FIRST DRIVING LESSON

So, what actually happens on your first driving lesson, lets take a look and give you some insight into the realms of driving lessons.

Your first driving lesson with Evolve driving school is usually a nervous time. You will be going into the unknown and unsure what to expect. However, the first driving lesson usually goes well, and you will feel much more at ease at the end of it. Here we will talk about what happens on your very first driving lesson. Your driving instructor will also tell you what they will expect from you and for future lessons at the end. Let us start by assuming you have your first driving lesson booked with a driving instructor and the date is approaching.

When you booked your driving lessons with your driving school, they would have arranged a pick up location. That is usually your home address or even school and workplace. You will be asked to bring your provisional driving licence with you on the first lesson. That will be just to check you are legafirst driving lesson l platelly allowed to take driving lessons with the driving school and that you are licenced to begin to take driving lessons. It is a legal requirement to have a licence to take driving lessons.

As soon as you enter the car, the driving instructor will check your licence and personally drive you to a suitable place to conduct your first driving lesson. Usually, this will be a quiet, safe place to start from to learn the basics without any busy roads. On the drive to the location, driving instructors will typically explain a few things about what is going to happen. They may ask you about yourself and what you do at school or at work, this is to get a little background on their pupil.

You may be asked if there is anything they need to know that could affect your ability to drive and learn. Medical conditions, anxiety, ADHD etc, should be shared with your instructor so they can adapt to you in the car ready for your first driving lesson and consequent lessons in the future.

COCKPIT DRILL

Once you arrive at the location, you will be asked to do an eyesight check. You will be invited to read a number plate from 20 metres. You will then be asked to sit in the driver’s seat. The driving instructor will then start to explain the cockpit drill. The instructor will tell you or even demonstrate what all the certain tasks you will need to do to prepare the car for your driving position and safety as well as what the pedals, gear lever, and other anxillary controls you will need to either adjust or master.

The cockpit drill is an explanation of how everything works including the instruments and how you will need to operate them. The car will be stationary, and the engine turned off. Your instructor typically uses a book full of diagrams to stimulate the learning process visually. That will help you understand the procedures easier. Usually, this takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, and a few questions will be asked to consolidate that you understand.

If you are unsure of anything, do not be scared to ask any questions you may have on what is being explained to you, remember, the driving school’s instructor is there to help answer any questions you may have to help the learning process on the first driving lesson. The cockpit drill is as follows:

  • Adjusting the seat for your driving position
  • Adjusting the mirrors for vision behind in your driving position
  • The blind spot areas – area you cannot see in the mirrors
  • Gear change techniques – hand positioning and how to change
  • How to use the handbrake and when to use it
  • Steering wheel – how to hold and how to steer with both hands
  • Indicators – how to apply and when to use them

MOVING OFF AND STOPPING THE CAR

After completing the briefing on the cockpit drill, you will begin to delve into the crucial skills of starting and stopping the vehicle. Your instructor will provide a clear explanation of the routine, often enhanced with visual aids such as diagrams to facilitate your understanding. You will learn about the essential controls needed to set the car in motion, as well as the significance of performing proper mirror checks at every stage.

Additionally, the instructor will support you in refining your ability to safely bring the vehicle to a stop alongside the kerb on the left, ensuring that you develop a solid foundation for your driving journey

Then comes the time for you to have a go at the moving off and stopping the car yourself. Your instructor will guide you through the process step by step as you go through the routine. Listen carefully and follow what is explained to you step by step and you will be fine. The move off and stop is as follows:

  • Switch on the engine
  • Depress clutch with left foot – apply first gear
  • Raise clutch up to the biting point – the position of the clutch to have the car ready to drive
  • Set a little gas – right foot slight pressure on accelerator pedal
  • Use of mirrors and signalling to move off
  • Release the hand brake
  • Raise the clutch slowly – car will begin to move off slowly and steadily faster as the clutch is lifted higher
  • Explanation during the short drive on how to stop the car
  • stopping the car next to the kerb – using reference point techniques

FIRST LESSON NERVES

The first move off will be a nervous moment for you. You will be driving for just a short distance in a straight line. Your instructor will be in complete control of what they are asking you to do. Dual controls are fitted on the passenger side to reassure you everything is under control by the driving instructor. Enjoy it, because there is nothing to worry about, it is your first driving lesson after all.

FIRST DRIVING LESSON END

At the conclusion of your first driving lesson, your instructor will ensure you are safely taken home while providing valuable insights into your performance during the session. They will offer a comprehensive debrief, discussing what you accomplished and how effectively you managed various tasks behind the wheel.

Additionally, they will outline what to expect in your upcoming lessons, helping to prepare you for continued progress. As part of this reflective process, you will receive a detailed progress report sheet or booklet, which will track your improvements over each lesson and serve as a reference for your future learning. This will not only help you understand your strengths but also highlight areas for further development. Lastly, this is an excellent opportunity to schedule your next driving lesson, ensuring that you maintain the momentum of your learning journey.

A FEW FIRST DRIVING LESSON TIPS 

 

MISTAKES, WE ALL MAKE THEM

You will make plenty of mistakes on your first driving lesson, especially on your first few driving lessons. Your driving instructor is aware of what will happen and has plenty of experience to keep you calm for when those mistakes occur. The instructor can only ask that you try your best, that will be enough. Also, remember you are learning new things. Consequently, mistakes will happen. After repetition, those mistakes will naturally stop happening

TAKE YOUR TIME

Try to learn at a steady pace because trying to learn too much too soon can reduce the learning process. That said, if you feel your driving instructor is asking you to do too much for you to cope with, don’t be afraid to tell them it is too much. Your driving school instructor will always need some input and feedback from you to determine the level of tuition to be given.

WATCH HOW OTHER PEOPLE DRIVE

While you watch friends and family on how they drive can help in some ways. Therefore, sometimes you start to notice bad habits and as a result, you can benefit from how they drive. Such things like how they gear change, or how they slow the car down using the brake, and also how and when they use the clutch. Consequently, it can make you understand what you are doing on a driving lesson a little easier.

THE HIGHWAY CODE

To improve your driving skills effectively, it is essential to obtain a copy of the Highway Code and diligently study its contents before you start your driving lessons. This crucial resource not only provides a comprehensive understanding of road rules and safety guidelines but also equips you with the knowledge needed to navigate various driving situations with confidence. By integrating the insights gained from the Highway Code with the practical experience you will acquire during your lessons, you will create a strong foundation that will significantly expedite your learning process and enhance your overall driving competence.

SENSIBLE SHOES

Make sure you enter the car with sensible footwear. Wearing trainers on your first driving lesson is a good idea to start learning to drive. Try not to wear chunky trainers or shoes or boots. Definitely no high heels. Just good flat old trainers is what an instructor would like to see. This will assist in helping you master the control over the pedals and develop a controlled feeling of the biting point and use of the accelerator pedal and brake.

REMEMBER TO BRING

Be sure to pack your glasses or contact lenses if you need them for clear vision as you embark on your adventure. Amid all the excitement, it’s easy to forget essential items like your house keys and driving licence, so make a checklist to ensure you have everything you need before you head out. You really don’t want to find yourself locked out of your home because the thrill of the moment made you overlook these important details. It can happen to anyone, but with a little preparation, you can avoid that situation and fully enjoy your day.

ENJOY IT

Try to embrace the excitement of your first driving lesson as a wonderful opportunity for growth and learning. The more you allow yourself to relax and enjoy the process, the better you will be able to absorb the valuable lessons being taught to you. Starting driving lessons can be a thrilling adventure, and finding joy in the experience will significantly enhance your ability to learn and develop your driving skills. Remember that each moment behind the wheel is a chance to improve, so focus on the enjoyment of the journey as you gain confidence and expertise.