10 Common Mistakes Learner Drivers Make in Automatic Cars

Learning to drive an automatic car can feel easier than learning manual, but that doesn't mean there aren't important skills to master.

Many new drivers make small mistakes while they're building confidence. The good news is that with regular practice and guidance from a professional driving instructor, these habits can be corrected early.

Here are 10 common mistakes learner drivers make in automatic cars and some simple ways to improve.

1. Using Both Feet on the Pedals

One of the most common mistakes beginners make is using one foot for the accelerator and the other for the brake.

In an automatic car, you should normally use your right foot to operate both the accelerator and brake pedals.

Using one foot helps reduce the risk of accidentally pressing both pedals and encourages smoother control.

2. Forgetting Mirror Checks

Learner drivers can become so focused on what's happening directly in front of them that they forget to check their mirrors.

Good observation is an important part of safe driving.

Get into the habit of checking your mirrors regularly and before actions such as:

• Changing lanes
• Turning
• Slowing down
• Pulling over
• Moving away from the kerb
• Merging with traffic

Your instructor can help you develop a consistent observation routine.

3. Missing Head Checks

Checking your mirrors isn't always enough.

There are areas around your vehicle that mirrors may not fully show. These are commonly called blind spots.

Learner drivers need to develop the habit of performing appropriate head checks before movements such as changing lanes or moving away from the kerb.

Don't wait until your driving test to start practising them.

4. Braking Too Hard or Too Late

New drivers sometimes wait too long before braking and then apply too much pressure to the brake pedal.

This can make the car stop suddenly and make the drive uncomfortable.

Try to look further ahead and anticipate when you'll need to slow down.

With practice, you'll learn how to brake earlier and more smoothly.

5. Accelerating Too Quickly

Automatic cars don't require manual gear changes, so acceleration can feel simple.

However, pressing the accelerator too hard can cause the vehicle to gain speed faster than expected.

Practise applying gentle, controlled pressure to the accelerator.

Smooth acceleration gives you better control and makes your driving more comfortable.

6. Not Managing Speed Properly

Learner drivers sometimes focus so much on steering and traffic that they forget to monitor their speed.

Get into the habit of checking your speed regularly while still keeping your attention on the road.

You should also adjust your speed appropriately for:

• Traffic
• Weather
• Road conditions
• Intersections
• Pedestrians
• School zones
• Other potential hazards

Remember, the posted speed limit is a maximum limit, not a target you must always reach.

7. Poor Lane Positioning

Keeping the vehicle correctly positioned within the lane can be challenging when you're first learning.

Some learners drive too close to parked cars, while others move too close to the centre line or lane markings.

Try to look further ahead rather than focusing immediately in front of the car.

Your driving instructor can help you understand reference points and improve your road positioning.

8. Following Other Vehicles Too Closely

Leaving enough space between your vehicle and the car ahead gives you more time to react if something unexpected happens.

Learner drivers sometimes follow too closely because they're concentrating on keeping up with traffic.

Instead, focus on maintaining a safe following distance and increase that distance when conditions require it.

9. Rushing at Intersections and Roundabouts

Intersections and roundabouts can feel stressful for new drivers.

A common mistake is feeling pressured by other motorists and making a decision too quickly.

Take the time you need to:

• Observe the traffic
• Follow applicable road rules and signs
• Choose a safe gap
• Watch for pedestrians and cyclists
• Enter when it is safe

Don't let another driver's impatience pressure you into making an unsafe decision.

Confidence comes with experience.

10. Relying Too Much on the Driving Instructor

When you're starting out, it's normal for your instructor to give you plenty of guidance.

As your skills improve, however, you should gradually become more independent.

You should work towards being able to:

• Identify hazards yourself
• Make safe decisions
• Manage your speed
• Choose safe gaps
• Check mirrors and blind spots without reminders
• Follow directions while maintaining safe control

The goal of driving lessons isn't simply to help you pass your test. It's to help you become a safe and independent driver.

How Can Learner Drivers Avoid These Mistakes?

The best way to improve is through consistent practice.

During a professional lesson, your instructor can identify habits that need improvement and show you how to correct them.

You can then practise those skills between lessons with an eligible supervising driver.

A useful approach is:

Professional driving lesson → instructor feedback → private practice → next lesson

Over time, good driving habits should start to become more natural.

Are Automatic Driving Lessons Good for Beginners?

For many learners, automatic driving lessons can be a comfortable way to start learning.

Without having to operate a clutch and manually change gears, you can spend more time concentrating on important skills such as:

• Observation
• Steering
• Speed control
• Road positioning
• Hazard awareness
• Safe decision-making

However, automatic cars still require good judgement, observation and vehicle control.

Learning automatic doesn't remove the need to develop safe driving habits.

Don't Worry About Making Small Mistakes While Learning

You're learning a new skill, so mistakes will happen.

What's important is understanding why the mistake happened, how to correct it and how to avoid repeating it.

A professional instructor can provide feedback and help you develop good habits before unsafe ones become difficult to change.

Learn Automatic Driving With DOS Driving School

At DOS Driving School, we provide automatic driving lessons across Melbourne for beginners, learner drivers and people preparing for their Victorian driving test.

Our instructors can help you improve your vehicle control, observation, confidence and decision-making while developing safer driving habits.

Whether you're having your first automatic driving lesson or getting ready for your driving test, we'll help you focus on the skills you need to improve.

Ready to Book an Automatic Driving Lesson?

🚗 Build your confidence and improve your driving skills with DOS Driving School.

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📞 Phone: 03 8738 5185
📱 Mobile / Text: 0490 049 705

DOS Driving School – Helping Melbourne learners become safe, confident and independent drivers.