13 Really Obvious Signs You're A Bad Driver

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we’ll receive a commission if you purchase through our link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.

This post is all about the signs you’re a bad driver.

It’s no secret that bad drivers exist.

In fact, most of us have probably been in a car with someone who is a terrible driver at some point or another.

But how can you tell that someone is a bad driver?

And how do you know if you’re one of those bad drivers?

Well, we’re going to talk about 13 not-so-subtle signs that someone is a terrible driver. Keep these in mind the next time you get behind the wheel!

Contents

[hide]

Signs You’re A Bad Driver

1. People Tell You

The first sign you’re a bad driver is pretty obvious — people tell you.

This doesn’t have to be verbal, it could be through the annoyed look or angry toot of another driver, or that uneasy look on your passenger’s face as they hold on tightly to their seats and pray for help.

Maybe you find people are reluctant to get in the car while you’re driving.

Not good!

If people are constantly telling you that you’re a bad driver with their words or faces, don’t get defensive — it’s probably true!

Once you accept this, you can work on getting better.

2. You Get Pulled Over… A Lot

Another sign that you’re a terrible driver is if you find yourself getting pulled over frequently.

This could be for speeding, running red lights, or any number of other offenses.

If you find that you’re constantly getting in trouble with the law when you’re behind the wheel, it’s a good indication that you’re not the best driver.

3. You Avoid Certain Driving Situations

When it comes to driving, we all have those things we prefer not to do.

That’s fine!

But as you gain experience with driving, you should become more and more confident in situations you may have once found tricky.

This is why this is the third sign of a bad driver.

If you find that you’re going out of your way to avoid driving on certain routes, or you avoid going to certain places because you don’t feel comfortable parking, it may be time to question why.

Is it the place, or is it you?

4. You Make Other Drivers Uncomfortable

If you’re constantly riding another driver’s bumper, cutting people off in traffic, causing people to slam their brakes to avoid hitting you, or driving in any way that would make another driver feel unsafe, it’s a sign that you’re not the best on the road.

We share the road with other people, and we should all be respectful of one another.

If your driving is making others uncomfortable, it’s time to take a step back and reassess.

5. People Are Always Overtaking You

Maybe you’re confused, maybe you’re new to the area, or maybe the drivers around you are just impatient.

But if people constantly overtake you on the road, it’s a sign that you’re not driving at an appropriate speed.

Remember, the speed limit is there for a reason!

There’s no need to speed, but if you’re frequently driving below the speed limit, it shows that you aren’t confident and that’s a sure sign that you’re not a good driver.

6. You’re Always Getting Into Accidents

This is one of the biggest signs you’re a bad driver… for obvious reasons.

No one is perfect, and accidents happen, but if you find that you’re constantly having fender benders or more serious accidents, it’s definitely a sign that you’re not the best driver.

Not only is this dangerous for you and your passengers, but it’s also expensive!

If you’re constantly having to pay for repairs or getting your insurance rates raised, it’s time to take a good hard look at your driving.

7. You Don’t Know How to Park

Parking can be tricky, we get it.

But if you find that you’re constantly struggling to park between the lines or you’re taking up two parking spots because you can’t seem to get it right, it’s a sign that you need more practice.

This is especially true if you find yourself avoiding parking situations or getting frustrated when you have to park.

8. You Get Distracted Easily

When you’re driving, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and to stay focused on the task at hand.

If you find that you’re constantly getting distracted while driving, whether it’s by your phone, other passengers, or something else, it’s a sign that you’re not a good driver.

Good drivers know that they can’t afford to take risks while they’re behind the wheel and they’ll do everything they can to avoid being distracted.

If you need to do something important, pull over!

9. You’re Always Getting Lost

If you’re constantly getting lost, even when you’re driving in familiar territory, it’s a sign that you’re not a great driver.

This is because good drivers are able to pay attention to their surroundings and follow directions.

If you find yourself always getting turned around, it’s time to work on your sense of direction — or invest in a GPS.

10. You Have a Bad Attitude Behind the Wheel

This is an underrated but important sign you’re a bad driver.

If you find yourself getting angry or frustrated easily when you’re driving, it’s a sign that you need to take a step back and reevaluate your attitude.

There’s no way everyone is a bad driver but you.

If you find yourself getting angry at everyone else on the road, the problem likely isn’t with them.

It’s with you.

11. You Don’t Know the Rules of the Road

This is one of the most basic signs that you’re a bad driver.

If you don’t know the basic rules of the road, such as yield signs, stop signs, and right-of-way laws, then it’s time to brush up on your knowledge.

Helpful Links

US (California): Driver’s Handbook
UK: The Highway Code, Road Safety and Vehicle Rules

This one is especially important if you’re a new driver. But even if you’ve been driving for years, there are always going to be rules that you might not be aware of.

Once you realize this, it’s important to learn the rules of the road so that you can be a confident driver.

The safety of yourself and other drivers depends on it.

12. You Don’t Communicate

This is so so important.

Good drivers communicate with other drivers to let them know what they’re doing and when they’re doing it.

Every car has a horn, turn signals, and brake lights for a reason. If you’re not using them as you should, you’re not being a good driver.

It’s that simple.

13. You Drive Tired Or While Under the Influence

This is one of the most dangerous things you can do on the road.

If you’re driving when you’re tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you’re not only putting your life at risk, but you’re also endangering the lives of other drivers.

This is a sure sign of a bad driver because it causes you to do everything else on this list (get distracted, drive too fast or slow, ignore the rules of the road, etc.).

Never ever get behind the wheel if you’re not in a condition to drive.

It’s not worth the risk.

So… You’re A Bad Driver… Now What?

If you find that you’re guilty of any of these signs, don’t despair.

The first step is acknowledging that you might not be the best driver out there. Next, try to figure out why.

We’ve written a post all about this so you can figure out the real reason your driving isn’t the best. From there, you can start working on making improvements.

It might take some time, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, you can definitely become a better driver.

Just be patient, stay safe, and don’t forget to use your signals!

13 Really Obvious Signs You’re A Bad Driver