Top 5 Mistakes New Drivers Make and How Rhodes Helps Avoid Them

Learning to drive is an exciting milestone, but it comes with challenges, especially for new drivers navigating San Antonio’s busy roads. At Rhodes Driving Schools, with over 40 years of experience and state-certified instructors, we’ve seen the common mistakes that new drivers make and know how to help them avoid these pitfalls. Our comprehensive driver education programs, offered at four San Antonio locations, equip teens and adults with the skills and confidence to drive safely. Here are the top five mistakes new drivers make and how Rhodes Driving Schools helps you steer clear of them.

1. Failing to Check Blind Spots

The Mistake: Many new drivers forget to check their blind spots before changing lanes or merging, leading to near-misses or collisions. This is especially critical in San Antonio, where highways like I-410 and I-10 see heavy traffic.How Rhodes Helps: During our behind-the-wheel training, instructors emphasize the importance of checking blind spots using both mirrors and shoulder checks. We practice lane changes in real-world scenarios, ensuring students develop a habit of scanning their surroundings. Our 14 hours of required driving practice (7 hours driving, 7 hours observing) include drills to make blind-spot checks second nature.Tip: Always turn your head to check blind spots on both sides before making any move, and use your mirrors consistently.

2. Improper Lane Changes

The Mistake: New drivers often change lanes abruptly or without signaling, confusing other drivers and increasing the risk of accidents. Failing to yield or misjudging gaps in traffic is a common issue.How Rhodes Helps: Our state-certified instructors teach proper lane-changing techniques, including signaling early, checking for clearance, and merging smoothly. We use our state-licensed vehicles to practice lane changes on San Antonio’s roads, from quiet suburban streets to busier highways. Mock driving tests simulate DPS test conditions, helping students perfect this skill.Tip: Signal at least 100 feet before changing lanes, check mirrors and blind spots, and ensure there’s enough space to merge safely.

3. Not Maintaining a Safe Following Distance

The Mistake: Tailgating or following too closely reduces reaction time, making rear-end collisions more likely, especially in stop-and-go traffic on roads like Loop 1604.How Rhodes Helps: We teach the “three-second rule” during classroom and behind-the-wheel sessions, ensuring students maintain a safe following distance. Instructors guide students through real-world scenarios, adjusting distances based on speed and conditions (e.g., rain or heavy traffic). Our defensive driving curriculum reinforces this habit, preparing students for both the DPS test and everyday driving.Tip: Pick a fixed point on the road and ensure it takes at least three seconds for your vehicle to reach it after the car ahead passes it. Extend to four or five seconds in adverse conditions.

4. Ignoring Road Signs and Signals

The Mistake: New drivers sometimes miss or misinterpret road signs, such as yield signs or speed limit changes, leading to unsafe driving or failing the DPS driving test.How Rhodes Helps: Our 32-hour classroom program (available in-person or online) covers Texas road signs, traffic laws, and their applications in detail. Instructors use interactive tools to teach sign recognition, and behind-the-wheel sessions include practice on routes with diverse signage, like those near our Eckhert and Bandera locations. We also provide practice tests to reinforce knowledge for the written DPS exam.Tip: Study the Texas Driver Handbook and pay attention to signs during practice drives. If unsure, slow down and assess the situation.

5. Getting Distracted While Driving

The Mistake: Distractions like texting, adjusting the radio, or talking to passengers can lead to accidents. New drivers are particularly vulnerable due to their limited experience.How Rhodes Helps: Our curriculum emphasizes distraction-free driving, with classroom lessons on the dangers of distractions and practical exercises to build focus. During behind-the-wheel training, instructors simulate real-world distractions (safely) to teach students how to stay attentive. We also discuss strategies like silencing phones or setting up music before driving.Tip: Keep your phone out of reach, set up navigation or music beforehand, and ask passengers to minimize distractions.

Why Choose Rhodes Driving Schools?

Rhodes Driving Schools has been a trusted name in San Antonio for over 40 years, helping thousands of new drivers avoid these common mistakes. Here’s how we stand out:

1. Experienced Instructors: Our state-certified instructors, each with over 10 years of experience, provide personalized feedback to correct mistakes early.
2. Comprehensive Training: Our programs include classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel practice, and Third Party Skills Testing at our Eckhert location, ensuring you’re ready for the DPS test.
3. Flexible Options: Choose in-person classes at our four locations (Eckhert, Bandera, West, Southwest) or our online parent-taught course for convenience.
4. Focus on Safety: Our defensive driving techniques, taught in both teen and adult courses, help you build lifelong safe driving habits.
5. Community Trust: As a family-owned business, we’re committed to making San Antonio’s roads safer, one driver at a time.

Success Story

Take Sarah, a 16-year-old student at our Southwest location: “I kept forgetting to check my blind spots and was nervous about lane changes. My Rhodes instructor practiced with me until it felt natural. I passed my DPS test on the first try and now drive confidently!” Stories like Sarah’s show how Rhodes’ targeted training helps new drivers overcome common mistakes.

Call to Action: Build Safe Driving Habits with Rhodes!

Don’t let common mistakes hold you back from becoming a confident, safe driver. Rhodes Driving Schools is here to guide you with expert instruction and hands-on practice. Visit rhodesdrivingschools.com to explore our teen and adult driver education programs, or contact one of our San Antonio locations to enroll:

1. Eckhert: (210) 523-7483
2. Bandera: (210) 680-3980
3. West: (210) 695-8883
4. Southwest: (210) 233-1094

Start your journey to safe driving with Rhodes Driving Schools today!