Your First Driving Lesson: What to Expect

07 Nov Your First Driving Lesson: What to Expect

Gearing up for your first driving lesson can be surprisingly daunting. Having never taken the wheel of a motor vehicle before, you really have no idea what to expect.

This is where a little advance knowledge of the whole thing can make for a more comfortable, confident and enjoyable experience. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your first driving lessons, you’ll find all the information you need in the FAQs below:

What Do I Need to Do Before My Lesson?

In terms of formalities, there’s very little you need to do on the run-up to your first driving lesson. You need to be at least 17 years of age and must be in possession of a provisional driving licence (which you will need to bring with you on the day). It’s also a good idea to be well-rested and to ensure you’re wearing comfortable clothing (and sensible footwear).

While it’s by no means mandatory, conducting a little prior research into the Highway Code before your first lesson comes highly recommended; if you know at least a few basic road safety rules (and the fundamentals of how a motor vehicle works), you’ll get so much more out of your first driving lesson.

What Do I Need to Bring with Me?

The only thing you need to bring with you on the day is your provisional driving licence, and any glasses or contact lenses you need to see clearly.  Before heading out on the road, your instructor will conduct a quick test to ensure that you are able to read a number plate at a distance of 20.5 metres.

Depending on your agreed payment method, you may also need to bring payment for your first lesson, or your block booking. Feel free to reach out to your driving school in advance, if unsure what you need to bring with you on the day.

What Happens During the First Lesson?

Truth is, it depends entirely on your confidence level and whether you have any past knowledge or experience of driving.

In a typical introductory driving lesson, learners will be familiarised with the basics of how a car works, before taking the wheel in a safe and fairly quiet location (like a car park). From here, you will practice the fundamentals of how to move a motor vehicle safely and control its various functions. After which, you may be taken out onto a quiet public road, to get your first taste of driving in the real world.

However, adjustments will always be made to suit the requirements and preferences of the learner. If you are incredibly nervous and the thought of driving on public roads terrifies you, your instructor will give you more time to practice in safe and quiet areas. If you are super confident and have practiced driving privately elsewhere, you may be taken straight out on public roads.

One thing’s for sure – drivers who lack knowledge, experience and confidence will never be thrown in at the deep end…so you don’t have to worry about that!

What if I Mess Things Up?

You also don’t have to worry about making mistakes, as you’ll be learning to drive in a car with dual controls. This makes it practically impossible to put yourself and your instructor in harm’s way. The moment they believe you are out of your comfort zone or likely to make a mistake, they can take over the controls, and move the vehicle into a safe position.

Make no mistake about it – you will make plenty of mistakes while learning to drive. All of which is part and parcel of the process, as it’s learning from the mistakes you make that ultimately helps mould you into a safe, confident, and responsible motorist.