What to Expect During Your First Driving Lesson

Learning to drive can be an exciting time in your life as it is such a valuable skill to have, but it is understandable if you are a bag of nerves before your first lesson! This is perfectly normal and it would be concerning if you had no nerves at all as driving is such a big responsibility. Being prepared should help to lower your anxiety levels, though, so keep reading to discover what you can expect from your first lesson. Once the first lesson is out of the way, you should start to steadily build confidence behind the wheel.

Before Your Lesson

First, you need to make sure that you are prepared for your first lesson. You will need to have a provisional license, know where you are getting picked up and make sure that you are well-rested. If you are going to be practising in your own car or a family member’s car between lessons, you need to make sure that you have learner driver insurance before getting behind the wheel.

Vehicle Orientation

To start with, your instructor will go through a vehicle orientation so that you know where everything is and how it works. Sitting behind the wheel can feel overwhelming at first, but when you know where everything is you should feel a lot calmer. You may know a lot of the information already, but it is helpful for getting prepared to start driving the car.

Basic Vehicle Operation

The next stage will be basic vehicle operation, which will involve accelerating, braking and steering in a safe, controlled environment.

Primary Driving Skills

Depending on how you take to basic vehicle operation, your instructor may move you on to primary driving skills. This will include things like accelerating and braking smoothly, shifting gears and more steering work. Keep in mind that the driver also has control of the pedals – this can help to reduce anxiety.

Awareness of Traffic Laws

Your instructor will also take the time to teach you about traffic laws, including speed laws, traffic signs and right-of-way laws. This might be information that you already know, but it is important to have this knowledge at the forefront of your mind at all times when behind the wheel of a car.

These are the main aspects of your first driving lesson. Many people feel anxious before their first lesson and this is natural and even a good thing, but knowing what to expect should help you to feel less nervous. The first lesson is very much about helping you to feel comfortable behind the wheel as well as comfortable with your instructor. You will never be pushed further than what you can manage and your instructor will be able to find the best way to progress with each subsequent lesson.