Top 7 Common Mistakes Learner Drivers Make in Geelong (And How to Fix Them)
Written by Mathew White
Learning to drive in Geelong is a big milestone, but it can also be stressful with busy roads, steep hills, tight streets and unpredictable traffic. After working with learners all over Geelong including Corio, Highton, Grovedale, Lara and Lovely Banks, these are the seven most common mistakes I see every day and how to fix them.
Whether you are aiming for your VicRoads test or just brushing up early in your logbook hours, avoiding these mistakes will make a massive difference to your confidence and safety.
1. Not Checking Mirrors Enough
One of the biggest habits learners struggle with is forgetting to check their mirrors regularly, especially on roundabouts, lane changes and at intersections. Many learners also signal before they look, which is backwards. Always check your mirrors first so you actually know whether it is safe to move.
How to fix it:
Think of mirror checks as little glances, quick, gentle and regular. Aim for every 5 to 10 seconds and every time something changes such as slowing down, turning, merging or entering traffic. Before you indicate or change lanes, always check your mirrors first.
2. Hesitating When It Is Safe to Go
Geelong drivers can be impatient, which makes learners second guess themselves. Many stop and wait even when they clearly have priority. This gets worse when a larger vehicle is waiting for you to go, and hesitation can actually create more risk.
How to fix it:
Understand who has right of way, trust your judgement and commit smoothly. If it is your turn to go, taking it confidently keeps everyone predictable and safe. Practise gap selection with a supervising driver or instructor who can help you recognise what is safe and what is not.
Why Gap Selection Matters for Your Test
VicRoads assessors see near misses every single day. Because of that, they look for drivers who choose clear, comfortable and obviously safe gaps. Even if you could technically make it through, if the assessor believes the gap was too tight or might cause another driver to slow down or adjust, they will treat it as unsafe. In most cases that is an instant fail.
It is not about being fast. VicRoads would much rather licence a safe, calm and predictable driver than someone who rushes or takes borderline gaps. Picking the right moment to go, and committing smoothly, shows you understand real world road safety.
3. Going Too Wide on Corners
This is common in newer estates like Armstrong Creek and the newer Lara suburbs. Streets are narrow with limited parking and learners often swing too wide, drift toward the middle or misjudge tight corners.
How to fix it:
Slow down before the turn, look where you want to end up and steer smoothly. In tighter estates keep your line neat and controlled. Turning right, stay tighter than you think. Wide right turns are still one of the most common VicRoads fails.
4. Speed Creeping Up on Hills
Areas like Grovedale, Highton, Hamlyn Heights, Newtown and Fyansford have steep rolling hills that catch learners out. It is easy to gain too much speed downhill or lose speed uphill.
How to fix it:
Use gentle, steady braking downhill to keep your speed consistent. Heading uphill, apply a little more acceleration to maintain your speed. Smooth pressure on both pedals is the key. Let the car work with the hill, not against it.
5. Not Looking Far Enough Ahead
Many learners focus only on the few metres in front of the car instead of scanning ahead. This makes it harder to spot e bikes, cyclists, turning cars, parked vehicles and changing traffic lights. It often leads to late or hard braking.
How to fix it:
Lift your eyes and scan far down the road. Watch traffic lights in the distance so you can ease off early and brake smoothly. The earlier you see something developing, the calmer and more controlled your driving becomes.
6. Forgetting Indicator Timing
Learners often indicate too early or too late at roundabouts, lane changes or when pulling out from parking. Your indicator shows what you are about to do, not what you are already doing.
How to fix it:
Pulling out from a curb, signal for at least 5 seconds before moving
Lane changes or turns, signal for at least 3 seconds before steering
Signal before braking so drivers behind understand why you are slowing
Smooth steering and correct timing makes your driving predictable and much safer for everyone.
7. Not Practising in Tougher Areas
Lots of country learners build hours on rural roads like Meredith, Teesdale, Shelford and Bannockburn. These hours help with basic car control but do not prepare you for busy intersections, tight urban streets, foot traffic, multi lane roads or high pressure moments.
The first time these learners hit Shannon Ave, Moorabool St or Highton’s two lane roundabouts, it can be overwhelming.
How to fix it:
Keep the rural driving, but mix in real world practice that builds actual test and solo driving skills:
CBD traffic
Pakington Street pedestrian activity
Multi lane roundabouts
Freeway merging
Night driving
Wet weather visibility
School zones with parked cars
Rural driving builds comfort. City driving builds hazard awareness. Mixing both is what makes you road ready.
Need Help Fixing These Before Your Test
If you want structured coaching, mock tests, manual lessons or my Melbourne City and Freeway Confidence Drive, you can book anytime:
👉 whitelinedrivingschool.com.au
📞 0407 720 934
I offer both auto and manual lessons across all of Geelong with pickup and drop off included.
