What to Expect from Driving Lessons for Beginners

Most learner drivers begin their journey not knowing how many lessons they will need or whether there is a time limit on how long it takes to learn to drive. They may also have concerns about whether they will get on with their instructor.

This is why, if you are about to embark upon a series of driving lessons for beginners, you would first benefit from talking with an experienced driving instruction specialist organisation whose knowledgeable instructors can answer all your initial questions and put you at ease. They will ensure you have all your ducks in a row before starting your lessons.

Start with the basics

The earliest stages of driving lessons for beginners are designed to build confidence and foundational skills. If you are a complete beginner then you won’t be expected to start out on the road straight away. In most cases, your instructor will drive you to a quiet road. This will often be on an industrial estate or quiet rural lane or estate road. Here you will learn all about the vehicle’s controls and how to drive away safely and in control.

Initially, students are introduced to the basic controls of the vehicle, such as the steering wheel, pedals, and gear stick. This is known as the cockpit drill, or the DSSSM routine.

During driving lessons for beginners, the instructor will always emphasise the importance of checking the correct adjustment of mirrors and seat belts, which should be done every time you get into a vehicle and before you set off driving.

Safety first

Instructors emphasise the importance of safety and awareness, teaching proper seat adjustment, mirror positioning, and the use of seat belts. It may seem very obvious, but the instructor will emphasise the importance of such things as wearing comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear for driving. If you are uncomfortable and constantly needing to adjust your clothing or your shoes are sliding off your feet, this will be liable to ruin your concentration – a serious safety issue.

The first few lessons often take place in low-traffic areas where beginners can practice starting, stopping, and manoeuvring the car without the pressure of busy roads. They will be able to become fully aware of how to check mirrors while driving and before making any manoeuvres. Your instructor will teach you about looking over your shoulder to become aware of your surroundings before first moving off.

Gradually, as you become more comfortable, you progress to more complex tasks like turning, parking, and understanding road signs and signals.

What do new drivers find most scary?

A survey carried out by a specialist insurance company among young drivers highlighted the biggest anxieties felt by young drivers when out on the road. These include things such as:

• Junctions and roundabouts

• Motorway driving

• Night-time driving

• Breaking down

• Driving in busy areas

• Parallel parking

• Driving in bad weather conditions

• Being surrounded by large vehicles such as HGVs

• Making mistakes

These same fears and worries can also be experienced by those just learning to drive.

Your instructor has seen it all before

Whatever you are feeling, no matter how worried or scared you are, be assured that your driving instructor has seen it all and is uniquely equipped to guide you through every eventuality. Learners are not expected to master everything straightaway, and even after passing your test, you will continue to improve.

It is absolutely normal to be nervous and worried about making mistakes, but driving lessons for beginners, taken with an experienced instructor in a dual-control vehicle, give you the best chance of becoming a confident, safe driver.