What to expect from your first driving lesson

   If you're reading this, you are either considering taking driving lessons or you're one of my lovely regular readers who already know how to drive but decided to drop by anyway. If you're the latter then your almighty wisdom would be very much appreciated in the comment section!

   As for me, I started my driving lessons fairly recently and - so far - so good! (At least, my driving instructor tells me so.) For those of you bricking it at the prospect of operating a vehicle, I must digest: you have absolutely nothing to be afraid of.




   For so long, I have yearned for that refreshing air of freedom and independence that being a driver can bring. That was why I finally decided to take the plunge and sort out some lessons. It just so happened that my mother knew a friend whose husband is a driving instructor. If your friends drive, get some recommendations on driving instructors from them! When I got in touch with him, the lessons were arranged immediately for the following week. Easy.

Prepare

   It's great to take initiative. I researched driving theory online and the theory test is compiled of questions about topics found in three books: The Official Highway Code, The Official DVSA Guide to Driving and Know Your Traffic Signs (pictured below). I found the official website that sold them and made my purchases. The books arrived within a few days, which meant that I could start my studying. Doing this really helped me to prepare for my first lesson because - by that point - I knew some basics, for instance, where to locate the clutch and how the gear stick works.


Now, let's get to the part where we are actually driving!

Relax

   Your driving instructor is a professional and has a set of pedals on his side of the car too. This means he can take over whenever he feels as if he needs to so you are not in any kind of danger. On top of that, it is more than likely that he has dealt with many beginner drivers in the past, including very terrible ones! He will know how to deal with any tricky situation.

Don't worry about other drivers

   The only time you need to do that is when you are checking to see if the roads are clear. Don't stress  yourself out if you think you are taking too long to perform a certain action. It's always better to do it slowly and safely than rushed and dangerously. You will have a huge 'L' displayed for other drivers to see so they will know that you are a learner driver. If they choose to be angry at you, they're the ones in the wrong. 

My driving instructor assured me that any anger shown is usually targeted at him and not myself because he is the one in control.

What will be covered in your first lesson

  • Adjusting your mirrors, steering wheel and seating.
  • Five point check.
  • Starting your car.
  • Clutch, footbrake and accelerator.
  • Changing gear.
  • Stopping the car. 

I was incredibly anxious for my first lesson and my initial thoughts were that I would stall a million times and make other drivers angry. It couldn't be further from reality.

   My driving instructor picked me up and drove me to some quiet neighbourhood roads. There, we covered all of the above. There were other cars on the road now and again but no traffic so that is not something you need to worry about.


My instructor began by running me through the steps and, once I understood, we swapped seats and I put them into practise whilst he continued to talk me through it at a pace I was comfortable with.

   The hardest part, for me, was knowing when and how to use the clutch. You need to use it whenever you want to change gears and whenever you want to crawl towards a junction but you cannot lift your foot too fast or the engine will cut out. I did not struggle with it too much during my first lesson but, when we covered junctions in more detail (second lesson), that's when it started to get more challenging.

   I developed my confidence a great deal during my first lesson and I quickly came to the realisation that I built up all of that worry for no reason. I was even able to drive down a busy main road to drive home!


Are you thinking about taking driving lessons or do you already drive?
Let me know in the comments below!

DISCLAIMER: This information is based solely on my experience. My driving lessons are one hour long and I pay £25 for each of them. If your lessons are longer, it is likely that you will additionally cover junctions and clutch control in more depth during your first lesson.

47 comments

  1. I don't have a driving license as well, I am horrified of driving.
    Thank so much for sharing. I found your blog through a Facebook group. Let's connect.
    Love from https://tbymallano.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your comment! It is quite scary at first but then you realise it's not as bad as you initially thought!

      Much love,

      Meg x

      Delete
  2. I was absolutely petrified when i first started my driving lessons but been driving now for nearly 8 years and i love it! It gives you so much freedom, although the cost of running a car is mental!

    Heather xox || www.xhighlandbeauty.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Look how far you've come! Yes, money is the issue for me at the moment unfortunately but, you're right - the freedom and independence is certainly worth it!

      Much love,

      Meg x

      Delete
  3. This is such a helpful and useful post! I did driving lessons a few years ago but never ended up taking my test. I really want to start again though, just feel so nervous, so this was brilliant to read!

    Tiffany x www.foodandotherloves.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How come you didn't take your test? I hope you do take them up again soon and best of luck!

      Much love,

      Meg x

      Delete
  4. I was in a constant state of panic for my first few lessons but everything quickly becomes second nature and often things that you were always being told to think about become subconscious actions.

    Good luck with your lessons!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know that you're a really good driver, Em, so hearing that makes me feel slightly better! Roundabouts are quite terrifying ahahaha! Thank you, lovely.

      Much love,

      Meg x

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  5. I'm getting ready to start my lessons (and I'm hoping to pass by September) but I'm learning automatic (since my car is already an automatic) so I can do it quicker...hopefully.
    Alicia x
    Aesthetic Obsessed

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    Replies
    1. I'm learning with a standard manual; I wish you the best of luck with your lessons!

      Much love,

      Meg x

      Delete
  6. I found this so interesting! I've done a couple of lessons in one of those off site underage programmes as I'm only 15 so I still have just over another year to go yet but I always find it so interesting hearing about other people's experiences with driving for the first time!!

    Ellie
    www.headintheclouds.me.uk

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    Replies
    1. That is actually amazing, I didn't even know that existed! Sounds like you are beyond prepared for driving!

      Much love,

      Meg x

      Delete
  7. Great post and I like that you are already looking at theory work. It shows good planning and initiative.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I shall look into booking my test soon!

      Much love,

      Meg x

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  8. I loved this post, was such a great idea & it sounds like you'll be on the road in no time! If you have any questions feel free to message me! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I really hope so; that's the plan ;) I will do, you're such a help!

      Much love,

      Meg x

      Delete
  9. Great post, hope it helps others! I would recommend completing your theory as soon as possible and not put it off as this will delay your practical test! Also believe in yourself, and never forget to do a complete check (all mirrors and blindspots) x

    Lily | www.covetluxe.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have received amazing feedback on this post, much to my delight! Thank you so much for your advice; I shall look into sorting that out ASAP!

      Much love,

      Meg x

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  10. Great post! I still remember how nervous I was for my first lesson...

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    Replies
    1. Bless you, it is quite nerve wracking but, hopefully, it will soon all become second nature and stress free (money aside)!

      Much love,

      Meg x

      Delete
  11. I totally could have used this when I took my first driving lesson! I was such a nervous wreck! Great info, especially about preparing in advance.

    Amanda | The Beauty Panda

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    Replies
    1. I was so nervous during my first lesson as well! Thank you - it has been wonderful hearing from experienced drivers that this post is helpful!

      Much love,

      Meg x

      Delete
  12. A great post to help those whonare just starting out. I remember my first and it was so scary as it was a surprise haha but I loved it as soon as I sat in the seat.

    Jordanne || Thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk

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    Replies
    1. I absolutely love it! I can't wait until I become very good at it and I won't have to worry so much when the roads get busy!

      Much love,

      Meg x

      Delete
  13. Once you get your first car it a taste of freedom I remember when I took driving classes with an instructor she was pretty cool. Also once you are about to take your driving exam relax and don't let your anxiety get to you!
    xo
    Michelle| www.brokebutflawless.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. I can't wait to get my first car, I'll remember it forever! I hope it's a good one and it's also blue because it's my favourite colour ;) I'll try my best; thank you for the tip!

      Much love,

      Meg x

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  14. This is super helpful! I never took lessons from a professional, so I was a little more stressed out, haha. My dad put me in the car and went through all the safety, then went "Go." So that's how that went! I wish you good luck! Great post <3

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    Replies
    1. That's actually amazing! My dad wants to take me out at some point as well but my mum said it wasn't a good experience for her as he can get quite impatient ahahaha! Might be a no from me ;) Thank you so much!

      Much love,

      Meg x

      Delete
  15. A really helpful post. I am looking to start driving and I am so nervous! X
    Lola Mia // www.lolitabonita.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you found my post helpful. You can do this! If I can, you definitely can because I was a nervous wreck when I first started but the instructor will be so helpful!

      Much love,

      Meg x

      Delete
  16. My father teaches me how to drive even if i don't have a driving license but though it's still hard for me
    mylifes-journey.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's really cool your dad takes the time to do that for you! It's hard for everyone when they first start and, bear in mind, you're not doing it with a professional at this point so it's only natural to feel nervous. You will get used to it though and it will become second nature to you as it does for the rest of us. You can do this!

      Much love,

      Meg x

      Delete
  17. I wish someone had written something similar when I was learning to drive. I was SOOOO terrified of the road and was told off by my instructor for being too careful at times!

    Really great post there, perfect for people in a similar situation x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bless! You can never be too careful on the road; it's far better than doing anything you aren't comfortable with so remember that. My instructor often has to tell me not to break for unnecessary reasons or too suddenly and to speed up because I drive too slow at times ahaha!

      Thank you so much,

      Meg x

      Delete
  18. Thanks for sharing this! It's been almost five years since I got my license and I still remember my first driving lesson x

    Kayleigh Zara 🌿www.kayleighzaraa.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you enjoyed reading this post! You must be a pro on the road now ;)

      Much love,

      Meg x

      Delete
  19. This is making me realise how long ago it was that I first started driving! I think the main thing with driving is to try and remain as calm as possible, don't let a situation overwhelm you and make you react badly. Easier said than done I know! Hope your lessons go well!

    Lauren :) x

    ReplyDelete
  20. I want to learn how to drive but I am incredibly nervous about being behind the wheel. I think I just need to bite the bullet and go for it! Great read, I hope the lessons go well for you :) .

    Jess xx
    littlepinkduckblog.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
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