Top 10 Beginner Driving Errors

Speeding

> Yes, going fast is fun. But doing so under   uncontrolled circumstances puts unforeseen stresses on the driver and the car. In fact, most tires are put under severe stress any time the car goes above 100mph or so. The stress in the tires can often result in unseen damage to the tread or sidewall that, in extreme cases, can result in a tire explosion. There is a time and a place and a type of tire to use if you want to go fast. The street on your way to work in your Toyota Corolla is not one of them. 

Not carrying speed through turns

> Also known as "grandma syndrome," this phenomenon is not as big of an issue for beginner drivers in terms of safety. It is merely inconvenient to be stuck behind somebody who turns at 5 mph. However, better this way than travelling sideways inadvertently.

Jerky wheel and throttle inputs

> This problem is most evident in the rain or snow, as grip is far lower in these conditions. Jerking the wheel and stabbing the throttle violently is an error usually seen in nervous teenagers who are just trying to get down the motions of driving. However, it is also seen in impulsive drivers. Just to forewarn anyone who might be curious about why jerky driving is a hazard, consider this: stunt drivers provoke slides and catastrophic roles by being jerky on the controls. The key fix for this is to just be very gentle and steady.

Cutting left turns(not going around double yellow lines)

> Once again, this is not as big of an issue as speeding or texting while driving, but it does deserve mention. Cutting the double yellow is a careless error that can be easily avoided by turning slightly wider. Cutting the turn, however, can cause a blind sideswipe that will leave the yellow-line-cutter paying for two cars worth of damage. 

Texting while driving

> This is probably the biggest problem with teenage drivers today. Texting while driving creates a state of inattentiveness on the road that inevitably leads to careless, avoidable accidents. This writer personally knows people on both sides of the inevitable accident. Luckily it has never happened to me. But let me say on my friends' behalf, being hit from behind is not fun...nor is paying medical bills for the person you just hit.

Sitting too far from the wheel

> This is more of a personal choice than a serious issue. However, racing drivers will all agree that the position of most control in the car is to have one's arms slightly bent (20 degrees from straight +/-) when at the 9 and 3 driving position. So, try moving your seat up a few notches...you may be surprised.

Applying power at the apex of a turn(only results in sliding)

> Once again, this problem is most noticeable in the rain and snow. However, in any condition, applying power at the apex of the turn (the highest-g-force part of the turn) is asking the car to slide. This is what professional racing drivers and stunt drivers do to get the car to slide. Don't be excessive with the throttle during turns. It really ends badly.

      Taking turns too fast in rain

> This goes back to applying too much power at the apex of a turn. Especially when it's raining, a tire's grip is substantially reduced, and so are the warning signs that the tire is about to lose all grip whatsoever. Going too fast into a turn will cause understeer, or still travelling straight despite turning. Planting the throttle during the corner will cause oversteer, or the back of the car spinning around. In the rain, just be smooth and gentle.

Turning without looking

> Don't be stupid. Look both directions before you turn. It isn't that hard.

                                                                                      Carrying crap in the car

> Every teenager has a million things they need all the time, or at least they think they do. Carrying extra weight in the car is dangerous in two ways. First, excess weight dramatically reduces fuel economy. Second, and most important to safety, carrying a ton of weight in the trunk and back seat (most storage in a car) will upset the handling dynamics of the car. In fact, stunt drivers will often add weight in the trunk to induce huge, magnificent slides. This should not occur on the road.