Learning to drive is an exciting step towards independence, but it’s normal to encounter a few challenges along the way. Many learner drivers find certain skills more challenging than others, such as tackling roundabouts, parallel parking, or understanding traffic signals. This can leave many learners feeling stressed and anxious during their lessons, turning an already daunting experience into something even more overwhelming.
At Wimbledon Driving School, we provide expert driving lessons across London, including in Sutton, with experienced instructors who are committed to helping students gain confidence. In this post, we highlight five common areas that learner drivers often struggle with and share practical advice on how to overcome them.
Common Challenges Faced by Learner Drivers
Whilst taking the step to learn to drive is a really important part of life, it can also be quite challenging too. Many learners face similar struggles as they learn to drive, and it’s perfectly normal to feel unsure at times. Whether you’re just starting out or have a number of lessons under your belt, understanding these challenges can help you feel more prepared and confident behind the wheel.
With practice, patience, and guidance from a qualified instructor such as ours at Wimbledon Driving School, these issues can be overcome. Below, we go through five common areas that many learner drivers struggle with and tips for how to improve;
Roundabouts
For many learner drivers, roundabouts can be a particularly challenging part of driving. They require you to judge gaps in traffic, choose the correct lane, use indicators correctly, and make decisions quickly – all while other road users are moving around you. It’s not uncommon for learners to feel under pressure, especially when the roundabout is busy or unfamiliar, which can lead to hesitation or incorrect positioning.
To become more confident, try approaching roundabouts at a controlled speed and focus on staying calm. Using the MSPSL routine (mirror, signal, position, speed, look) can help break down each stage into manageable steps. With regular practice and guidance from your instructor, roundabouts will start to feel more routine and less intimidating.
Parallel Parking
Parallel parking is one of the more technical manoeuvres for learner drivers, requiring a mix of precision, timing, and spatial awareness. It involves reversing into a narrow space while maintaining full control of the vehicle, and many learners worry about misjudging the gap or being watched by other road users. This pressure can make the manoeuvre feel more difficult than it is.
To improve, start by learning a reliable step-by-step method, using clear reference points for guidance. Practise in quieter areas before building up to busier streets, and don’t rush the process. As your control improves and the method becomes second nature, your confidence in parallel parking will naturally grow.
Hill Starts
Hill starts can be a nerve-racking experience for new drivers, especially when dealing with steep inclines or traffic close behind. Managing the clutch and accelerator at the same time, while using the handbrake correctly, requires coordination that often takes time to develop. Learners often worry about stalling or rolling backwards, which can increase anxiety.
To gain confidence, practise hill starts in quieter areas with a gentle slope to begin with. Focus on feeling the biting point and using the handbrake effectively to stay steady. Your instructor will support you in developing this skill gradually, and with repetition, you’ll learn how to pull away smoothly and safely on hills.
Traffic Lights and Junctions
Navigating traffic lights and junctions can be challenging for learners, especially in busy urban areas. Understanding who has priority, reacting to changing signals, and making decisions under pressure can all feel overwhelming. Many learners also struggle to read signs and road markings quickly enough, which can lead to hesitation or confusion at key moments.
To improve, practise a range of junction types, from simple T-junctions to more complex crossroads. Focus on early observation and scanning the road ahead to anticipate what’s coming. Repeating these scenarios during lessons will help you react more calmly and confidently in real situations.
Clutch Control and Stalling
For those who choose manual driving, clutch control and stalling can also be a big challenge that they face as they learn. Getting used to the clutch’s biting point can take time, and learners often find themselves stalling in awkward places and situations, which can knock their confidence. Being able to manage gears, clutch, and speed all at once can be difficult for learners and make lessons stressful.
To overcome this issue, focus on smooth clutch release in low-pressure environments and practise with an experienced driver, like quiet roads or car parks. Try to pay close attention to the sound and feel of the engine, as this can help to anticipate the biting point and reduce the chances of stalling. Stalling is a part of learning, but practise calmly and you’ll improve.
Driving School in Sutton
If you’re looking for a driving school in Sutton, welcome to Wimbledon Driving School? We provide expert driving lessons across London, including Sutton, with a range of options tailored to suit every learner, including single lessons, fast-track and pass packages, refresher courses, or Pass Plus. Our lessons offer excellent value for money, providing a cost-effective way to learn to drive without ever compromising on quality. Book lessons in Sutton online, or get in touch directly if you have any questions.
