How to prepare for your first driving lesson
Driving lessons are necessary in order to make driving more safe, driving does not only teach you how to use the road or driving skills and driving rules, it makes sure that you stay alert and aware of your surroundings when driving. It also trains you to be responsible for driving which is very important as an adult.
There are many driving lessons available for first time learners and driving schools make it their priority to prepare the learner for their driving test. The driving instructor will provide an introduction and overview of what is involved in driving lessons, including information on how to drive a manual vehicle. This will help the learner prepare for each driving lesson by practicing throughout each driving lesson. As the driving lesson progresses, the approved driving instructor will introduce new tasks and skills as they arise.
The Highway Code
The Highway Code is the official guide to driving law for all road users in the United Kingdom. It’s a great place to start if you want to learn about driving and road safety before you start driving lessons.
It includes advice on all elements of driving including driving safely, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and driving with extra hazards such as children with you in the car.
The Highway Code is a guide to road safety for all drivers of motor vehicles. It helps you understand and be aware of the driving laws in your country. The driving test in your area will most likely cover all aspects laid out by this guide.
You should try to read it online or from a printed copy and memorise all that you can, as driving lessons are very expensive for beginners and updating your knowledge on driving is crucial for driving confidently and safely.
Preparing for your theory test
All driving tests are made and conducted by the vehicle standards agency. A theory test is a driving theory examination that must be passed before someone can take their practical driving test. To pass your driving test theory, you need to be able to answer 40 out of 50 questions correctly in one hour.
A driving theory test has four sections covering different rules and regulations – general driving, awareness of other road users (pedestrians, cyclists etc.), safety around vulnerable people such as children, older or disabled people or animals; plus hazards which also includes more advanced driving techniques such as roundabouts.
Following the 50 questions you will have to pass a hazard perception test to complete your theory test. To pass the driving hazard perception test, you must pay attention to the driving scenes and identify up to five different hazards. The driving hazard is continual so you cannot pause for long periods of time. If driving scenes are repeating, it will not count as a new driving scene. You can also ask for the answer when accidents happen or if you notice any speeding on your driving way. Following your theory, your lessons should then only be preparing you for your practical test.
Familiarise yourself with a car before
Whilst each car is unique to another, all of them have some necessary features that can found in every car on the road, these include:
- Gas pedal
- Brake pedal
- Steering wheel
- Indicators and lights
- Rear view mirrors
- Clutch pedal (in manuals only)
- Gear stick
- Dashboard instrument panel
With the exception of the pedals and steering wheel which are always in the same locations, the exact location of controls in a car may vary by the age, model, and type of car that you are driving. For example a manual car will have a clutch pedal and gear stick, while an automatic will not have either of these, and some hybrid automatic/manual cars have semi-automatic gear selectors located near the steering wheel. Knowing all these components should put you in good stead for passing your driving test.
Obtaining a provisional licence
As a learner driver it is required to have a provisional licence. This can also be used as official identification for yourself. This licence will be taken to all your driving lessons and your theory and practical test; as it shows you can legally able to learn to drive.
Finding a suitable driving instructor
There are so many great experienced instructors out there; that will bring the best out of you as a driver. You can learn to drive either in a manual car which in short means operating your own gears. You can also learn in an automatic car. Automatic cars don’t have a gear stick and instead the car will change it’s gears on its own. It is usually advisable to learn to drive in a manual, as you can then drive an automatic if you should choose to. However if you pass in an automatic you can not drive a manual car.
There are more driving instructors out there now then ever, finding someone you feel comfortable and relaxed with is key. You need this to bring out the best in your driving abilities. Once you find your instructor you’re ready to work toward your first lesson and on course to getting your test passed.
Star Drivers is currently offering driving lessons in the Shepton Mallet, Wells, Glastonbury, Street areas, and villages surrounding those locations. Please contact us if you are unsure if your location is covered.
Contact
Pilton
Shepton Mallet
Somerset
BA4 4FY