Tactic: get real about skills
One of the most valuable skills a driver can have is
accurate self-evaluation. Be deadly honest with yourself about
your ability. You will learn faster and eventually become a far
better driver than someone who can't.
Avoid the common mistakes
Thinking you are better than you are is the classic
mistake. We all know the dangers of complacent, overconfident
driving: it means a lack of attention and concentration. Slack
driving. It's a regular cause of crashes.
Bringing yourself down is a less classic mistake but also a
problem. If you believe you are a worse driver than you are
you will only undercut the confidence you need to make sensible
judgements. This too is dangerous.
Assess yourself accurately
Take a good, honest look at your driving. If you realise
it's not that great, don't beat yourself up about it or feel
bad. Just improve it, for the sake of staying alive, in one
piece, and not hurting anybody else.
If you work out that you are really a decent driver, then
look after that ability. But leave
self-congratulations behind. They only make you
complacent. Over-confidence takes the edge off your alertness
and wastes your hard work.
Take the ego out of driving
Good driving really has nothing to do with ego-tripping. So
get real and keep your feet on the ground. You'll be a much
better driver for it.