How did you find your first driving lesson?

Question

I'm having my first driving lesson tomorrow at 2pm and i am wondering how easy/hard other people found it, what they did to prepare, and (if having passed their test) how many lessons they took and on which attempt they past their test.

Answer 1

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I retired from instruction in '98, having given instruction in many different arenas.

Firstly, a lot of what the above instructor stated is true, but i must disagree that you should feel "overwhelmed" on your first lesson.

Your first lesson should be structured as with all others...that is, with achievable goals at a level that suits you.

I taught in the UK, so things may be different where you live, but as the instructor above also states |enjoy your lessons, listen and learn and you will pick up a lot of useful tips and information".

Also, again in the UK, 30-40 hours of professional instruction is considered an "average" and instruction from non-professionals can be potentially damaging, so ask your instructor before doing so. Bear in mind, that you may get misinformation from non-professionals, such as "positioning your mirrors so as to have to move your head...etc" (examiners are taught to check for correct use of mirrors without the candidate positioning them incorrectly).

I thoroughly enjoyed my first driving lesson by the way...

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Answer 2

My instructor was great at putting me at ease and I enjoyed it...

Alas, it was cut short as the electrics were playing up and the lesson only lasted half an hour.

He made up for it later with an extended lesson.

I passed first time after 21 lessons. I wasn't decisive enough but I've been driving 21 years now.

Best of luck to you!

Answer 3

I found it easy, I had been lucky enough to practice clutch control, etc, in an old banger on private land, so getting onto the open road wasn't too bad.

I passed first time after about 15 lessons.

The main thing is to try and relax, and allow yourself to make a few mistakes, you are learning afterall!

Answer 4

I looked at it like a challenge and it turned out to be fun. As long as you know what the rules of the road are you will not have any problems. Don't worry about it and just have fun.

Answer 5

treat it as a bit of fun

your instructor won't bite and he/she wont let you do anything  dangerous [dual controls]

Answer 6

I nearly killed me and the instructor on the first lesson by ploughing into a lorry, thank heavens he had his wits about him because i obviously didn't

Answer 7

I am near the end of my driving lessons and have booked my practical test now. If you want to read my blog, it is all about driving and may help you. I am updating it regularly on how I am finding my lessons.  It is :

www.gettingintodriving.blogspot.com

I hope it helps you. Please feel free to comment e.c.t

Answer 8

Read and understand the drivers manual and it will be a piece of cake......

Answer 9

I am a Driving Instructor and I can tell you that you will probably be overwhelmed on your first lesson.

The Instructor will be introducing him/herself to you......to you it will be a stranger until you get to know him/her.....and the Instructor will get to know you too and things will become comfortable.

Usually on your first lesson, your Instructor will discuss with you your concerns about driving, any nervousness you may feel, how much driving you've done, what type of vehicle you drive at home, etc.

Then they will take you on an outside tour of the vehicle you will be using, pointing out what to look for and check before entering your vehicle. After that, they should pop the hood and discuss the 6 fluids under the hood, give you an overview of where those fluids are, as well as any point out and discuss any other important mechanical information (fuses-where they are), how to tell wear on any belts, what might leak out from under a vehicle, etc.

Then you will discuss the inside controls (instruments on dash, wipers, lights, highbeam indicator, parking brake, gears, airflow, etc)....

The Instructor should then drive the vehicle and point out various methods of turning, stopping, observation, etc.

As you can appreciate, this is a lot of information to absorb on a first lesson, and you will then be advised how to set up your seat, mirrors, steering wheel, etc.......once you get behind the wheel, and you will then begin to drive!

I usually begin in a quiet, residential area, or if a student is very nervous, a large empty parking lot works well.

Remember, everyone is an individual and you shouldn't compare your skill levels to others. Just take it one lesson at a time and enjoy it!

You'll learn how to start the car, move forward, pull away from the curb, pull over to the curb and back up in a straight line.

As you are repeating this a few times, you will begin learning how to steer and where to look.

So, get inside your parents' vehicle, look around at the controls (use the vehicle's manual to help you find things), read your Driver's Handbook and know your signs and lane markings.......

On average, most new drivers require approximately 60 hours of driving to meet the basic requirements of a driving test. You will probably get 10 hours or so of Professional training, and once your Instructor says you are ready, then begin practicing with your driving coach (whoever that is...parent, relative, friend) to develop proper skills and habits and confidence to keep you safe on the roads for the next 50 to 60 years.

My experience has been that some very poor students have passed on their first attempt due to NOTHING happening......all the lights were green, no pedestrians, they didn't go over a curb, or speed and I was surprised that they passed..........

Others are very accomplished drivers, and yet they failed because of one thing happening unexpectedly.......blocking an intersection when a light turned red.........didn't see a pedestrian running or a cyclist coming out of a driveway onto a crosswalk..........turned right JUST as the light turned red.....

Not passing a drivers test isn't a death sentence......it's merely a deferred success.........you'll be nervous and that nervousness may cause you to make an error......

So, enjoy your lessons, listen and learn and you will pick up a lot of useful tips and information......smile........

Answer 10

The first time that I drove a car, that car looked like it was 10 miles wide and a hundred miles long.

It did return to normal size after a few lessons.  

If your driving school uses a simulator, that would probably be best for the first time. There was no such thing when I took my first driving lesson.

BTW, I passed written and driving tests on first try with 100% accuracy.

Answer 11

i found my lesson fun, its helps to have a good instructer that is patient, and  takes it step by step with you.  it is easy to pick up, once you get the hang of the foot pedels and feeling the clutch in its place to get going, i never finished my lessons as i moved away and never got around to it again, its now been 6 years, and i can still remember how to drive.

Answer 12

Of course it is challenging but it all depends on the teacher you have. If you feel you are learning something new every lesson then you're with the right person. Don't try to do too much too soon, but it does come with time and practise. Relax and have fun.

I passed my theory and practical test both first time round. But I had three different teachers over a 4 month period till I eventually found one who was excellent. I personally found my female teacher much calmer and able to explain things more simply which really helped (I'm female). I recommend having a one off lesson to gauge how good the teacher is, then if happy definitely good for block booking as its loads cheaper. I have 40 hours of tuition, I think any less would be silly. 40 hours is about right but it depends on the person and the teacher you have. Avoid large schools like BSM though as they are rubbish and talk for the majority of their lessons rather than actual driving. Try to find a good local, privately owned school and get loads of recommendations from people you know who are learning or better still have passed. Hope this helps and good luck.