Although driving is great freedom, it also comes with a lot more responsibility than many learner drivers. You might find it daunting to be in charge of your car. Every person has a different starting point, but with the right instructor and some guidance about how to prepare for your first lesson, you can learn to drive confidently driving lessons.
You can prepare for your first steps in a similar way to preparing for an adventure. Driving lessons need not be scary. We have put together a list of tips and tricks to help you get started with your driving instructor.
Let’s get started with our first driving lesson tip!
Sleep well the night before you take your first driving lesson.
It’s important to be well-rested for your driving lesson, just like you prepare for any important event. Get a good night’s sleep before you start your driving lessons.
A well-rested person is more likely to be focused, alert, and energetic. It can also help you feel prepared for any challenge. Experts believe that getting sufficient sleep is essential for the development of procedural memory – the learning memory that allows you to acquire new skills such as riding a bike, playing an instrument, or learning a language.
Even if you do have to go to bed earlier than usual, you should make getting a good night’s sleep a priority when you prepare for your first driving lesson.
Get familiar with the layout of a typical vehicle
Although cars are all different, some basic features can be found in all vehicles, such as:
Pedal for accelerator
Brake pedal
Steering wheel
Indicators and lights
Rearview mirrors
Clutch pedal (in manuals)
Gear sticks
Panel for dashboard instrumentation
Except for the steering wheel and pedals, which are always located in the same place, the exact location and order of controls can vary depending on the car’s age, make and model. A manual car will have a gear stick and a clutch pedal, while an automatic car will not. Some hybrid cars also have semi-automatic selectors near the steering wheel.
This allows you to research the car and get a feel for the layout. If you know where everything is, you will feel more comfortable driving the car in your first driving lesson. You may be able to react quickly to potential hazards while driving. Your driving instructor will also have dual control pedals for you in an emergency.
Before you take your driving lessons, drink water and eat.
Before you start your driving lesson, make sure that you are hydrated. Staying hydrated will help you perform better, be more focused, and have a better understanding of the driving lessons. You might also want to bring a water bottle.
Take only what is necessary for the driving lesson
Your learner driver’s license is the most important thing you should remember. This is required by law. If you don’t have it, you could lose your license and be fined.
You can either turn your phone off or put it in flight mode if you have to bring your phone along during your driving lessons. Your driving lesson will be complete without your phone. Using a mobile device while driving can lead to serious injuries.
You will need to fill out a learner driver logbook. This will allow your instructor to sign it at the end of each lesson.
Wear the right shoes and clothes
Comfortable shoes should allow you to move your feet freely. Avoid heels and any shoe that restricts your natural foot movement. Modern cars come with many features that assist in driving. However, it is important to learn how to drive a car without any assistance. You will be able to maintain a steady speed and apply the brakes or clutch more easily if you have shoes that allow you to move freely.
Comfortable clothes should allow you to move your arms, legs, and body freely. To control your car with your arms, you must have a range of motion. You also need to be able to turn your body to check your blind spots.
