Driving Goals To Conquer in 2026

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This post is all about driving goals.

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According to Forbes Health, the three most popular New Year’s resolutions have to do with finances, fitness, and mental health.

Surprise, surprise.

Don’t get us wrong — those are great areas to set meaningful goals — but your resolutions list shouldn’t stop there.

You can (and should) set goals in every area of your life that you want to improve, and driving is definitely one of them.

In this post, we’ll share over 30 driving goal ideas you can set in 2026.

But first, why even bother setting driving goals?

Why Set Driving Goals?

Setting driving goals might sound a little unexpected compared to the usual New Year’s resolutions, but it’s a total game-changer.

Think about it: no one is a perfect driver, no matter how long they’ve been on the road.

That means we all have areas we can improve, so why not improve?

Setting driving goals helps you become a better and safer driver — for yourself, your loved ones, and everyone else on the road.

Here are a few more great reasons to add driving goals to your list this year:

Avoid Accidents: The better your driving habits, the less likely you are to end up in an accident. When you focus on improving your skills, you’re not just protecting yourself; you’re making the roads safer for everyone.
Sharpen Your Skills: Regularly brushing up on your driving techniques keeps you sharp. You’ll be ready for anything the road throws at you, from surprise potholes to stormy weather.
Boost Your Confidence: As your skills improve, so does your confidence. Parallel parking won’t feel terrifying anymore, and neither will those other tricky things you may find difficult.
Reduce Anxiety: Gaining confidence behind the wheel can help ease driving anxiety, turning what used to feel stressful into something you look forward to, or at least feel comfortable doing — not dread.

The best part? Driving goals aren’t hard to achieve.

Most of us drive regularly, if not every day.

Each trip — whether it’s a quick errand or a long road trip — gives you a chance to work toward your goals without needing extra time or money.

Now that you’re convinced driving goals deserve a spot on your New Year’s resolutions list, let’s dive into some ideas to get you started.

Driving Goal Ideas

Goals For People Who Don’t Have A Driver’s License

1. Get Your Driver’s License

Learning how to drive can quite literally change your life.

There are so many benefits to having this skill, whether or not you own a car.

It’s one of those milestones that instantly gives you more freedom and independence — and it’s something to feel genuinely proud of once you achieve it.

Since learning to drive is a big goal, here are three smaller ones that will help you get there:

Sign Up For Your First Driving Lesson

If you’ve been procrastinating getting your driver’s license for a while now, this is an easy goal that will get things going.

If there are prerequisites needed to sign up, your driving instructor will let you know what you need — so don’t overthink it.

Once you book that first lesson, you’re officially in motion.

Start Taking Driving Notes

At Girls Who Drive, we are obsessed with driving notes.

If you want to finally pass your driving test or have been struggling to remember what you’ve learned, this is the goal you need to set.

All you need is your phone or a notebook to jot down quick notes after every lesson.

Pass Your Driving Tests (Theory + Practical)

If you haven’t scheduled your tests yet, or have failed more times than you’d like to admit, make 2026 your year to pass.

But you can’t just set the goal; you need to make a plan.

Study your notes, practice consistently, and do mock exams to get more confident.

Check out this post for more tips for passing your driving test once and for all.

Goals For People With A Driver’s License

2. Master Parallel Parking

There’s a reason this one is feared globally. But once you get it, you get it.

Watch tutorials, take notes, and practice until it feels natural — not terrifying.

3. Become A Pro At Reversing

Reversing might seem simple until you actually need to back into a narrow space or out of a driveway with zero visibility.

Set a goal to practice reversing regularly until it’s second nature.

4. Reduce Driving Anxiety

Driving anxiety can suck the joy out of even the most beautiful road trip.

Whether it’s fear of highways, night driving, or just losing confidence after a bad experience, this year is the time to face it.

Progressively expose yourself to what scares you (you can even do it with someone you trust), and take back control of the wheel.

5. Create A Pre-Driving Routine

This one is related to goal idea #3, but anyone can do it, even if you don’t have driving anxiety.

In 2026, create a positive pre-driving routine that’ll boost your confidence and help you feel happier while driving.

Your routine can include:

prayer
saying affirmations
taking deep breaths
getting comfy in your seat (adjusting the seat, temperature, and mirrors)
putting on your favorite playlist, radio station, podcast, or audiobook
changing into a good pair of driving shoes

6. Improve Your Weak Areas

In our post about taking good driving notes, we explain that your driving weaknesses are the things you consistently struggle with.

We all have them, even years after passing the driving test.

Write down every weakness you can think of, and tackle them one by one this year.

7. Learn To Drive Manual (Stick Shift)

Even if you’re team Automatic, knowing how to drive a Manual vehicle is a valuable skill to have.

It’s great for travel (hello, rental cars in Europe), emergencies, or just bragging rights.

8. Take An Advanced Or Defensive Driving Course

Already licensed? Great! Now it’s time to really get good.

An advanced or defensive driving course takes you beyond the basics and helps you become a more skilled, alert, and confident driver.

These courses sharpen your awareness, improve reaction times, and teach you how to handle unexpected situations safely — the kind that could genuinely save your life one day.

We recommend checking out DriversEd.com for the best online driving courses. Simply select your state, sign up for the course you’re interested in, and start learning right from your computer or phone. It’s an easy, affordable, and genuinely useful way to level up your driving skills.

9. Practice Driving At Night

Driving after dark requires a different kind of focus.

Practice it in calm areas first, and once you’re comfortable, you’ll have the freedom to go anywhere, anytime.

10. Get Comfortable Driving In All Weather

Don’t let a little rain or fog throw you off.

The best way to build confidence is to practice driving in different weather conditions — safely and gradually.

Learning how to handle your car in rain, wind, or low visibility will make you a more capable and prepared driver year-round.

11. Try A New Route Home

In 2026, try breaking out of your driving routine by taking a different route home every now and then.

It keeps your mind sharp, helps you learn your area better, and makes even the most familiar drives feel a little more interesting.

You might just discover your new favorite route!

Goals For People Without A Car

12. Save a percentage towards your first car

Even if buying a car feels far off, you have nothing to lose by setting money aside now.

Whether it’s a small percentage of your paycheck or $25 a week, what matters most is building the habit and watching your car fund grow.

13. Research your dream first car

You don’t have to be actively car shopping to start exploring your options.

Look into models that fit your lifestyle and budget, and compare things like fuel efficiency, safety ratings, and maintenance costs.

Knowing what you’re aiming for will keep you motivated and help you make a smarter choice when the time comes.

14. Learn basic car-buying terms

Before you even think about signing anything, get familiar with the terms you’ll hear at the dealership.

APR, down payment, interest rate — they can sound intimidating, but once you know what they mean, you’ll feel way more in control.

Understanding the money side of car buying now will save you stress (and possibly a lot of cash) later.

Goals For People With A Car

15. Improve your fuel efficiency techniques

Become the kind of driver who squeezes every last mile out of a tank.

Smooth acceleration, steady speed, and properly inflated tires all make a huge difference. Set a challenge to see how long you can make your gas last this year.

It’s oddly satisfying.

16. Become An Expert On Your Own Car

How well do you actually know your car?

Take a little time to learn the basics: your tire size, oil type, how often you need servicing, and what those mysterious dashboard lights really mean.

The more familiar you are with your own car, the easier it is to spot when something’s off (and the less likely you’ll get talked into unnecessary repairs).

17. Try carpooling

It’s good for the planet, your wallet, and your social life.

Share rides with a coworker or classmate once a week and you’ll be surprised how much gas money (and boredom) you save.

18. Keep your car clean

Not just “kind of clean” — clean clean.

A tidy car feels instantly more put-together and relaxing to drive.

Set a recurring reminder to deep-clean your car once a month, and do quick touch-ups weekly to keep it that way.

19. Stick to your maintenance schedule

Oil changes, tire rotations, brake checks… the unglamorous stuff that keeps your car alive.

Add reminders to your phone so you never miss a service again. Future you (and your mechanic) will thank you.

20. Learn to change a tire

Flat tires are inevitable, but panic doesn’t have to be.

Watch a few YouTube tutorials, then practice on your own car so you know exactly what to do when it happens for real.

21. Learn how to jump-start a car

A dead car battery can ruin your plans — unless you know what you’re doing.

Practice it safely with a friend or mechanic so you’re not Googling it on the roadside.

We recommend this portable jumpstarter that makes the whole process as easy as 1,2,3.

22. Track your car expenses

Gas, insurance, maintenance, cute car accessories (👀) — it adds up fast.

Keep a simple log in a spreadsheet or use an app to see where your money’s going.

This will help you budget better and you’ll be surprised how much you actually spend on your car.

23. Keep a stocked emergency kit

Every driver needs one and you’re no exception!

A good emergency kit should have a portable jumpstarter (or jumper cables), a flashlight, a first-aid kit, water (not for drinking), and a few snacks that won’t melt.

You might never need it, but if you ever do, you’ll feel like your past self was a genius.

24. Replace your wiper blades and air filter

These are two simple swaps that make a big difference.

Worn-out wipers make driving in the rain stressful, and a clogged air filter can affect how well your car runs (and how fresh it smells inside).

Fresh air, clear view — total upgrade in under 30 minutes.

25. Learn to check your tires and fluids

Knowing how to check your fluids and tire pressure is peak adulting.

It only takes a few minutes, and both are huge for keeping your car in good shape.

Low oil or underinflated tires can mess with performance, fuel economy, and safety — so make it a monthly habit.

Fun Driving Goals For 2026

26. Go on a scenic road trip

Pick a safe route with great views, stock up on your favorite snacks, and choose a great playlist.

You’ll make memories, explore somewhere new, and become a better driver.

27. Drive somewhere new every month

Challenge yourself to explore new neighborhoods, towns, or backroads whenever you can.

It keeps driving exciting and helps you build confidence behind the wheel.

You’ll get better at navigation, learn to handle different road types, and maybe even find a few hidden gems along the way.

Just be sure to stay safe and take all necessary precautions.

28. Go on a car date

Drive-in movies, beach sunsets, midnight milkshakes… car dates are a whole vibe.

They’re low effort, cozy, and somehow always romantic.

29. Decorate your car interior

Make your car feel like its yours.

Add seat covers, LED lights, or an aesthetic steering wheel cover.

A cute space = better mood every time you drive.

30. Create your ultimate driving playlist

Some songs just hit different when you’re behind the wheel.

Create your own soundtrack — something that makes you feel confident, calm, or like the main-character of your own movie.

31. Attend a local car meet or event

You don’t have to be a car expert to show up to one of these. You can just go for the vibe, the photos, and the inspiration.

Car meets are full of creativity and personality, from custom builds to vintage classics.

You’ll learn a ton just by chatting with other drivers, and who knows — you might leave with new friends, new ideas for your own car, or a fresh spark of motivation to take better care of yours.

32. Take cute car photos

Document your driving era.

Think mirror shots, dashboard selfies, or golden-hour driveway photos. They’re perfect for Instagram, or just your camera roll.

33. Participate in a local autocross or fun driving event

Push your skills in a safe, controlled setting by signing up for something like autocross or a performance driving day. Hooked On Driving and SCCA host beginner-friendly events across the U.S., while K1 Speed offers go-kart racing locations around the world.

Outside the U.S., most countries have their own versions of these events.

Look into what’s available near you and what’s required to join.

It’s a fun, safe way to build precision, confidence, and control behind the wheel.

34. Drive your dream car (even if it’s a rental)

Whether it’s a Tesla, Jeep, or vintage convertible, rent or test drive it for a day.

There’s something motivating about experiencing what you’re working toward.

35. Complete at least 2 audiobooks

Turn your commute into something you actually look forward to.

Pick two audiobooks — fiction or nonfiction — you’ve been meaning to “read” and listen to them while you drive.

Whether you’re in the mood for a good story or some self-improvement, it’s the perfect mix of relaxation and productivity.

Click here to get your first 3 months of Audible for just $0.99/month! Cancel anytime. Offer ends December 16, 2025.

36. Spend a day driving with no destination

No Google Maps, no errands, no plans — just drive wherever the road takes you.

Roll the windows down, put on your favorite playlist, and let your mind wander a little.

Sometimes, driving really is the best therapy.