It’s the time! You’ve done your research. The instructor has been found. You’ve chosen your outfit and shoes. Now it’s your turn to drive the car for the first time. The first lesson with a driving instructor is an exciting milestone. However, it can also be very nerve-racking.
It helps to know what your first driving lesson is going to look like before you go. Knowing the details will help you pick them up quickly and make you more confident about what lies ahead.
Here are some steps about how to ensure your first driving lesson goes well.
All the best!
Before the first driving lesson
You’re driving lesson prep:
- Get some sleep
- Drink no alcohol the night before
- Start your day with breakfast
- Double-check that you are being picked up at the right time.
- What do you need to learn from your driving lesson?
- Comfortable, nonslip shoes
- Wear glasses if you’re driving requires them
- Except if you have paid up front, cash is required for the lesson.
- A bottle of water
- Remember to bring your provisional certificate
How to get your first driving lesson
It’s important to be on time and not rush. If you arrive late, you risk losing your time as well as your money. Some instructors will ring the bell, while others will wait in the vehicle for you.
But don’t panic, you don’t need to take the driving position immediately. You will start in the passenger position, while your instructor will guide you to a quiet spot for you and to practice the basics.
A cockpit drill
Your instructor will make you drive the car if you are on a quiet street with low traffic. It’s great!
Your instructor will walk you through the cockpit drill. It will also introduce you to the checks required every time that you drive. You will soon be performing these checks instinctively.
- The cockpit drill
- Lock your doors securely
- Seat in a comfortable position
- Steering position established?
- Make sure you wear your seatbelts
- Adjustment of mirrors
Next, you will be shown how to use the brake, clutch, and accelerator. Finally, you will be shown how to turn the gear. However, you won’t need to be an expert at changing gears immediately.
Ask if the controls need to be re-read before you go. Before you go driving at 20 MPH, it’s important to have a good grasp of the controls. Your instructor will help you understand the basics and will also be available to help if needed.
The best time for your first lesson is 2 hours. You have the chance to learn your controls, and you can also get some driving practice. You will soon be astonished at how quickly the time flew by when you stand back at your door.
Start driving in your first driving lesson
So now it is time to drive. Your instructor will demonstrate the following key procedures before you start the engine.
Here are some things you might learn from your first lesson.
- Moving on: getting ready for the use of your gears
- Clutch control includes finding and controlling the biting point
- Be sure to inspect your mirrors.
- Signaling with your indicator
- Changing gear
- Stopping the vehicle, covering the brakes and clutch
- Parking on the curb
It can feel overwhelming but you will soon get the hang of it. When you have the chance, get out on the roads to learn the art of driving. You won’t regret it.
After your first driving lesson
Once the lesson has ended, your instructor is going to drop you off at home. Make sure to have a conversation about how you found the lesson. Let your instructor know if there are many things you would like more time to cover next time.
Block bookings can be discounted by some driving instructors. Seek out a way to book the same slot over several weeks. To reduce the time between lessons, you should take at least 2 to 3 lessons per week. But don’t hurry. Everyone learns at a different pace. It’s important to be prepared for your test. Read engine’s advice on how many lessons will you need?
If you’re still nervous, so enroll yourself in safe drivers course and think of someone you don’t know who can drive cars. It doesn’t matter if they can do it. Keep asking questions too. Your instructor will expect to hear a lot from you, so don’t be afraid to ask.
