How To Tackle Your First Driving Lesson

Tina Playle - Apr 4 2022 11:11AM
How To Tackle Your First Driving Lesson img

To some, the first driving lesson can be just as daunting as taking their driving test. You might be thinking "Who an earth would let me behind the wheel of a car?" Believe it or not, the journey to becoming a legal driver can be an enjoyable experience. Here is some advice that might calm those nerves.

Finding the Right Driving Instructor

In order to have the best experience whilst learning to drive it is crucial to find the right driving instructor that is tailored to you. A good place to start is the direct.gov page, where you can search a database of driving instructors approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) by using just your postcode. The website also informs you of which instructors are committed to the voluntary Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme and also those who have agreed to abide by the Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) code of practice.

What Else to Consider When Choosing Your Driving Instructor

  • Reputation - You have probably overheard someone who is also learning to drive, or has already passed, talk about their driving instructor. Take these opinions into consideration and don't hesitate to ask them about their experience.
  • Vehicle - If you have in mind what kind of car you'd like to drive upon passing your test, it might be a good idea to review what type of car your instructor teaches in for preparation.
  • Cost of lessons - This depends on location and can vary between instructors. Do your research and be sure to look out for discounted prices for booking lessons in blocks. But be careful, cheap doesn't always mean cheerful. Cheaper instructors or buying fewer lessons won't save you money in the long run if you end up having to retake your driving test.

By Failing to Prepare, You are Preparing to Fail

Prior to your first driving lesson, you can prepare yourself for what's to come by simply being in the passenger seat of a friend's car. Observe how they handle themselves in the driving seat and remember their routine of checks. There are plenty of places you can look at online that provide you with helpful videos and driving tips. You can also give your chosen instructor a call and ask them exactly what you'll be doing on your first driving lesson. Don't worry about feeling embarrassed; driving instructors do this for a living and understand that it can be an incredibly daunting task for some. If you are still anxious about being behind the wheel for the very first time, you can take a test drive with somebody close to you. Thanks to things like learner driver insurance, you can get insured on a family member's or friend's car to practise throughout the process. We offer instant temporary comprehensive insurance to learner drivers as long as the supervisors:

  • Are aged between 25-72
  • Have held a valid and full UK, EEA, or EU driving licence for at least 3 years

This gives you a massive advantage when it comes to learning to drive and passing your test. Click here to find out more about Temporary Learner Car Insurance. Lastly, the most important thing to remember is that it is completely fine to make mistakes. This is the best time to make them and learn from them. Everyone needs to start somewhere; nobody becomes an expert overnight. So, enjoy those butterflies you have before a driving lesson, enjoy the feeling of your first successful parallel park, and simply enjoy learning to drive.