal–Manoeuvre) until it becomes second nature.
🛑 2. Braking Too Hard or Too Late
Heavy or late braking can make the car jerk and stress new drivers.
How to fix it:
We teach gentle, progressive braking. With time, you’ll learn to judge distances and brake smoothly — especially in local traffic around Loughton and Wanstead.
⚙️ 3. Stalling the Car (Manual Learners)
Stalling happens — especially during the first few driving lessons in a manual car. It’s part of learning.
How we help:
Your driving instructor will walk you through clutch control exercises on quiet roads in Chingford or Loughton until you're confident starting and stopping.
🔄 4. Forgetting to Cancel Indicators
Many learners leave their indicators flashing after turning, especially on roundabouts or long bends.
Instructor tip:
We build a habit: "turn, straighten, check." After every turn, check your dashboard and mirrors.
🕹️ 5. Confusing Pedals or Gears
Some beginners accidentally press the wrong pedal or shift to the wrong gear.
What we do:
Your lessons will include repetition in safe environments. In Wanstead, we practice on consistent roads so you focus on footwork and gear coordination.
💡 Bonus Tip: Don’t Panic!
Nerves are totally normal. Mistakes don’t mean failure — they mean you’re learning.
At Ilker Driving School, we create a calm, supportive space. Our friendly driving instructors are experienced in working with nervous learners and building confidence quickly.
âś… Final Thought
Making mistakes during your driving lessons is part of the process — and each one is a step closer to becoming a skilled driver. At Ilker Driving School, we help learners in Chingford, Loughton, and Wanstead turn common errors into confident habits.
📞 Book Your Next Lesson
Join hundreds of happy students who’ve passed their tests with Ilker Driving School. Whether you’re just starting or want to correct old habits, we’re here to help.