What Happens On Your First Driving Lesson?

What to bring

Your first driving lesson is about getting comfortable with the car, meeting your instructor and learning the basic controls. What you actually cover will depend on your previous experience and how comfortable you feel behind the wheel.

Your first lesson is mostly about getting comfortable — meeting your instructor, learning the controls and, yes, usually driving a little in a quiet area. This guide is part of our Learning Hub — friendly, no-jargon answers to the questions learners across Torbay and South Devon ask us most. Your provisional licence, and glasses or contact lenses if you wear them. That is really all you need.

What happens during your first driving lesson?

Your instructor will start by talking to you about any previous driving experience and explaining how the lesson will work.

If you’re a complete beginner, you’ll usually start with the cockpit drill — getting your seat, steering position and mirrors set correctly — before being introduced to the main controls of the car.

You’ll learn what the pedals and controls do and how to prepare the car before moving off. When you’re ready, your instructor can begin introducing moving off and stopping in a suitable area.

You won’t be expected to remember everything immediately. Your instructor will explain each stage and give you time to practise before moving on.

Learning the car controls

Before you start driving, your instructor will explain the main controls you’ll be using and how they work together.

In a manual car, this includes getting familiar with the clutch, accelerator, brake and gears. In an automatic, there is no clutch pedal or manual gear changing, so the controls are slightly different.

If you’d like to familiarise yourself with them beforehand, read our guide to car controls and pedals.

Will I drive on my first driving lesson?

If you’re comfortable and there’s enough time after the introduction, you’ll normally get an opportunity to drive during your first lesson.

For a complete beginner, that may simply mean practising how to move away safely, drive a short distance and stop under your instructor’s guidance.

How far you progress depends on you. Someone with previous driving experience may cover considerably more than somebody getting behind the wheel for the first time.

What happens after your first lesson?

At the end of the lesson, your instructor can talk through what you’ve covered, what went well and what you’ll work on next.

Your following lessons will gradually build on those first skills. As your control and confidence improve, you’ll progress onto different roads and introduce skills such as junctions, roundabouts, manoeuvres and independent driving.

Wondering how long the whole process might take? Read our guide to how many driving lessons you might need.

What if I’m nervous about my first driving lesson?

Tell your instructor if you’re nervous. Knowing how you’re feeling allows them to explain things clearly, introduce new skills gradually and give you more time where you need it.

You don’t need to prove anything during your first lesson. It’s the beginning of the learning process, not a test of what you already know.

If nerves are making you hesitant about starting, read our guide on being nervous about driving lessons.

Ready to book your first driving lesson?

We offer beginner driving lessons across Torbay and South Devon, including Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Newton Abbot, Totnes and Teignmouth.

If you’ve never driven before, that’s absolutely fine — see our beginner driving lessons or book your first lesson when you’re ready to start.