So i have my first driving lesson this next tuesday coming up, its for 2 hours and the guy explained he'll talk to me for 40 minutes etc and then i get to drive!
Im so excited yet soo scared haha! Any adivceee?

My first driving lesson was in a dual control car. I hated it! I was doing the speed limit comfortably, maybe 5 km under and the instructor kept slowing me down to at least 20km below. It was stupid and dangerous. Go the speed at which you're comfortable while you're learning the controls. And follow the instructors instructions as soon as he says them, and you should be fine Good luck, driving is so much fun when you're used to it

My first lesson, I'd never been allowed behind the wheel of a car before. My instructor was asking me to point out certain controls in the car (hazard flashers, windshield wipers, etc.), and I had no idea what the crap he was talking about. So I'd familiarize yourself with the car first, hah!

^ Possibly not possible if the OP is in the UK, you learn in your instructor's car. It WILL be dual control in the UK.

40 minutes is a LONG time to be spoken to and 2 hours is a LONG time for your first lesson. I never had 2 hour lessons, scary as. Most experienced drivers rarely drive for more than two hours at a time unless they're commuters.

I would just say, relax and take your time. When I started driving I wanted to drive fast so that I didn't piss off other road users, but forget about them. Go at your own pace.

Good luck! I just got my license like 2 months ago, and I ended up having to do all my road lessons in 2 weeks. I was in the drivers ed car every day! Make sure that you adjust the seat and check ALL your mirrors BEFORE you start driving. Trust me. If the person who was driving the car before you was taller or shorter than you, it can really throw you off!

I've recently passed my test (in the UK, not sure where you are) so here's my advice:

* There are a lot of driving instructors who are not so great. Be on your guard for any warning signs that you might want to switch, for example if he takes you onto busy roads before you have sufficient control of the car (if you're feeling anxious about a situation because you don't feel prepared for it then it's a good sign you've got an inattentive instructor) or does anything except for focus on you during the lesson (I have seen a few driving instructors using their mobile phones whilst driving with a pupil!) Also, to go along with the pace being too fast, the pace should not be too slow either. If you've gained control of the car then you should progress in line with your ability, it should be pretty obvious to you if that's not happening, don't be afraid to question your instructor if you feel it is. You're paying his wages, you're entitled to ask any questions you want about your training and progress.

* Don't compare yourself to anyone else. I can't overestimate how important this is. You will learn at your own pace, and that pace isn't set by your intelligence or ability at any other activity. If you allow yourself to get taken in by people who tell you that you're slow or should have passed by now then it will take you even longer to pass because it'll make you anxious. It took me longer than the supposed average of 45 hours with my instructor to pass, and you know the first time I got in my car alone I didn't get the "Oh no where is my instructor?! panic panic!" moment everyone told me I would. I learnt at my own pace, passed when I was ready to take my test and now I consider myself to be a well taught new driver.

* Be careful about practicing with a family member in their car if that's an option for you. Practicing with my dad was a nightmare because he witnessed me trying to get to grips with the car I'd just bought and said I was a terrible driver, even though I was going through a period of adjusting to a car i'd never driven before. If you've got access to a car and someone who is patient, willing and understanding then by all means use them, just be careful that what you're getting is quality practice.

Okay now I've written an essay. Learning to drive has pretty much been a major part of my life since July of last year so I've got a lot to say on the subject. My last bit of advice would be to keep calm, I remember the moment when I first made the car move and it felt like I was going along at 40mph when the speed dial said 5!

Your first lesson is vastly dependent on where you are.

In North America, your first lesson typically would be in a huge cemetery - if there is one nearby with roads running through it.

If your instructor keeps calm, you will be fine.

My very first lesson was for 1hr on my 17th birthday (UK) I was taken to a car park in order to do a 30/40 minute controls kind of thing. My instructor was absolutely excellent and drew diagrams etc and went over everything - double checking I understood everything - Did I take it all in? No not at all - Did I understand and was able to refer back to notes - yes absolutely! For me personally that It my strongest way of learning. I then got to drive for the last 15 minutes from that car park to my house (around 8 minutes apart) That was the scariest yet the best thing I did because having the dual ccontrol - I knew that I could basically not go wrong as my instructor would stop me!

On week 2 of my lessons I was straight out in the car and driving for that whole hour. Some driving instructors mess about with driving you to a place to let you drive for 15/20 mins which personally I don't agree with. But hey ho!

Lauretta wrote:

* Don't compare yourself to anyone else. I can't overestimate how important this is. You will learn at your own pace, and that pace isn't set by your intelligence or ability at any other activity. If you allow yourself to get taken in by people who tell you that you're slow or should have passed by now then it will take you even longer to pass because it'll make you anxious. It took me longer than the supposed average of 45 hours with my instructor to pass, and you know the first time I got in my car alone I didn't get the "Oh no where is my instructor?! panic panic!" moment everyone told me I would. I learnt at my own pace, passed when I was ready to take my test and now I consider myself to be a well taught new driver.

This most definately! Do not listen to your peers etc on how quick they passed or how far on because It doesn't get them any praise or any further on. People learn at their own speed - get tests booked for different dates depending on cancellations etc. But that is quite far down the line!

Just want to wish you a happy learning to drive experience. I'm not going to lie to you - there was several days I was going to just give up but I can now say that I have been passed for 11 months and I have had so much more freedom since having the car - let alone I could not do my job without my car!

Good Luck and feel free to PM me if you need anything

Shannon xxx

I know it'll probably be hard but keep calm and don't panic! You will make mistakes, everyone does whether they are a learner or whether they have been driving for year! Just take your time over things and good luck it's great!
Love Bekii xxxxx

schuhplattler wrote:

Your first lesson is vastly dependent on where you are.

In North America, your first lesson typically would be in a huge cemetery - if there is one nearby with roads running through it.

If your instructor keeps calm, you will be fine.

I don't think I've ever driven through a cemetery in my life, much less on the first lesson!

My first lesson was AMAZING! But yeah, when i got in he went to like this street thing and sat and explained the cockpit and went over all the controls in car etc to make sure my seats postitioned correctly etc. Then i got to drive around for like 1hour and 20ish mins or so! LOVEED IT!!!!!! We had dual control so he had a clutch/brake his side too! I struggled with gears at the start would put it into 5th instead of 3rd without realising but i picked up in the end, My next lesson is tomorrow, Im nervous as he was explaining at the end of my last lesson i get to drive around this certain area of where i live and it kind of has a one way system its confusing! But im overly excited! I also get my first car in feb too! Thanks for all the advice and support <3 xxxx

Very well done. Continue by all means!

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Ive had 3 lessons so far and my 4th on tuesday, im loving it sooo much! i got to do 70 mph last tuesday and LOVED IT! i thought i'd find it scary but i felt really comfterable my instructer is amazing!

IkkleMissLici wrote:

Ive had 3 lessons so far and my 4th on tuesday, im loving it sooo much! i got to do 70 mph last tuesday and LOVED IT! i thought i'd find it scary but i felt really comfterable my instructer is amazing!

Your instructor let you go 70 mph??? Where were you???

^ Down a dual carriage way i think it was called that