First driving lesson tips and advice

30th Oct 2024

The first driving lesson is a landmark moment on your journey to getting your full driving licence.

Taking your first steps behind the wheel can be exciting and nerve-wracking; however, with some careful preparation, you can tackle the first driving lesson with complete confidence.

To help you on your learning to drive journey, we have put together this handy guide so you can make the most from your first driving lesson.

How to prepare for you first driving lesson

Prepare for your first driving lesson by studying the Highway Code, speed limits, and common road signs. This knowledge will help you feel more confident behind the wheel and prove vital when it comes to revising and preparing for your theory test.

When it comes to clothing, wear a non-restrictive outfit that will allow you to sit and move around comfortably 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.

What should you bring to your first driving lesson?

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

Your first driving lesson

Your driving instructor will either pick you up from your home or meet you at a suitable location for your first driving lesson.

Make sure that you have your provisional driving licence with you (you can't legally drive without it). You may also be asked to share your driving licence information via provide a DVLA 'check code' - you can get this from the Government view driving licence website.

Don't expect to drive straight away, your instructor will usually start the first lesson by showing you the controls of the vehicle and taking you somewhere quiet so you can familiarise yourself with the vehicle. The instructor will also take you through the cockpit drill before allowing you to take control of the car and pull away.

What is the driving lesson cockpit drill?

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.

The cockpit drill is also known as the DSSSM (doors, seat, steering, seatbelt and mirrors).

Doors

Check that all doors are closed and secure. Some modern vehicles will sound an alarm when a door, the bonnet, or the boot are open after you have started the vehicle.

Seat

Adjust your seat so you can comfortably reach all the controls. 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. You should also have a clear view of the road and all of the 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 and comfortably fastened across your chest and lap.

Mirrors

As the driver, you will need to position the mirrors so you have a clear view of the entire rear window. Your side mirrors should 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.

Taking control of the car during your first driving lesson

When it comes to the actual process of driving, your first driving lesson will limit your practical experience to a short and slow route on a quiet rural or residential road.

Don't worry if you do not venture beyond the second or third gear, the first driving lesson is intended to build confidence (not speed) behind the wheel. It should also allow you to acclimatise yourself with the vehicle's controls in a calm and controlled manner.

After completing a short route, the driving instructor will ask you to pull over to a safe and suitable location before applying the handbrake and switching off the ignition. You will then be asked to swap places with the instructor before being driven home or to the location where your first driving lesson begun.

What should you do after your first driving lesson?

When your lesson has finished, your driving instructor will discuss how the lesson went and provide some advice and tips for your next session. Don't worry if you made lots of mistakes, the first driving lesson is always a new and challenging experience.

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.

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.

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 car reviews available online which will illustrate the cabin and driving controls.

From the gearstick, to mirror adjusters, 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 deep 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.

Learner Driver Car Insurance

Only pay for the cover you need until you’ve passed your test.

Get learner driver insurance so you can practice outside of your lessons.

Learn more

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.