Congratulations if you are about to experience your first driving lesson for the first time, it’s an exciting period for you, as you are now going to gain your independence. But many learners are nervous as they do not know what is going to happen. The great thing is that teachers will have you do your work step-by-step and will not be too hard on you if you’re a beginner.

Best Drive offers a guide to what happens on your first driving lesson, how the lesson is likely to unfold and what you can do to prepare. At the end, you’re more at ease behind the wheel!

Why Your First Driving Lesson Matters

Your first lesson isn’t about driving flawlessly. Rather, it’s about creating self-assuredness and familiarity with the core of the vehicle.

In this lesson, you will learn to:

How does the car’s control work?

How to get out safely

How to brake the car without slamming on the brakes.

Basic road awareness

Most teachers start slowly and pick quiet roads to practice at their own speed. This is to keep you focused while learning new skills.
What is the first thing you do on your first driving lesson?

This is a question that many learners are likely to ask prior to the first session. Each instructor will present their course in a slightly different way, but the overall format and structure are quite similar.

1. Meeting Your Instructor

First, your teacher will introduce herself/himself and ask some basic questions.

They might ask, for instance:

What is your experience with driving?

Have you had any experience driving on a road?

Have your provisional license with you?

This brief conversation is to get the instructor’s insight on your experience level so that they can tailor the lesson to fit you.

2. Learning to drive in a quiet practice area.

Driving right away is not usually the case. Rather, the teacher will take you to a quiet residential neighbourhood or an industrial site.

This helps to make the lesson safe and to learn without a lot of noise around you.

3. Understands the Car Controls

When you arrive in the practice area, you will be moving seats and learning about adjusting the car controls.

Your teacher will explain:

• Steering wheel
• Accelerator pedal
• Brake pedal
• Clutch (manually operated cars)
• Gear stick
• Handbrake
• Indicators and mirrors

You can also get to know the cockpit drill, which is checking doors, seat position, steering, seatbelt and mirrors before driving.

4. Moving off and stopping

Once you are familiar with the controls, your instructor will demonstrate how to drive the car.

You will practice:

• Moving off safely
• Always use mirrors before positioning and before moving.
• Accelerating gently
• Braking to a stop

The typical beginner takes a few tries to get comfortable by moving away from and stopping more than once in the first lesson.

5. Simple Steering and Simple Turns

You may also get to practice some basic steering skills, if time permits. In some schools, left and right turns are incorporated in the basic road skills program on quiet streets.

The primary focus of the first lesson, though, is not the advanced level of driving, but comfort and control.

What Should You Bring to Your First Driving Lesson?

Arrange to bring some essential items to your lesson.

Essential items include:

• Your provisional driving licence
• Glasses or contact lenses, if necessary
• Comfortable clothing
• Shoes that are flat and have thin soles.

Comfortable shoes are particularly key as this assists you to feel the pedals more easily.

Tips to Stay Calm During Your First Lesson

It is normal not to feel at ease. In the first lesson, in fact, most learners feel the same way.

Here are some suggestions to help:

1. Listen carefully
Listen to your teacher and take your time to do each step.

2. Ask questions
When it’s unclear, ask! Instructors expect questions.

3. Avoid being concerned about errors.
At first, everybody slows down the car or makes minor errors. Learning is in part this.

4. Take your time
Smooth and controlled driving is more important than speed.

How Long Is a First Driving Lesson?

The majority of driving schools provide:

• 1-hour lessons
• 90-minute lessons
• 2-hour lessons

More time for practice, particularly in learning the basics, a longer lesson.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

The first lesson is when learners tend to do the following:

• Press the pedals too hard
• Forget mirror checks
• Drive too fast with the steering wheel.
• Stall the car

All these are very normal errors. The instructor has dual controls and is able to help if necessary.

FAQ’s About First Driving Lessons

1. Will I drive on my first driving lesson?

Yes, you will drive in the first lesson (in the majority of cases). Typically, the instructor will drive to a quiet road before allowing you to drive the vehicle.

2. What is the first thing you do on your first driving lesson?

Learning the controls of the vehicle, cockpit checks, moving off, stopping and basic steering. Emphasis is on developing confidence and not perfection.

3. What is the time frame for learning to drive?

Learners require approximately 40-50 hours of professional lessons and more practice to prepare for the test.

4. Do I have to take my theory exam before I take my lessons?

No, as long as you have passed your theory test, you can book driving lessons. But you will have to complete the theory test before you book the practical test.

5. If I get nervous on the first lesson, what can I do?

It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous. They are good instructors to teach beginners every day and to guide at a comfortable pace.

6. Can I fail my first driving lesson?

No. It is not intended that driving lessons be used to test. Errors are allowed and are used to learn and grow.

Final Thoughts

The first driving lesson is just the start of your driving journey! It concentrates on getting to know the car, practising simple controls, and building confidence on quiet roads.

Well-planned and without stress, it will seem much simpler than you think.

Best Drive has experienced instructors who help learners at all stages of their learning. Regardless of whether you’re a new driver or seeking to boost your driving abilities, your initial lesson might be a positive and invigorating experience towards becoming a secure driver.

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