The First Lesson

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Your First Driving Lesson: What to Expec

Starting your driving journey is an exciting milestone, and at Gerry’s A Star Driving Academy, we aim to make your very first lesson a friendly, supportive, and confidence-building experience. Here’s a structured overview of what you can expect:

1. Welcome & Introduction

Your instructor will greet you and pick you up from your address, ensuring a convenient start. After introductions, you’ll have a quick chat about:

• Any previous driving experience.
• What to expect during the lesson.
• The basic structure of the session.

There’s no need to feel nervous—your instructor’s goal is to help you feel relaxed and comfortable behind the wheel right from the start.

2. Essential Pre-Lesson Checks

Eye Test

Before driving, you’ll complete a simple eyesight check. You’ll be asked to read a number plate from 20 metres away, ensuring you meet the legal requirement. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you must wear them during all lessons.

Licence Verification

Bring your provisional driving licence (or international licence if applicable) to your first lesson. Without it, the lesson cannot go ahead.

Your instructor will:

• Check your licence in person.
• Conduct an online check to confirm eligibility, endorsements, or restrictions.

Terms & Conditions

Your instructor will explain lesson expectations, including:

• Payment and cancellation policies.
• Responsibilities of both learner and instructor.
• Code of conduct for safe, professional lessons.

3. Cockpit Drill

Once inside the car, you’ll be introduced to the cockpit drill—a vital routine that ensures comfort, safety, and control. You’ll learn how to:

• Adjust your seat and steering wheel.
• Position your mirrors correctly.
• Familiarise yourself with the main controls.

This step helps you feel fully in control before moving off.

4. Moving Off & Stopping

Moving Off

Your instructor will guide you step-by-step through:

• Engaging the clutch.
• Selecting first gear.
• Using the handbrake and accelerator smoothly.

They’ll provide feedback and reassurance, ensuring you build confidence safely.

Pulling Over on the Left

Next, you’ll practise pulling over safely. This includes:

• Mirror checks and signalling.
• Controlled braking and steering.
• Parking neatly at the roadside.

This skill is essential for parking, letting pedestrians cross, or yielding to other vehicles.

5. Developing Your Skills

Depending on your progress and the time available, you may move on to:

• Turning Left & Right:
  Learning correct road positioning, signalling, mirror use, and smooth turning techniques.
• Basic Junctions:
  Approaching, entering, and exiting simple junctions with confidence.

6. Lesson Review & Next Steps

At the end of your lesson, your instructor will:

• Review what you’ve learned.
• Give constructive feedback.
• Highlight areas to practise further.
• Outline the next skills to cover.

Every learner progresses at their own pace, and lessons are always adapted to suit your needs—keeping you confident while steadily moving forward.

✅ By the end of your first lesson, you’ll not only understand the basics of driving but also feel reassured about your learning journey.