Well, to be cynical about it, what you are actually learning to do is to pass the driving test. So, ignore any short cuts that friends and relatives give you and pay attention to what your instructor tells you. Pass the wheel through your hands when turning a corner; make sure you use the mirror in a conspicious fashion; flashing a motorist to tell him you are giving way is not a legally acceptable action. When you've passed the test you can start developing all the bad habits that the rest of us have.