On your first driving lesson, you can be picked up from home or pre-arrange a location where you will meet with your driving instructor. Prior to the meeting, ensure you have your Provisional License with you, and glasses if you need them!
If you don’t have a provisional license you can apply for one by clicking here https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence
The driving lesson will start from the moment your instructor picks you up. In some cases, the instructor will drive you to a nearby quiet location away from all traffic. On route, your instructor will brief you on what you will be taught so you know what to expect. We understand that the first driving lesson can often make learners nervous, so feel free to ask questions at any time.
Once you’ve arrived at a suitable place from where you will be able to drive, your instructor will ask you to swap seats. Before you enter the driver’s seat, you’ll be asked to carry out an eye test by reading a car registration number from approximately 70 feet. If you are able to do this, the lesson will continue as planned – but if you aren’t able to read the number plate, your lesson will still continue but only consist of teaching controls and you won’t be permitted to drive. To continue, with your next lesson you will need to have an eye test and glasses of contact lenses.
Assuming you have passed the eye test, you will then be asked to sit in the driver’s seat with your instructor in the passenger seat. A lot of information will be given to you, so listen carefully and ask questions at any time!
This is the start of your controls lesson. You will be taught what we call “The cockpit drill”, meaning you’ll need to be seated comfortably and be capable to reach all controls easily. Then you will be told about all the major controls, the functions, and how to use them correctly.
Further, your instructor will teach you about gear levels (manual drivers only), the handbrake, indicators, and steering. You will be taught what the dials on the dashboard mean and how to read them. If you’re learning in a manual car, your instructor will teach you how to change from 1st gear to 2nd and so on.
Please note that this section of the lesson can last from 20 – 30 minutes.
Moving Off
After the controls lesson you’ll be introduced to a routine needed throughout your driving career – ‘Prepare Observe Move’ (POM), followed by the famous Mirror Signal Manoeuvre routine (MSM). These routines are used when moving off from a stationary position, driving a short distance, and stopping at a safe and convenient place. Your instructor will be with you to guide, help, and assure you 100% of the way!
At any time during the lesson please do not hesitate to ask questions. Our instructors love questions!