5 Driving Lesson Mistakes to Avoid | Driving School Ottawa

Driving is a significant milestone. It is a combination of fear and excitement, whether you are a teenager who is about to receive their G2 or an adult who is now getting behind the wheel. Here, at Steerngo, your reliable Driving School Ottawa, we prepare all types of learners (in any age group) to acquire the skills and self-confidence that will make them successful.

Nevertheless, no matter how good the driving instructors are, most new drivers succumb to common pitfalls in the course of their lessons. All these errors will hinder your process, causing you to become unnerved or develop bad habits that will persist even after you pass the road test.

This blog discusses the five most common mistakes students make during driving lessons and how to prevent them. Are you looking for a reliable driving school near you in Ottawa? Or just some driver tips on how to step up your driving to become the best on the road? Stay tuned.

Mistake #1: Losing Focus During Lessons

Distractions come easily, whether it’s your phone, music, anxiety, or Ottawa’s busy streets. It’s natural to lose focus when a lot is going on, especially for first-time drivers.

How to Fix It:

Stay present and careful while driving. Put your phone away and focus entirely on what your instructor is guiding you about driving skills. At Steerngo, we train our students to remain alert using real-world scenarios, preparing them for everything from quiet residential zones to busier intersections like Baseline Road and Bank Street.

✔️ Bonus Tip: Use deep breathing before lessons to calm nerves and increase mental clarity.

Mistake #2: Poor Steering and Lane Positioning

Oversteering, understeering, drifting too close to the curb or line, these are all common among beginners.

How to Fix It:

Your hands should always be at the “9 and 3” position. Use smooth, controlled movements, especially when turning or changing lanes. Sudden jerks create instability and can affect other drivers around you.

At Steerngo’s Driving School Ottawa, we practise lane positioning on various road types so you learn how to adjust naturally based on your speed, space, and surroundings.

Mistake #3: Skipping Mirror and Shoulder Checks

One of the most frequent causes of test failure is forgetting to check mirrors or do proper shoulder checks before lane changes or merging.

How to Fix It:

Use a clear routine: mirror ➝ signal ➝ shoulder check ➝ move.

We teach this method in our drivers ed Ottawa program so that it becomes second nature. Practicing in real Ottawa traffic helps students lock in the habit, whether they’re on a quiet street or merging onto a busy highway.

Mistake #4: Braking Too Hard or Too Late

New drivers often panic and slam the brakes or wait too long and stop suddenly. Both situations can be unsafe and jarring.

How to Fix It:

Always look ahead, predict stops early, and apply gradual pressure. You should aim to stop gently but thoroughly. Steerngo’s instructors use real-time feedback to help learners master this, especially in zones like Hunt Club Road, where traffic flow requires good timing and control.

Mistake #5: Misunderstanding Road Signs or Rule

Many learners struggle with the meaning of different signs, when to yield, or who has the right of way at a four-way stop.

How to Fix It:

Study consistently using the Ontario Driver’s Handbook. Ask your instructor to quiz you on rules during quieter parts of the lesson. At Steerngo, we focus on high-risk areas like roundabouts, school zones, and pedestrian-heavy intersections so you’re prepared for both the test and real-life scenarios.

Our drivers ed Ottawa curriculum also includes quizzes and interactive in-class training to reinforce learning.

Why Choose Steerngo – A Trusted Driving School Ottawa Learners Recommend

Not all driving schools are created equal. At Steerngo Driving School Ottawa, we take a hands-on, flexible approach to help learners of all backgrounds and skill levels.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Certified, friendly instructors

• Flexible lesson times including evenings and weekends

• Free pick-up and drop-off within Ottawa

• Modern, dual-control vehicles for safety

• Multilingual instruction available

• Affordable driving lesson packages

• Ministry-approved drivers ed Ottawa program

Whether you’re a high school student or a new adult driver, our goal is to get you on the road confidently and safely.

Looking for a driving school near me in Ottawa that truly supports your learning journey? We’re just a click away.

Quick Recap: Top 5 Mistakes to Watch For

1. Losing focus behind the wheel – Stay present and avoid distractions
2. Poor steering control – Keep smooth and steady motions
3. Skipping mirror/shoulder checks – Practise every time you change lanes or turn
4. Hard or late braking – Learn to anticipate stops ahead of time
5. Not knowing the rules – Study and ask questions during your lessons

With the help of a trusted Driving School Ottawa like Steerngo, you’ll overcome these hurdles with ease.

Ready to Start Driving with Confidence?

Don’t let simple mistakes delay your progress or put your safety at risk. Join hundreds of Ottawa learners who chose Steerngo, the leading Driving School in Ottawa, to help them pass their test and drive smart for life.

➡️ Visit our homepage: steerngo.ca

📞 Call now or fill out our contact form to book your first lesson!