Introduction

Driving lessons in London are meant to make you confident on the road. However, if it’s your first enrollment into one, nervous jitters can get the better of you. The first driving lesson in London typically involves getting to know the basics of your car, traffic rules education, and making you comfortable driving on the road. Once you get the hang of it, your coordination becomes smooth and your reflexes become faster.

Preparation Before Your First Driving Lesson in London

What to Bring

Here are a few things you need to bring for your driving lessons in London, if it’s the first time:

• Provisional driving license: If you want to learn to drive in London, you must prove that you are a UK citizen and 17 years old. Therefore, you need to bring your provisional driving license to certify that. You can apply for your provisional driving license through the UK.gov website or fill out the D1 form and send it by post.   
• Glasses or contact lenses: Enrolling for driving lessons in London means you have to meet a minimum eyesight requirement. Hence, you have to bring glasses or contact lenses if you don’t meet the criteria.

What to Wear

Comfort, freedom of movement, and pedal control are necessary for your driving lessons in London. Thus, your attire matters if you want to learn to drive in London. Here are tips for properly dressing up: 

• Clothes: You need a full range of movement, and hence wear comfortable clothes like long trousers and long-sleeved tops or shirts. They should not be tight or baggy, which can restrict your movement
• Footwear: The right footwear gives the feel of the pedal, which is important for controlling it. Therefore, wear shoes that have thin soles that allow you to operate your pedals freely.

Prepping the Mind

Here are a few suggestions to prep your mind for your first driving lesson in London:

• Be positive: You must have a positive attitude towards your driving lessons in London. Additionally, be patient as learning to drive is a lengthy process, and you will make mistakes. Therefore, don’t take it too hard and enjoy the process.
• Stay calm: Nervousness is normal, but it can make you lose control. Thus, try breathing exercises to stay focused to improve your concentration.
• Take ample rest: A good night’s rest goes a long way to rejuvenate your energy and improve your concentration.
• Listen to your instructor: Follow your instructor’s direction diligently. Pay attention to your instructor’s feedback and criticism.

Getting to Know the Car During Your First Lesson

Key Car Controls

During driving lessons in London, you need to know the key car controls before you hit the road:

• Steering wheel: The golden rule is to hold the steering wheel at “ten and two” or “quarter to three” for getting a proper grip. Additionally, use push and pull methods for smooth navigation.
• Pedal: Use your right foot on the accelerator to go faster and the brakes to slow down.
• Gear lever: Your instructor will teach you to shift gears if you’re driving a manual. However, if you are driving an automatic, select D for drive.
• Hand brakes: When you’re stationary, this brake is beneficial for securing the car’s safety.
• Mirrors: Adjust the mirrors to get a better view of the traffic behind and the surroundings. 
• Indicators: Learn how to turn on your indicator and when to use it. It is necessary to signal your intention to other road users.
• Dashboard: Get familiar with the speedometer, fuel gauge, and other warning lights.

Before You Start Moving

Follow these instructions before you start your car:

• Adjust your seat: Adjust the height of your seat to bring your eye level to the windshield. On the other hand, make sure you can feel the pedals comfortably and see the indicators on the dashboard.
• Adjust your mirrors: During driving lessons in London, adjust your mirrors to get a clear view behind and sideways. 
• Check the handbrake: If the handbrake isn’t applied, it could pose a safety threat. Check if it is firmly applied or not.
• Ignite the engine: The ignition process is the same for all cars, but your instructors will guide the process.

Getting a Feel for the Car

Here are a few things to do as a warm-up:

• Practice moving: Drive your car slowly in safer environments where there is less chance of injury.
• Handle navigation: Your instructor will guide you through the process of controlling the clutches and brakes.

What Skills You’ll Cover in the First Driving Lesson in London

Moving Off and Stopping

In your first class for driving lessons in London, you will learn to start moving the car smoothly and stop it on time. Furthermore, you will learn to handle the handbrake, pedal control, and navigate under your instructor’s guidance. The instructor will help you to learn how to pull away and come to a stop without stalling. This would build the foundation of your road confidence.

Steering Control

Your primary lesson if you decide to learn to drive in London is steering control. Your first day in training would heavily focus on smooth steering. You will learn basic steering techniques such as keeping the wheel steady and adjusting on the road. Moreover, you will know how responsive your car is and make adjustments accordingly.

Using Mirrors and Awareness

Building mirror habits and awareness is one of the cornerstones of a proper driving lesson in London. Checking mirrors will bring awareness to your surroundings and alertness. Your instructor will teach you when and how to check your mirrors, making you understand why it’s important. Thus, you will build the foundation of confident and defensive driving.

Basic Road Positioning

One of the most important driving lessons in London on your first day is basic road positioning. You will learn how to position your car in the correct lane and drive safely. Furthermore, you will also learn to maintain a safe distance from the kerb for the safety of pedestrians. Thus, it will bring you confidence to drive in heavy traffic, which used to be intimidating.

Gears and Clutch (If Manual)

This lesson will depend on whether you have chosen to opt for manual lessons or automatic ones. For manual lessons, the instructors will teach you to change gears and introduce you to the clutch bite point. Contrarily, for automatic trainees, they will focus more on steering and pedal work.

Confidence Behind the Wheel

Overall, the first day of your driving lessons in London aims to build your confidence and make you comfortable in the driver’s seat. You will not be expected to master everything on day one, and you will be allowed to make mistakes. However, you must learn from them as your classes continue.

Post Lesson Recap

After you complete your first day of driving lessons in London, make sure to follow these tips:

• Recap the lessons with your instructor and notes on what you learn today.
• Request a progress report and focus on the areas for improvement.
• Schedule your next lesson and ask for a lesson plan.

Conclusion

First lessons can be scary, but they can also be exciting. Your first lesson will make you more confident on the road, and by the time you end your first day, all the nervousness and jitters will subside like they were never there. However, having a friendly instructor and a healthy learning environment is also necessary, and nobody can provide that better than Tuga Driving School. Based out of Vauxhall, London, Tuga Driving School is pupil-focused, offering lessons in both automatic and manual driving. Our team has experienced DVSA-approved driving instructors who are friendly and approachable during driving lessons in London. We personalise your lessons to suit the needs of your students and offer a range of courses from Pass Plus to standard lessons. Sign up for our driving lessons today.