Top 10 Mistakes New Canadian Drivers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Getting your license in Canada is a great achievement, but once you have passed the road test, you do not stop learning. Many new drivers - whether out of driving school or new from any other country - make avoidable mistakes that can cause fines, accidents or bad habits.

To be safe and confident on the wheel, here are the top 10 mistakes that create new Canadian drivers - and how to avoid them.

  1. Ignore signs of the road or misunderstand them Error: New drivers often ignore or misinterpret important signs such as school zones, flow signals or speed limit changes.

How to avoid this:

Study the Ontario Driver’s Handbook (or your province’s equivalent) regularly—even after passing your G1. Pay special attention to less obvious signs, like no-stopping zones or high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.

  1. Running very slowly Error: It is common to be very careful among new drivers. But very slowly - especially on highways - can be just as dangerous.

How to avoid this: Learn the minimum speed limit (usually about 60 km/h on the highways), and if you are not comfortable at full speed, you can stay in the right path. Self -confidence grows with practice, so gradually increases at high speed.

  1. Don’t check blind spots Error: Many new drivers trust too much on the mirror and forget to check the shoulder before changing or turning the streets.

How to avoid this: Always check a shoulder before switching or merging lanes. It will be another species over time.

  1. Dissection of signal Error: Some new drivers forget to indicate perfectly, while others use them too much, such as indicating very quickly or leaving them after a turn.

How to avoid this: Use the blade signs continuously, but only when you are a step. Cancel the signal immediately after replacing or replacing the path.

  1. Very close Error: Tailgating is dangerous, especially in bad weather. Many new drivers do not understand how long it will take to stay safe.

How to avoid this: Follow the rule with 3 seconds: Choose a specific point that the car goes forward and counts three seconds before it reaches it. Add more time to rain or ice.

  1. Very hard or too late braking Error: Sudden braking is a common sign of inexperience and can cause accidents or can make passengers uncomfortable.

How to avoid this: Look far ahead and the estimate stops quickly. Light on the brake slowly. Practice smooth braking in small traffic areas.

  1. Nervous in bad weather Error: Snow, snow, fog or heavy rain can overwhelm new drivers, leading to unprotected decisions or overestimating.

How to avoid this: Take a winter driving course if you are new in Canadian winter. In snow or rain, slowly, increase the distance down and avoid sudden movements.

  1. Failing to check pedestrians and cyclists Error: New drivers often focus so much on other cars that they forget to scan the sidewalk, cross or bicycle lane.

How to avoid this: Always scan the intersections, especially when it swings. For pedestrians and check the bicycle drivers before opening the door and opening the door or turning to the right.

  1. Extreme trust after passing the test Error: Many drivers believe that after learning that they get the G2 or G license, causing careless habits.

How to avoid this: Be humble behind the wheel. Understand the first years as a continuous learning period as a driver. Continue to practice in different environments and traffic conditions.

  1. Do not maintain the car properly Error: Many new drivers do not know how to check the tire, up in the liquid or identify the dashboard’s warning light.

How to avoid this: Know the basics of car maintenance or seek help from the mechanic you trust. Keep the tires bloated, check the oil and serve the brake regularly. A poor car is a safety risk.