Your First Driving Lesson

Starting your driving journey can feel exciting and a little daunting. To help you feel confident from the very beginning, here’s what we’ll cover together during your first 90‑minute lesson.

Travelling to a Safe, Quiet Area

• We’ll begin by driving to a calm, low‑traffic location that’s ideal for beginners.
• This ensures you can focus on learning the basics without distractions or pressure from busy roads.
• The instructor will drive you there, so you can relax and prepare for the session.

Talking Through Previous Experience

• Whether you’ve sat behind the wheel once or never at all, we’ll discuss any experience you may have.
• Even small things—like steering a car in a car park or watching how family members drive—can help shape your learning.
• This conversation helps tailor the lesson to your starting point.

Teaching Style: Friendly, Relaxed, Coaching Together

• Lessons are delivered in a calm, supportive way.
• We’ll work as a team: you’ll learn through guidance, encouragement, and coaching rather than pressure.
• Mistakes are part of learning—every step builds your confidence and skill.

Responsibilities: Instructor & Learner

• Instructor’s role: Keep you, the car, and other road users safe at all times.
• Learner’s role: Follow the Highway Code, listen carefully, and practise safe driving habits.
• Together, we’ll build trust and responsibility, ensuring every lesson is both safe and productive.

The Cockpit Drill

• You’ll learn the essential DSSSM routine (Doors, Seat, Steering, Seatbelt, Mirrors).
• We’ll cover how to adjust your seat and mirrors correctly, and why blind spot checks are vital before moving off.
• This drill becomes second nature and sets the foundation for safe driving.

Hand & Foot Controls

• Introduction to the pedals: clutch, brake, and accelerator (gas).
• Best practices for smooth clutch control, gentle braking, and progressive acceleration.
• Understanding the gear stick and how to change gears confidently.
• Steering techniques for safe, controlled manoeuvres.

Pulling Away & Stopping Safely

• Step‑by‑step guidance on how to move off smoothly, using mirrors and blind spot checks.
• Practising controlled stops, including use of the brake and clutch together.
• Building confidence in handling the car safely from the very first lesson.

By the end of the first lesson you should have a basic understanding of the car’s controls, the importance of safety checks, and the confidence to start practising moving off and stopping.
Every learner progresses at their own pace, and this first session is designed to give you a strong, reassuring foundation and ready for your second lesson.