What is a common mistake made by new commercial drivers during the skills test?

New commercial drivers often overlook the importance of frequent mirror checks during the skills test, which is critical for safe driving and effective maneuvering. Regularly checking mirrors is essential not only for maintaining awareness of surrounding traffic but also for preventing accidents and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. During the skills test, failing to check mirrors frequently can result in missed blind spots and obstacles, leading to unsafe driving maneuvers. This mistake can significantly impact the driver's overall performance and, consequently, their success in passing the skills test.

In contrast, driving too slowly might indicate caution but could also disrupt traffic flow, while excessive speeding can be obvious and easily penalized. Neglecting to signal is also a serious error, but it often comes secondary to the fundamental need for situational awareness that regular mirror checks provide.