Being ready for your first time behind the wheel and maintaining a positive attitude will set yourself up for a successful first driving lesson and a smooth journey towards becoming a confident driver.
Learning to drive will give you an essential life skill, so read on to find out the best practices for making the most from your first driving lesson.
How to prepare for you first driving lesson
Before you even book your first driving lesson, it is crucial that you have your provisional driving licence. You cannot legally drive without one in the UK.
The next step is to book a qualified instructor from a reputable driving school. Check out reviews and speak to friends who have recently taken lessons to find the right instructor for you.
If you are wanting to learn to drive, then you should be studying for your driving theory test. Learning the Highway Code, speed limits, and road signs will help you feel more confident when you are behind the wheel.
The day before your first lesson, get your clothes ready. Comfortable, non-restrictive outfits will help you when driving. Suitable footwear, such as running shoes and ones with a thin sole will help you control the vehicle.
Finally, get a good night’s sleep. This will mean you are well rested and alert to the commands of your instructor and the demands of driving.
Your first driving lesson
On the big day, make sure that you arrive early, have a bottle of water with you and have done your best to calm your nerves. Rushing to your lesson will be counter-productive to learning and being as stress-free as possible.
Make sure that you have your provisional licence with you, and your booking confirmation before you arrive.
According to Government statistics, there are over 50 million people in the UK with a driving licence – remember that everyone started in the same position. Relax and listen carefully to your instructor.
During the first driving lesson, pay close attention to your instructor's guidance and instructions – and if you are unsure about something, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. This will be helpful as you take more lessons.
It's your first lesson, so it is normal to make mistakes. Stay calm and focused on learning.
What should you bring to your first driving lesson?
Now that you have your first driving lesson booked, there are a few things you’ll need to bring with you.
- Provisional driving licence
- Booking confirmation (email or printout)
- Glasses, contact lenses, or sunglasses (if applicable)
- Other personal items such as water bottle, notepad and pen
Remember that you should wear appropriate clothing and shoes to make the most of your first driving lesson.
What questions should you ask your driving instructor?
By asking the right questions to your driving instructor, you will stand a better chance of learning to drive quicker and more efficiently.
Here are some questions to check with your instructor before starting your first lesson:
- What will we be learning today?
- Will every lesson be in the same car as the first?
- Will we be practicing on different types of roads?
- What manoeuvres will we be starting with?
- (While carrying out a manoeuvre) – is this correct? Are my hands in the right position? How and when should I check my mirrors?
- (At the end of the lesson) How many lessons will I need?
- What should I practice before my second lesson?
- What tips do you have for helping me remember what I have learnt today?
- Do you recommend any particular resources for studying the Highway Code or theory test?
- Is it beneficial to practice driving outside of lessons with a family member or friend?
Speak to friends and family members to find out what questions they asked when learning to drive.
What is the cockpit drill?
Also known as DSSSM, the cockpit drill is a common routine used by instructors during a learner’s first driving lesson.
It is an essential safety drill that will keep the driver and other road users free from unnecessary danger.
Doors
Check that all doors are properly closed. Although modern vehicles will alarm you of an open door, bonnet, or boot, it is important to check – especially during your first lessons.
Seat
Adjust your seat so you can comfortably reach all the controls – as you will likely be a different height to your instructor. Your feet should rest easily on the pedals with a slight bend in your knees. Ensure you can operate the clutch fully without stretching if you are in a manual vehicle and have a clear view of the road and all mirrors.
Steering
The steering wheel will need to be positioned so that you can hold it comfortably with both hands at the "10 and 2" or "9 and 3" positions. This will be shown to you by your instructor in the first lesson.
Seatbelt
Simple – make sure that your seatbelt is securely fastened across your chest and lap.
Mirrors
As the driver, you will need to position it, so you have a clear view of the entire rear window, and your side mirrors show a small part of the sides of your vehicle. This means that you can see other vehicles and road users and minimise any blind spots when the vehicle is moving.
What should you do after your first driving lesson?
After the lesson, think about what you learned and areas where you can improve.
Make notes on what you learnt, and what manoeuvres you did. Journaling your driving experiences will help you remember what to do the next time you are asked to do them.
If possible, practice with a qualified driver between lessons to reinforce what you've learned.
How to get used to car controls
If you are nervous about driving and taking your first driving lesson, one of the best ways to be prepared is to already have some knowledge about the car controls, functions, and buttons.
Ask your instructor what make and model of vehicle they have and search for a view from inside the cabin from the driver’s perspective.
Every make and model will have extensive information available online as to where every part of the vehicle is located.
From the gearstick, to mirror adjustors, to windscreen wipers, knowing this information before starting will mean you are better prepared for your first lesson.
There will also be videos online of other people driving these vehicles – check them out in your free time.
Although a friend or family member will most likely have a different vehicle, the controls will be in similar positions. Ask them to take you through what each function does and how it works.
What to do if you make a mistake in your first driving lesson?
Remember that everyone who drives any vehicle was in your position at one point in their life.
Everyone has made mistakes and although you may be putting pressure on yourself, it is important to remember that you are learning. No one is an expert at anything after a few (or even 20+) lessons.
If you do a mistake, take a dep breath, and talk to your instructor on what to do next, and then what to do to avoid repeating the mistake in the future. And if you repeat the mistake, it doesn’t matter, as you are still getting to grasp with everything that comes with driving. If you persist, it will click, and you’ll be ready for your test in no time.
Always remember that your instructor can control the car from the passenger seat, and that there is signage all over the car telling other road users that you are a learner.
You may want to give yourself a better chance of passing your theory test by using a driving theory app.
You can download it here:
Top tips to prepare for your second driving lesson
Now that you have completed your first ever driving lesson, you will need to book a few more to get ready for your driving test.
Before you get back in the vehicle with your instructor again, there are a few things you can do to make sure you are ready for your second driving lesson.
If you’ve made notes after your first lesson, review them and practice what you’ve learnt with a friend or family member.
Study the Highway Code and road signs to make sure you are more aware of your surroundings for the next lesson.
Prepare some questions to ask your instructor about what you’ve learnt and what your next steps are.
It can feel overwhelming at first, but after a few lessons you will pick up how to drive – and soon enough you’ll be ready to take your practical driving test.
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First driving lesson FAQs
- Do you drive on the road on your first driving lesson?
Yes, you will drive on the road in your first driving lesson. It will likely be on a quiet residential street or in an empty car park to give you enough time to learn what to do when behind the wheel.
- How long is your first driving lesson?
Normally you first driving lesson can be anywhere between 45 minutes and an hour-and-a-half. This involves both driving and following instructions from the instructor.
- What shoes to wear when learning to drive?
When learning to drive, it is important to wear shoes that are suitable – such as running shoes or anything with a thin sole. This will give you more control over the pedals.
- What to do if your driving lesson went badly?
Calm down and realise that you are one of millions of people that will have gone through the same experience. Take notes of what you were trying to learn in the lesson, and research how to improve. Practicing will help you find your confidence for your next lesson.
- Is driving hard?
When learning to drive it can appear overwhelming. But sticking to your lesson plan and practicing will help you pick it up sooner than you think. Once you have done a few lessons, you will learn the basics – and your journey to becoming a full licence holder will begin.
