5 Common Myths About Learning to Drive (And the Truth Behind Them)

Learning to drive is a major milestone, but it’s also surrounded by a lot of misinformation. From outdated advice to misconceptions about passing the driving test, these driving myths can create unnecessary fear, confusion, and bad habits.

At Kennesaw Driving School, we’ve heard it all. In this blog, we’re busting five of the most common myths about learning to drive, giving you the facts you need to become a safe and confident driver.

🚗 Let’s separate fact from fiction!

Myth #1: "You Don’t Need Driving Lessons If a Parent Teaches You"

🚫 The Myth:
Some people believe that if a parent or family member teaches you to drive, there’s no need for professional driving lessons.

✅ The Truth:
While practicing with a parent is helpful, professional instruction is essential for developing safe and correct driving habits.

Why Driving Lessons Matter:

✔ Certified instructors teach the most up-to-date road rules and techniques.
✔ Parents may pass down bad habits without realizing it.
✔ Structured lessons ensure that all key driving skills are covered.
✔ A professional instructor's car has extra safety features (like a dual brake), making it safer for beginners.

💡 Pro Tip: In Georgia, Joshua’s Law requires teens under 18 to complete an approved driver’s education course before getting a full license. Taking lessons from a certified school like Kennesaw Driving School is not only recommended—it’s required!

Myth #2: "Parallel Parking is Impossible to Learn"

🚫 The Myth:
Many new drivers panic at the thought of parallel parking, believing that it’s too difficult to master.

✅ The Truth:
Parallel parking is just a skill, like anything else. With proper technique and practice, anyone can do it!

How to Master Parallel Parking:

1️⃣ Find a Spot: Make sure the space is at least 1.5 times the length of your car.
2️⃣ Align Your Car: Pull up parallel to the car in front of the spot, leaving about two feet of space.
3️⃣ Reverse & Turn the Wheel: Slowly back up while turning the wheel toward the curb.
4️⃣ Straighten Out: Once your front bumper clears the rear bumper of the other car, turn the wheel the opposite way and keep reversing.
5️⃣ Adjust: Move forward or backward slightly to center yourself in the space.

💡 Pro Tip: Use reference points—markers like the car in front’s bumper or parking lines—to guide your turns. Practice in an empty parking lot first!

Myth #3: "If You Can Drive Fast, You’re a Good Driver"

🚫 The Myth:
Some people think that being able to drive fast and handle a car aggressively makes someone a "good driver."

✅ The Truth:
Being a good driver has nothing to do with speed—it’s about safety, awareness, and control.

What Actually Makes a Good Driver?

✔ Smooth and controlled braking, accelerating, and steering.
✔ Following speed limits and adjusting to road conditions.
✔ Knowing defensive driving techniques to avoid accidents.
✔ Understanding right-of-way rules and respecting other drivers.

💡 Pro Tip: Many accidents happen because drivers overestimate their skill level and underestimate the importance of defensive driving. Take your time to develop real driving skills, not just speed!

Myth #4: "The Driving Test is Just Common Sense, So You Don’t Need to Prepare"

🚫 The Myth:
Many learners believe that passing the driving test is just about common sense, so studying and practice aren’t necessary.

✅ The Truth:
The driving test requires preparation—both for the written exam and the behind-the-wheel test. Many people fail on their first try because they assume they already know everything.

Why You Should Prepare for the Driving Test:

✔ The written exam covers detailed traffic laws, signs, and right-of-way rules—not just “common sense” topics.
✔ The road test evaluates specific driving skills, including parking, lane changes, and defensive driving techniques.
✔ Many test-takers fail due to small mistakes (like rolling stops or forgetting to check mirrors).

How to Prepare:

📖 Study the Georgia Driver’s Manual—it has everything covered in the written test.
🚗 Take practice tests online to check your knowledge.
🛣 Schedule mock driving tests with an instructor to build confidence.

💡 Pro Tip: At Kennesaw Driving School, we offer test preparation lessons to help you feel confident and pass on your first try!

Myth #5: "Older Drivers Don’t Need to Take Driving Lessons"

🚫 The Myth:
Many adults think that driving lessons are only for teens and that once you get your license, you never need lessons again.

✅ The Truth:
Even experienced drivers can benefit from refresher courses, especially if they:
✔ Haven’t driven in a while.
✔ Moved to a new state with different traffic laws.
✔ Want to lower their insurance rates (many companies offer discounts for taking a defensive driving course).
✔ Need to regain confidence after an accident or driving break.

Why Adults Should Consider Driving Lessons:

🚗 New driving laws and regulations change over time.
🚗 Bad habits develop over years of driving—professional lessons can correct them.
🚗 Older drivers may need help adapting to modern vehicle technology (backup cameras, lane assist, etc.).

💡 Pro Tip: At Kennesaw Driving School, we offer refresher courses for adult drivers to help build confidence and ensure safe, modern driving habits.

Final Thoughts: Don't Fall for Driving Myths!

🚗 Learning to drive is about developing safe, responsible habits—not following outdated myths.

By separating fact from fiction, you can become a confident, skilled driver who knows how to handle the road safely.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Professional driving lessons are essential—even if you practice with a parent.
✅ Parallel parking is easier than it seems with the right technique.
✅ Good drivers are safe drivers, not just fast ones.
✅ The driving test requires preparation—don’t assume you’ll pass without studying.
✅ Older drivers can still benefit from lessons and refresher courses.

At Kennesaw Driving School, we’re committed to helping new drivers, experienced drivers, and seniors develop safe, confident driving habits.

🚗 Ready to start your driving journey? Contact us today to schedule lessons and learn the right way!