What to expect from your first driving lesson
It’s lastly here! The day you get behind the wheel for what is probably the first time. It’s a big day – but it can be pretty nerve-racking too.
It assists if you understand what you first driving lesson will include in advance, so make certain you prepare. You’ll choose things up much easier if they’re familiar to you and you feel great about what happens next.
Are first driving lessons frightening? Sure, a bit. You have actually got this.
1- Before your very first driving lesson
Your driving lesson preparation:
- Get some sleep
- Do NOT consume the night prior to
- Breakfast!
- Double-check where and when you’re being picked up
What to give your driving lesson:
- Comfy, non-slip shoes
- Glasses if you think you’ll need them for driving
- Your cash/ cheque for the lesson
- Remember your provisionary licence
Before your lesson
2- Getting picked up for your first driving lesson
Some driving instructors will call the doorbell, some will wait in the car for you – so keep an eye out. My driving instructor was often early so I ‘d go out straight away to get a complimentary 5 minutes!
Don’t worry – you’re not going to need to get in the driving seat immediately.
You’ll be getting in the guest seat to start with, while your trainer takes you to a peaceful place for you to get to grips with the essentials.
3- The cockpit drill
Your instructor will have you change so you’re in the driving seat when you have actually shown up at a peaceful road with low traffic. Weird, huh?
Your trainer will describe the cockpit drill to introduce you to the checks you’ll need to do whenever you drive.
The cockpit drill or DSSSM:
- Doors firmly closed?
- Seat in a comfortable position?
- Steering position established?
- Seatbelts on?
- Mirrors changed?
4- The controls
Next, you’ll get a rundown of the clutch, accelerator and brake, how to use the handbrake and sign, and how to alter gear.
Do not be afraid to ask if you can run through the controls again because you’ll want to make sure when you’re suddenly doing 20 miles an hour and it seems like 120.
Don’t worry too much though – your instructor will talk you through everything as you go.
2 hours is best for your first lesson so you have a possibility to discover your controls and get some driving in too.
Taking to the road in your very first driving lesson
You guessed it: time to drive. Before you start the engine, your instructor will explain a couple of key procedures:
Driving you’ll learn about in your very first lesson:
- Moving off: getting ready to use your gears
- Clutch control including finding the biting point
- Inspecting your mirrors and blind spot
- Signalling with your indicator
- Changing equipment
- Stopping the cars and truck, covering the brake and the clutch
- Curb-side parking
Once you get going, try to relax and bear in mind that your trainer has their own set of controls so you can concentrate on discovering without being frightened.
If you get the opportunity, do move out onto the roadway so you can experience ‘appropriate’ driving. You won’t regret it!
6- After your very first driving lesson
Once your time is up, your trainer will drop you house. Have a chat about how you found the lesson and anything you think you need more work on next time.
Some driving trainers provide discounts for block bookings, so see if you can book the very same slot for numerous weeks at a time. Ideally, you should have 2 or 3 lessons a week to minimise time between lessons so you don’t forget what you’re finding out.
However do not rush. When you take your test, everybody discovers at their own pace and it’s crucial to be totally prepared. If you’re wondering for how long it’ll take you to get to driving test time, read our recommendations about how many driving lessons you’ll need.
You’ll be fine
Think about the silliest person you know who can drive a vehicle. You’ll have no difficulty if they can do it.
And if you think of a question, ask it. I guarantee it’s not the stupidest thing your trainer will have heard (I can most likely claim that one).
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Best of luck
The day you get behind the wheel for what is most likely the very first time. Are first driving lessons scary? Some driving trainers will call the doorbell, some will wait in the vehicle for you – so keep an eye out. My driving instructor was frequently early so I ‘d go out directly away to get a free 5 minutes!
If you’re wondering how long it’ll take you to get to driving test time, read our guidance about how lots of driving lessons you’ll require.
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