Your first driving lesson

Your first driving lesson marks the beginning of your journey to independence — and it’s perfectly normal to feel a little nervous.

At Andrew’s Driving School, and most other reputable driving schools, your first lesson is designed to be safe, calm, and encouraging. You won’t be thrown into busy traffic or expected to drive perfectly — instead, you’ll build confidence step by step, with full guidance from your instructor.

Here’s exactly what happens on a first driving lesson, so you can relax and enjoy the experience.

🔑 Your Instructor: Meet Your Co-Pilot!

You don’t need to worry about finding the car—it will find you! Your driving instructor will roll up to your house, school, work, or any other pre-agreed spot in a vehicle that’s impossible to miss: it’s sporting big, bright L-plates and, most importantly, is kitted out with dual controls! That means you’ve got an invisible safety net; your instructor has their own set of pedals and can step in instantly. You are never alone in an emergency.

Easing Into the Driver’s Seat

When they arrive, you won’t jump straight into the deep end! The first few minutes are all about a relaxed chat to help melt away any nerves.

Your instructor knows that busy junctions are not your friend right now, so they’ll start by taking the wheel themselves and driving you to a quieter spot—think an empty industrial estate or a very peaceful residential street. This way, you can focus purely on the basics without the pressure of a rush-hour traffic jam.

Quick Note on “Piggybacking”

Some driving schools use a practice called “piggybacking,” where you might be collected while the previous learner is still in the car, or you’re dropped off while the next pupil is joining. While this can occasionally be useful later on (it helps you get used to driving in front of a stranger), it can be a bit overwhelming on your very first lesson.

The good news? Andrew’s Driving School doesn’t operate that way. Your time is yours, allowing you to settle in and focus completely on the task at hand: getting comfortable behind the wheel!

⚙️ The Cockpit Drill: Your First Mission

Once you’re parked up in a safe, quiet zone, your instructor will give you your very first driving lesson task: mastering the Cockpit Drill! This isn’t just a formality—it’s the essential safety routine every single driver uses to set up the car correctly before moving an inch.

At Andrew’s Driving School, we break it down with the easy-to-remember acronym: DSSSM:

• Doors – Double-check they’re properly shut and secured.
• Seat – Adjust so you can reach the pedals comfortably and have a clear view.
• Steering – Find the proper grip and safe distance from the wheel.
• Seatbelt – Fasten securely. Click!
• Mirrors – Adjust all mirrors (rear-view and side mirrors) for maximum visibility.

Your instructor will patiently guide you through each step. The Cockpit Drill usually takes less than 10 minutes, and once you’re locked, loaded, and adjusted, it’s time for the moment you’ve been waiting for!

🚗 Your First Drive: Clutch, Go, and Glory!

Yes, you will absolutely get behind the wheel during your first driving lesson!

To begin, you’ll focus on the fundamentals:

• Moving off smoothly (clutch control, anyone?).
• Bringing the car to a safe stop.

You’ll repeat this sequence several times until it starts to feel more natural. Many learners are surprised at how quickly their confidence grows! If you get the hang of it early, you might even progress to trying simple left turns and driving a loop around the block.

 A Quick Word of Advice

• Don’t worry about pace: If you need more time, take it. Your instructor is there to support you, and every lesson will be tailored to your comfort level and learning speed. Safety always comes first.
• Insist on the drive: We strongly believe that a successful first driving lesson should always include some actual, hands-on experience behind the wheel. If you reach the end of your session without having driven the car, you should consider finding an instructor who will give you that vital practical experience right from the start.

Ready to find the biting point and feel that car move for the first time?

🕹️ Learning the Controls: Your New Power Panel

Welcome to the command centre! Before you start driving, your instructor will walk you through your new ‘toolkit’—all the buttons, levers, and pedals that give you total command of the car. Don’t stress about memorising everything right now; this is just your initial introduction.

The Major Power Controls (The Pedals & Gears)

These are the essentials that make the car go, slow, and stop:

• Clutch: Found on the left. This foot-operated pedal is your key to switching gears smoothly (if you’re driving a manual).

• Brake: The middle pedal. Your safety-first control, used to slow the car and bring it to a stop.

• Accelerator (Gas): On the right. This controls the engine power and your speed.

• Gear Stick: Used to select your driving mode, from starting in 1st gear to cruising on the road.

• Handbrake: Your trusty parking assistant—keeps the car stationary when you’re stopped on a hill or parked up.

The Essential Minor Controls (The Gadgets!)

You’ll also learn where all the essential gadgets are located and when to use them:

• Indicators: For telling the world where you’re going.

• Headlights: For lighting up the road (and being seen!).

• Wipers: Your view-clearer in bad weather.

• Hazard Lights: The emergency signal.

• Heater & Demister: For a comfy, fog-free cabin.

Remember: Your instructor is there to demonstrate, explain, and repeat as many times as you need! This entire segment of your first driving lesson is all about getting comfortable and understanding the car’s language. Soon, these controls will feel like an extension of yourself!

🚀 Moving Off and Stopping: Launching Your First Drive!

This is it! After the checks and the introductions, the most thrilling moment of your first driving lesson has arrived: getting that car moving and bringing it to a smooth stop.

Your instructor uses a simple routine to make this complex action totally manageable. You’ll be using the POM routine to pull away like a pro:

• Prepare – Press the clutch pedal all the way down, select 1st gear, and carefully find the biting point. You are now ready for action!

• Observe – Your mirrors are essential! Check your rear-view and side mirrors, and quickly check your blind spots before you move.

• Move – Release the handbrake, ease the clutch up gently, and simultaneously apply a little accelerator (gas). Congratulations, you’re moving!

The Art of the Smooth Stop

Just as important as moving is stopping safely. You’ll master this using the routine known as MSPSL:

• Mirror – Check your mirrors to see what’s behind you.

• Signal – Use your indicators to signal your intention (if required).

• Position – Position the car correctly on the road.

• Speed – Use the brake to reduce your speed.

• Look – Look out for anything that might affect your maneuver.

The Bottom Line: All this early driving is done at a low speed in a safe, quiet location. Your instructor will stick right by your side until you feel totally comfortable. You’ll be a master of stop and start before you know it!

Ready to put the POM routine into practice on your next lesson?

⏰ How Long is Your First Lesson? (The Time Flies!)

So, how much time do you get for this thrilling event?

A standard first driving lesson at Andrew’s Driving School typically runs for 1.5 to 2 hours. While that might sound like a long time to be focused, trust us—the time flies when you’re in the driver’s seat!

A longer session is essential because it gives us enough time to cover all the crucial groundwork without rushing:

• ✅ Master the Cockpit Drill (DSSSM)
• ✅ Get hands-on with the major vehicle controls.
• ✅ Thoroughly practice Moving Off and Stopping several times.
• ✅ Really start to build confidence behind the wheel.

By the end of your session, you’ll likely have covered basic steering techniques, effective mirror use, and maybe even a few simple turns. You’ll finish feeling accomplished, not rushed—the perfect start to your driving journey!

What to Bring to Your First Lesson

Here’s a quick checklist:

✅Provisional driving licence 

✅Comfortable shoes (flat-soled, no heels or flip-flops)

✅ Glasses or contacts if you need them

✅ Water bottle (optional, but helpful on warm days)

✅ Your lesson confirmation (if booked online)

Haven’t got your provisional licence yet? Don’t worry — here’s how you can apply for it.

🔥 Drive Smart: Top Tips to Get the Most from Your Lesson

Your first driving lesson is an investment in your future. To get the most speed and efficiency out of your learning time, try adopting these professional habits right from day one!

By approaching your first driving lesson with a focused and positive attitude, you’ll feel confident, make great progress, and speed toward passing your test!

What Happens After the First Lesson?

After your first driving lesson, your instructor will talk through what went well and what needs more practice. This helps structure your learning plan for the coming weeks.

You’ll also start covering more complex topics like:

• Turning left and right at junctions
• Emerging into traffic
• Hill starts
• Basic reversing techniques

And before long, you’ll be driving with confidence on open roads.

🔑 6 Essential Tips for Choosing Your Driving Instructor

Before you book, make sure you choose a professional who sets you up for success. Use this checklist when researching your options:

Ready to Start Your Journey?

If you’re ready to take that first step toward freedom, contact a driving instructor who’s local to you and get going.

And if you’re in Anglesey, Rhyl, Wrexham, Telford, or Barnsley—call us today and we’ll help you book your incredible first driving lesson!

If you are not in one of the areas that we cover you can easily find an approved driving instructor at https://www.gov.uk/find-driving-schools-and-lessons