How to Fix the 7 Most Common Bad Driving Habits

Every driver — new or experienced — develops bad habits over time.
Some are small. Some are dangerous. And a few are the reason people fail their G2 or G road tests.

The good news?
Almost every bad habit has a simple fix once you understand why it happens and how to correct it.

Here are the 7 most common driving habits instructors see, and the exact steps to fix them.

1. Rolling Stops

Rolling stops happen when drivers slow down but never fully stop at a stop sign.
Examiners fail students for this instantly — and it’s a major cause of real-world collisions.

Why it happens

• Rushing
• Misjudging the intersection
• Thinking “I slowed down, so it’s fine”
• Following what other drivers do

How to fix it

• Count “one-one-thousand” after stopping
• Do a full left → right → left scan
• Only move when it's completely safe

Slowing down isn’t enough.
Stopping completely is the safest (and legal) choice.

2. Forgetting to Shoulder Check

The #1 fail on both G2 and G road tests.

Why it happens

• Over-reliance on mirrors
• Nervousness
• Thinking “I don’t see anyone”
• Blind spots not understood

How to fix it

Build these habits:

• Shoulder check before turning
• Shoulder check before lane changes
• Shoulder check before pulling over
• Make the movement visible to the examiner

If they don’t see you do it, it didn’t happen.

3. Speeding or Driving Too Slowly

Both are dangerous and both can fail you during the test.

Why it happens

• Not noticing speed changes
• Following other cars
• Nerves
• Misjudging road conditions

How to fix it

• Stay within ± 5 km/h of the limit
• Do quick speedometer checks
• Drive at the limit when safe
• Increase following distance in bad weather

Consistency = control.

4. Late Signaling

Signaling too late (or not at all) confuses drivers behind you and frustrates examiners.

Why it happens

• Forgetting
• Focusing on the maneuver
• Nervousness
• Inexperience

How to fix it

Follow the 3-second rule:

• Signal
• Wait 3 seconds
• Then shoulder check + turn/lane change

And always cancel the signal after completing the maneuver.

5. Following Too Closely

Tailgating is one of the most dangerous habits on the road.

Why it happens

• Impatience
• Misjudged distance
• Imitating aggressive drivers
• Lack of spatial awareness

How to fix it

Use the 3–4 second rule:

• Pick a fixed object
• Count “one-one-thousand…” as the car ahead passes it
• You should pass it 3–4 seconds later

More distance = more safety.

6. Not Checking Mirrors Enough

Many drivers forget to check mirrors until something goes wrong.

Why it happens

• Forgetfulness
• Being too focused on the road ahead
• Inexperience
• Distracted driving

How to fix it

Check your mirrors:

• Every 5–8 seconds
• Before braking
• Before turning
• Before lane changes
• Approaching intersections

Good mirror habits = confident driving.

7. Jerky or Unsteady Steering

Over-steering, under-steering, or constantly correcting creates unsafe movements.

Why it happens

• Nervous hands
• Gripping the wheel too tightly
• Poor hand position
• Lack of practice with small adjustments

How to fix it

• Keep your hands at 9 & 3
• Relax your grip
• Make tiny steering inputs
• Slow down during turns
• Keep your eyes far ahead — not at the hood

Smooth steering = smooth driving.

Final Thoughts: Good Habits Build Safe Drivers

Fixing bad habits isn’t about perfection — it’s about awareness.

If you work on:

• Smooth control
• Strong observation
• Safe speed
• Consistent signaling
• Proper spacing

…you’ll naturally become a confident, low-risk driver.

Small corrections today create safe habits for years.

Want Professional Help Fixing These Habits?

Golden Key Driving School offers:

• Habit-fixing lessons
• Confidence-building sessions
• G2 and G test prep
• Real test-route practice
• Highway and winter driving training

If you want safer habits and smoother driving, we’re here to help.