Driving offers a big sense of freedom, but it brings many responsibilities that new learners might not be used to. However, a good driving teacher will help you be in the right mindset. They’ll give you the courage to stay relaxed while driving, some driving lesson tips, and let you think clearly in tough situations that might be stressful without their expertise.
It’s helpful if you know what your initial driving lesson will involve beforehand, so be ready. You’ll understand things better if they’re familiar and you feel sure about what comes next. So, here are a few first driving lesson tips to ease any worries you might have.
Some tips to prepare for your first driving lesson
If you don’t know what to do on your first driving lesson, take note of the things you must prepare for beforehand with the following tips:
Plenty of sleep or rest
Making sure you sleep for 7-9 hours before your initial driving lesson is important. It helps you stay full of energy, attentive, and prepared for any obstacles that come up. Studies show that having sufficient sleep is vital for “procedural memory” – the kind of memory that assists you in learning skills, such as driving a car! Stay away from caffeine and screens before bedtime so you can have a good sleep before your first driving lesson. This tip is talked about less often for driving, but it’s really important to make sure you remember what you learn!
Bring all the necessary essentials
When you’re getting ready for your driving lesson, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes that have a good grip. This way, you’ll feel more at ease and have better control over the pedals as you drive. If you usually wear glasses for clear vision, be sure to have them on during your lesson. It’s important to see the road and any signs clearly for a safe driving experience.
Also, remember to bring along some cash if you haven’t already paid for the lesson upfront. Having the payment ready will save time and help you focus on learning. Additionally, having a water bottle with you can be quite handy. Staying hydrated during your lesson will keep you feeling refreshed and alert, which is essential for staying attentive on the road.
Familiarize yourself with the car’s layout
Cars can sometimes have different setups, like a handbrake on the right instead of the left. But in general, they’re mostly the same.
If you know the car you’ll be driving, get to know these things:
- Gas pedal
- Brake pedal
- Steering wheel
- Turn signals and lights
- Mirrors to see behind you
- In manual cars, the clutch pedal and gear stick
- The dashboard with all the gauges
Before your first driving lesson, it’s really important to understand the vehicle you’ll be using. If you’re driving a manual car, make sure you’re comfortable with the clutch and how the gear stick works before you start your lesson.
Know all about The Cockpit Drill
Once you find a calm road with not many cars, your instructor will ask you to switch seats and sit in the driver’s seat. This is exciting! Your instructor will teach you something called the cockpit drill. This is a set of checks you should always do before driving. Pay close attention as they explain it – soon, you’ll do these checks without even thinking.
Here’s the cockpit drill:
- Are the doors firmly closed?
- Is your seat in a comfy position?
- Did you adjust the steering wheel the way you like it?
- Have you put on your seatbelt?
- Did you set the mirrors so you can see well?
Always listen to your driving instructor
It could seem a bit funny, but feeling super excited and looking forward to your first drive can make it a bit tough to concentrate. That’s why it’s really important to listen carefully to your driving instructor. This will help you feel more sure about driving by the end of the lesson. Knowing this in advance is a good way to get ready for your first driving lesson.
Don’t lose your focus
One thing that might be really obvious, but still important, is to remember this tip when you’re driving for the first time. It’s easy to overlook. Keep your eyes on the dashboard lights and the blinkers. Also, watch the road ahead and be alert for things that might be unsafe around you. Your instructor will chat with you now and then, so pay attention to them as well.
During your very first driving lesson, the key is to listen to your instructor and do what they tell you. You don’t need to handle everything all at once – your instructor will guide you step by step. As time goes on, you’ll become more comfortable with handling all of these things. With some help from your instructor, you’ll learn how to decide what’s most important to focus on. You might even discover that it’s not as hard as you thought.
Relax while absorbing essential information
Don’t forget, your very first driving lesson isn’t like a driving test. Your instructor won’t expect you to do anything really hard. It might vary, but usually, your lesson will be about getting to know the basics of the car. You might not even drive in real traffic yet.
Most instructors will use the first lesson to introduce you to driving. They’ll plan a lesson that lets you get used to their car’s controls (especially if you’re not sure where things are). Later on, they might have you drive around in a parking lot or on a quiet street with no traffic. This is all about taking it step by step.
Set your pace
A neat trick some driving instructors do is give you a discount when you book multiple lessons at once. So, if you can, try to reserve the same time slot for a few weeks in a row. It’s smart to have 2 or 3 lessons every week. This way, you won’t have much time between your lessons. But remember, don’t feel rushed. Everyone learns differently and at their own speed. Being totally ready for your test is what matters most. If you’re curious about the duration it’ll take to be prepared for your driving test, continue reading to find out.
If you’re still feeling really nervous, here’s something to think about. Imagine the most amusing individual you’re acquainted with who can operate a vehicle. If they can manage it, there’s no reason you can’t do it just as easily. And don’t be shy to ask questions. Your instructor will be ready for lots of questions from you. They’ve heard it all before, so don’t hesitate to ask whatever you’re curious about.
Remember the tips for your first driving lesson to become an efficient driver
Preparing for your initial driving lesson can bring a mix of excitement and nervousness. Keep in mind, driving grants you an amazing feeling of independence, but it also carries obligations. And if you ever feel anxious, remember that everyone starts somewhere – even the silliest person you know who can drive. Feel free to inquire and go at your own pace. Your path to becoming a self-assured driver is well-guided and secure.