How To Prepare For Your First Driving Lesson
Starting your first driving lesson is an exciting milestone, but it’s normal to feel a little nervous. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience, this guide will help you feel ready and confident before getting behind the wheel.
1. Review the Basics of Road Rules & Theory
Before your lesson, take some time to refresh your knowledge of the NSW road rules. Revisiting what you learned in the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) will help you feel more prepared and confident when applying these rules on the road.
Key areas to review:
- Basic road signs and signals
- Right of way rules
- Speed limits and school zones
- Safe following distances
A solid understanding of road rules will help you focus more on driving rather than worrying about legal requirements.
2. Get Familiar with the Car Controls (The Cockpit Drill)
Your instructor will guide you through a cockpit drill, where you’ll learn about the car’s basic controls. Understanding these ahead of time will make you feel more comfortable in the driver’s seat.
Key car controls to know:
- Steering wheel adjustment
- Mirrors (rearview and side mirrors)
- Indicators and wipers
- Accelerator, brake, and clutch (for manual cars)
- Handbrake and gear shift
Don’t worry if you don’t know everything yet—your instructor will walk you through it step by step!
3. Dress Comfortably & Bring the Right Essentials
Wearing the right outfit and bringing the necessary documents will help ensure a smooth lesson.
Wear:
- Comfortable clothing that allows easy movement
- Flat, closed-in shoes (avoid high heels or thick-soled shoes)
Bring:
- Your valid NSW learner’s licence
- Your logbook (if you’re under 25 and recording hours)
- Water & sunglasses (if driving in bright conditions)
Arriving prepared will help you focus entirely on your driving practice.
4. Be Honest About Your Driving Experience
Your lesson will be customised to your experience level, so make sure you tell your instructor how much driving you’ve done before.
- If it’s your very first time, you might start in a quiet car park to practise basic movements.
- If you already have experience, your lesson might include suburban roads, roundabouts, or even highway driving.
Your instructor is there to help you progress at a pace that’s right for you.
5. Stay Focused & Minimise Distractions
To get the most out of your lesson:
- Avoid caffeine or heavy meals that could make you jittery or sluggish.
- Put your phone on silent to stay distraction-free.
- Listen carefully to your instructor’s guidance and ask questions if you’re unsure about anything.
Your instructor is there to support you, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and clarify anything you don’t understand!
6. Remember – It’s Not a Test!
Your first driving lesson is not a test—it’s a learning experience! Mistakes are expected, and your instructor will provide constructive feedback to help you improve.
Instead of worrying about perfection, focus on:
- Staying calm and taking your time
- Learning at your own pace
- Practising smooth acceleration and braking
Your instructor has dual controls for safety, so there’s no risk of losing control of the vehicle.
Beginner FAQs: What You Need to Know
Can I take my first driving lesson in my own car?
No, professional driving lessons are conducted in a dual-controlled car for safety.
What happens if I make a mistake while driving?
Mistakes are completely normal! Your instructor will guide you through corrections and help you improve.
Will I have to drive in traffic on my first lesson?
Not necessarily. If you’re a beginner, your instructor will start in a low-traffic area until you’re more comfortable.
Book Your First Driving Lesson & Start with Confidence!
Feeling ready to start your driving journey? LTrent’s professional instructors will help you build confidence, develop safe driving habits, and work towards getting your P-plates.
- Beginner-friendly lessons tailored to your experience
- Expert instructors to guide you every step of the way
- Fast-track your logbook hours with structured lessons
We also offer the Safer Drivers Course for learners to upskill, be more confident and safer on the road. So don’t wait – contact us online or give us a call at (02) 8748 4500 to get started.