You’ve been preparing, and now it’s time to put your knowledge to the test behind the wheel. Booking your first driving lesson is exhilarating, but it won’t be long until jitters set in. Let’s take a look at some ways you can stay calm, cool, and collected when learning to drive.
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Table of Contents
What You Should Do To Get Ready For Your First Driving Lesson
Reviewing the Highway Code will not only help you pass your theoretical exam, but it will also keep the laws and regulations of the road in your head when you are continuing to learn.
Choose comfortable clothing. Wear something comfortable that allows you to move around and avoid any constricting clothing or footwear. Driving in high heels or flip-flops is not recommended.
Remember to bring your provisional license; your instructor will verify it. You can’t legally drive without one, so it’s a must-have for your first driving lesson. You may also be asked to produce a check code so that your instructor may verify your online license counterpart.
Check that you are physically fit to drive. Avoid drinking the night before, and bring your contact lenses or glasses if necessary.
What Will You Be Doing On Your First Driving Lesson?
Will I drive right away?
Don’t worry, you won’t get behind the wheel right away. First, your instructor will take you to a calm road where you will learn the foundations of driving. This comprises the gears, pedals, and the so-called cockpit drill.
What exactly is a cockpit drill?
This is an exercise that all drivers should do when they first get behind the wheel, and it’s usually one of the first things you will learn. Check your doors, seat, steering, seatbelt, and mirrors during the cockpit exercise (also known as the DSSSM routine)
Before starting your engine, make sure all the doors are closed properly and locked.
Seating and steering — Adjust the position of your seat so that the controls are easily accessible and you have a good view of the road. It’s also important to make sure the headrest is adjusted properly to prevent or reduce the risk of whiplash in an accident.
Make sure both you and your passengers are wearing seatbelts.
Mirrors – Place your mirrors to reduce blind spots.
How Do I Get Going?
When the big moment arrives – taking charge of the car – you’ll have to move the car off and demonstrate that you can safely do the ‘Prepare, Observe, Move’ routine:
Prepare – Prepare the car to leave when the route is clear.
- With your left foot, you should be pressing and holding the clutch down.
- Choose first gear.
- With your right foot, depress the gas pedal until you reach 1500-2000 rpm.
- Slowly raise the clutch until you find the biting point.
- Prepare to remove the handbrake at the appropriate time.
Observe-This demonstrates to your instructor that you are aware of your surroundings.
- Examine the entire vehicle for anything that could jeopardize your driving strategy.
- Examine both shoulders.
Move – Confidently drive away when you’re ready.
- Turn off the handbrake.
- Slowly release the clutch while softly stepping on the gas pedal.
- If you find yourself driving too fast, ease off the throttle and use the clutch pedal to moderate the vehicle’s pace.
- Check your mirrors and blind spots again, then return to the normal driving position.
What Happens If I Make A Mistake?
It’s normal to be scared when learning to drive, and you’re not expected to know everything right immediately. Driving is something that improves with time and practice. Even drivers who have been on the road for many years continue to improve. Don’t be concerned about making a mistake; your instructor has seen it all before.
In the unusual event that something goes wrong, your instructor will be able to manage the vehicle. All professional driving schools employ dual-controlled automobiles, which ensures your teacher can assist you if necessary.
If you would like to know more or would like to arrange lessons, get in touch with Wimbledon Driving School today.
