Preparing for your first driving lesson

Learning to drive is an exciting prospect, with the independence that driving your own car can bring.

You may feel nervous before taking your first lesson, and you would not be alone in feeling that way. Many of us find the idea of getting behind the wheel the first time a bit nerve racking and there are things you can do to prepare yourself so that you feel more confident.

Book your lesson with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), they are highly trained professionals and are the best people to teach you how to drive.

Buy or borrow a copy of the Highway Code to familiarise yourself with the UK traffic rules and regulations and to get an idea of what the various road signs stand for. If you can get a friend or parent to teach you the car controls and cockpit drill beforehand this will also help.

Take your provisional driving licence with you as your driving instructor will not be able to let you get behind the wheel without it. Your instructor will also ask you to read a UK DVLA regulation licence plate from 20 meters away, this is to test your eyes and ensure you are fit to drive.

Your driving instructor will take you to a quiet spot with as little traffic as possible to get you started, if you have not learnt the car controls or cockpit drill previously the instructor should start with that. Once you have mastered the controls of the car you will learn how to move off and how to stop and other basic principles of driving such as how to use the accelerator and brakes.

Learner driver vehicles are fitted with dual controls, so you can rest assured that you will not crash the car as your instructor will be there to take control if necessary. Try not to worry too much and don't forget to get some good rest the night before your first lesson.

We wish you the best of luck with your first driving lesson!