What to expect on your first driving lesson

How to prepare for your first driving lesson

Review the Highway Code - not only will it help you when it comes to taking your theory test, it'll keep the rules and regulations of the road fresh in your mind.

For your first driving lesson, you will need to bring:

• Your provisional licence - This will only be for your first lesson. It will allow our driving instructor to make sure you’re legally allowed to drive.
• Comfortable shoes - You should wear flat, comfortable shoes that have a thin sole so you can feel the controls properly.
• Glasses or contact lenses - Though it might seem obvious, if you need to wear either. You will be asked to read a car number plate from a distance of 20.5 meters, your lesson could be cut short!

What do you do on your first driving lesson?

Will I drive straight away?

Don’t worry - you won’t get in the driving seat straight away. First, our instructor will drive you to a quiet road where you’ll learn all the fundamentals of the car controls. This includes the gears, the pedals, and what’s known as the cockpit drill.

What’s a cockpit drill?

This is an exercise that all drivers should carry out when they get in the car, and it’s usually one of the first things you're taught. The cockpit drill (often known as the DSSSM routine) consists of checking your doors, seat, steering, seatbelt and mirrors:

• Doors – check all doors are closed and secured before starting your engine.
• Seat and steering – adjust your seating so that the controls are within easy reach and you have a clear view of the road. You should also adjust your headrest to prevent whiplash if you’re in an accident.
• Seatbelt – make sure you and your passengers are buckled in.
• Mirrors – position your mirrors to minimise your blind spots.

What else do I need to know about the car?

You’ll be taught about your indicators, lights, and warning signs and controls on the dashboard. Then there’s the pedals. There’s also the handbrake and - of course - the gearstick.

Moving off

Refer to above image.

1. Get in the car and put on your seatbelt
2. Put the key in the ignition and turn all the way until the engine starts
3. Put the clutch pedal down with your left foot (this the pedal on the left)
4. Move the gear stick into first gear
5. Use your right foot to press down on the accelerator (pedal on the right) gently to increase the engine’s revs very slightly
6. Slowly lift the clutch pedal using your left foot until it starts to vibrate gently
7. This vibration is known as the car’s “bite point” - this is where the clutch plates start to come together.
8. Release the handbrake and the car should start to move slowly
9. Increase the revs while slowly raising your foot off the clutch unit you are moving forward with only the use of the accelerator pedal

How do I move off?

When it comes to the big moment – taking control of the car – you'll have to move the car off and show that you can safely do the 'Prepare, Observe, Move' routine:

Prepare - getting the vehicle ready to pull away when the road is clear

• Press and hold the clutch down with your left foot.
• Select first gear.
• Press the gas pedal down with your right foot until you're at about 1000-1200 rpm.
• Bring the clutch up slowly until you find the biting point.
• Be ready to release the handbrake at the correct time.
  Observe – showing your instructor that you're aware of your surroundings
• Check all around the car looking for anything that might affect your driving plan.
• Look over both shoulders and confidently move the car off when it's safe to go.
• Release the handbrake.
• Release the clutch slowly while gently putting your foot down on the gas pedal.
• If you find you start to move off too fast, ease up on the gas and control the speed of the vehicle using the clutch pedal.
• Re-check your mirrors and blind spots and move your car to the normal driving position.

What if I make a mistake?

It’s normal to be nervous when you're learning to drive - and you’re not expected to master everything straight away. Driving is something you get better at with time and practice. Even drivers who’ve been on the road for years are still improving. So don't worry about making a mistake - your instructor's seen it all before.

In the (unlikely) case of something going wrong, rest assured that your instructor can control the car using dual controls, which means your instructor can step in if you need some help.