Your First Driving Lesson

Everything to expect from your first driving lesson with a Bill Plant Driving Instructor and how to best prepare.

Your First Driving Lesson: What to Expect

Getting behind the wheel for your first driving lesson might seem quite daunting, but do not worry – no-one is expecting you to drive off onto a busy road the first time you get behind the wheel.

It is normal to be nervous ahead of your first driving lesson. We have prepared a handy guide on what to expect from your first lesson and how to make sure you are prepared for it.

How to Prepare for your First Driving Lesson?

For your first driving lesson, it is important to bring your provisional driving license with you. Your Bill Plant Driving Instructor will ask you for this document and will need to see it before he/she is legally allowed to give you any driving lessons.

Dress for Success

It is also important to make sure you have dressed appropriately for your first driving lesson. This is mainly for your choice of footwear. Having comfortable, flat sole shoes is advised to take any driving lesson.

Remember your Glasses

Your Driving Instructor must ensure that your eyesight is in line with minimum Driving Standards Agency eyesight standards and might ask you to read a nearby vehicle registration plate before the driving lesson can go any further. This means being able to read a vehicle number plate in clear daylight (with your corrective lenses if you wear them) from 20.5 meters away.

What to Expect on Your First Driving Lesson?

Your first lesson will begin with your Bill Plant Driving Instructor driving the vehicle. They will take you to a quiet piece of road to help introduce you to the controls of the car (what all those levers, buttons, and flashing lights do!) plus why, when and how to use them.

The aim of the initial lesson is to establish a foundation on which to build your learning experience. Remember to ask your instructor questions if there are any parts you don’t understand.

How Much Control Do You Get?

Your car will be fitted with dual controls which means that the instructor has a set of pedals on their side of the car. This lets them take over or help you out if you are struggling. If it looks like you’ve lost control for a moment, they will be on hand to bring the car to a stop quickly and safely, and give you time to recover your poise!

You will not be expected to change gears, steer perfectly or manoeuver roundabouts on your first go, but instead, build up your driving ability so you can become a competent and safe road user. Your instructor will introduce the various controls of the car and concepts in easy to manage stages and over time, you will come to use all the skills you have learned in tandem with each other.

After your First Driving Lesson

Once your lesson has finished you will go back to your pickup point and your Driving Instructor will review the lesson and discuss the steps you will take over your next lessons.

The first driving lesson gives you a chance to get to know your instructor and set out a plan for your road to success. It also allows you to get a feel for the car you will be learning in. Don’t worry if this doesn’t feel completely comfortable from the outset, you will grow in confidence over the coming lessons.

To enquire about driving lesson availability in your local area or to find your closest Bill Plant Driving Instructor, submit a Driving Lesson Enquiry form and a member of our Customer Service Team will get in touch to book your first lesson. 

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