When people start their driving lessons, they can often be unsure about what to expect – from which manoeuvres they’ll learn, to the types of roads they’ll be driving on, to the road signs they will encounter. Understanding what may be covered during the first few lessons can help put your mind at ease and make the learning experience more enjoyable. At Wimbledon Driving School, we provide a range of driving lessons to suit all learners, including those who are new to the road. In this post, we explain what to expect and learn during the initial driving lessons, helping new drivers feel confident and prepared.
Lesson 1: Getting Comfortable Behind the Wheel
The first lesson is primarily about familiarisation, helping to get used to being in control of a vehicle in a safe and structured environment. You will learn the layout of the car, including pedals, steering, indicators, and other essential controls.
During this lesson, the instructor will guide you slowly, explaining each step and giving you the chance to practice at your own pace without pressure. By the end, you should feel more relaxed behind the wheel, confident enough to focus on learning fundamental driving skills and developing awareness of the roads.
Key focus areas in a first lesson often include:
- Car Controls Familiarisation: You will be introduced to all the essential controls and learn their functions in detail. Practicing these controls allows you to build muscle memory and confidence in handling the vehicle. This ensures that basic operations, like signalling or braking, become second nature while driving.
- Safety Checks & Mirrors: The instructor will show you how to check mirrors and other vehicle safety features before driving. Learning these checks is essential for ensuring your own safety and that of other road users. Regularly practicing these habits early helps make them automatic in everyday driving.
- Starting, Stopping & Steering: Practice smoothly starting and stopping the car under supervision. Simple steering exercises will help you feel in control and develop coordination between your hands and feet. This builds the confidence necessary for more complex driving tasks in future lessons.
Lesson 2: Basic Manoeuvres and Road Skills
In the second lesson, the focus moves to building practical driving skills that you will use daily. You will start practicing smooth acceleration, braking, and steering, which are essential for controlling the vehicle safely and comfortably.
The lesson also introduces simple manoeuvres such as turning, stopping at junctions, and changing lanes under the guidance of the instructor. After the second lesson, you should feel more coordinated and aware of how the car responds to your inputs, ready to begin driving on quiet roads with more confidence.
Key focus areas in a second lesson often include:
- Smooth Acceleration & Braking: Practice controlling the car’s speed and stopping smoothly. This skill is crucial for maintaining safety and comfort. Regular practice helps make driving more controlled and confident.
- Gear Changes (Manual): The instructor will teach you when and how to change gears smoothly. Practicing gear changes improves efficiency and reduces wear on the clutch. Over time, this becomes a natural part of your driving routine.
- Turning & Stopping Safely: Learn how to approach turns, junctions, and roundabouts safely. Practicing these manoeuvres helps you make safe decisions in real traffic situations. Mastering them early on, can build a strong foundation for future lessons.
Lesson 3: Early Traffic Experience and Parking
By the third lesson, you may begin driving on quiet residential roads, giving a taste of real-world driving while still in a controlled and safe environment. You will also start practicing essential parking skills, such as bay parking and parallel parking, which are key for everyday driving situations.
This lesson is designed to increase awareness of other road users, road signs, and traffic flow, helping to make safe decisions while driving. Once you’ve completed three lessons, you’ll likely feel more comfortable navigating standard routes and managing everyday driving scenarios.
Key focus areas in a third lesson often include:
Quiet Road Driving: Practice positioning the car correctly while driving on real roads. Observing traffic patterns and other road users becomes a key focus in this lesson. This builds confidence and prepares you for busier roads in future lessons.
Parking Techniques Practice: How to park accurately and safely in different scenarios. Practicing parking reduces stress and improves spatial awareness. These skills are essential for passing your driving test and for daily driving.
Observations & Lane Discipline: Focus on checking mirrors, signalling appropriately, and staying in your lane. Developing these habits early ensures safer driving for you and others. Confidence in these areas makes future lessons smoother and more productive.
Tips for Success in the First Few Lessons
Starting driving lessons can feel overwhelming, but a few simple strategies can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable. It’s important to stay calm and relaxed, as nervousness often affects the ability to focus. Feeling nervous is completely normal; the instructor is there to guide and help put students at ease. Learners should take the time to listen carefully and not hesitate to ask questions or request a repeat explanation if something is unclear.
The instructor’s primary role is to ensure safe driving and offer support for any challenges, so students should always feel comfortable asking for assistance. Practicing outside of lessons can significantly accelerate learning. Private practice is possible with a provisional license, provided the driver is supervised by someone over 21, such as a family member or close friend. Remember, every driver progresses at their own pace, and consistent practice remains the key to becoming a confident and safe driver.
Contact Wimbledon Driving School Today
If you’re currently looking for a driving school in Ashford to partner with, welcome to Wimbledon Driving School. We provide a range of driving lessons, including lessons for new learners, Pass Plus courses, refresher courses, intensive lessons, and motorway lessons. Our lessons are taught by a team of highly skilled and experienced driving instructors, dedicated to helping build confidence and passing tests successfully. Book driving lessons in Ashford online or contact Wimbledon Driving School for further information.
