Learning to drive is an exciting milestone, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. In NSW — whether you’re taking lessons in Wagga Wagga or practicing with a family member — certain mistakes can slow down your progress or even cost you your driving test.
At Paramount Driving Academy, we see these errors often, but the good news is: they’re avoidable with the right guidance. Let’s explore the five most common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
1. Not Practising in a Variety of Conditions
The mistake:
Many learners stick to the same route or only drive in good weather, leaving them unprepared for unexpected situations.
Why it matters:
The NSW Driving Test assesses how you handle different environments — from quiet streets to busy intersections — and conditions like rain, low light, or heavy traffic.
How to avoid it:
- Practise at different times of the day.
- Drive in both city and rural settings.
- If possible, do supervised practice in wet weather.
- Use local Wagga Wagga roads you’re unfamiliar with to build adaptability.
Pro tip: At Paramount Driving Academy, our instructors create a lesson plan that covers all possible conditions you might face in your test.
2. Poor Observation Skills
The mistake:
Focusing too much on what’s ahead and forgetting to check mirrors, blind spots, and surroundings.
Why it matters:
Observation is one of the top reasons learners fail their driving test in NSW. Examiners want to see consistent awareness of your environment.
How to avoid it:
- Check mirrors every 8–10 seconds.
- Always check your blind spot before changing lanes or merging.
- Scan intersections thoroughly — even if you have the right of way.
Local tip: On busy Wagga Wagga intersections like Baylis Street or Fitzmaurice Street, practise maintaining observation while handling traffic flow.
3. Overconfidence or Nervousness During the Test
The mistake:
Some learners rush through the test thinking they’ve “got it,” while others let nerves get the best of them.
Why it matters:
Confidence without care leads to risky decisions, while excessive nerves can cause hesitation and missed opportunities.
How to avoid it:
- Take mock tests with a qualified instructor.
- Get comfortable with the exact test routes (our instructors know the common Wagga Wagga RMS routes).
- Practise deep-breathing techniques to stay calm.
4. Incorrect Speed Management
The mistake:
Driving too fast for conditions or too slow in higher speed zones.
Why it matters:
In NSW, speed limits are strict — and examiners will watch how you adjust speed based on road, weather, and traffic.
How to avoid it:
- Stay at or just under the speed limit, adjusting for conditions.
- Be mindful of school zones around Wagga Wagga — the 40km/h limit applies during specific times.
- Practise smooth acceleration and deceleration.
5. Not Understanding the Road Rules Fully
The mistake:
Relying only on practical skills and not keeping up-to-date with the NSW Road User Handbook.
Why it matters:
You need both knowledge and skill to pass — especially when it comes to right-of-way, roundabouts, and pedestrian crossings.
How to avoid it:
- Study the NSW Road User Handbook regularly.
- Take online practice tests before your real DKT or driving test.
- Ask your instructor to explain tricky road rules during lessons.
Final Takeaway
Avoiding these common mistakes isn’t just about passing the test — it’s about building safe driving habits for life. At Paramount Driving Academy, we help learners in Wagga Wagga and across NSW develop the skills, confidence, and road knowledge they need to drive anywhere, anytime.
Book your lesson today and take the next step towards your P-plates.