Starting your driving lessons is an exciting step. Whether you’re a teenager eager to get behind the wheel or an adult finally taking the plunge, your first lessons can set the tone for your whole learning experience. If you’re based in Plymouth, you’re already in a great location to begin—especially with the variety of driving schools Plymouth has to offer.
At Lendrums Driving School, we’ve helped many first-time drivers start strong and grow confident behind the wheel. Whether you choose manual or automatic driving lessons Plymouth learners benefit from, getting the basics right from day one makes a big difference.
In this guide, we’ll share expert tips to help you succeed from your very first lesson. These are simple, real-world suggestions you can follow before, during, and after your driving sessions in Plymouth.
Table of Contents
Before Your First Driving Lesson
The preparation you do before your first lesson is just as important as what you do in the car. Here’s how to start strong:
1. Get Your Provisional Licence
You can’t drive on public roads until you have a provisional driving licence. Make sure you’ve applied for and received yours before booking your lesson.
2. Choose the Right Driving School
Use trusted searches like driving schools near me and read reviews from real learners. Look for a school that understands local roads and offers lessons that fit your schedule.
Lendrums Driving School is known across Plymouth for patient instructors and flexible lessons, including options for automatic driving schools Plymouth learners love.
3. Dress Comfortably and Sensibly
Wear flat shoes and clothes that won’t restrict your movement. You need to be able to press pedals easily and turn your head for observations without any difficulty.
4. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Your brain and body need to be alert for driving. Rest well the night before to stay focused during the lesson.
What to Expect in Your First Lesson
Your first lesson is usually about getting comfortable with the car and learning the basics. You don’t need to worry about roundabouts or dual carriageways on day one.
Here’s what you’ll usually go through:
1. Introduction to the Car
Your instructor will show you:
- How to adjust the seat and mirrors
- What each pedal does
- Where the indicators, lights, and wipers are
- How to use the steering wheel properly
This is true for both manual and automatic driving lessons Plymouth students take. The key difference is that in an automatic car, you don’t need to learn gear changes or how to use a clutch.
2. Basic Controls and Moving Off
Once you’re familiar with the car, your instructor may take you to a quiet road or car park to start driving. You’ll learn how to:
- Start the engine
- Move off safely
- Steer gently
- Stop the car correctly
You’ll also learn how to check mirrors and surroundings before doing anything.
Top Tips to Make Your First Lesson a Success
1. Stay Calm
Everyone feels nervous during their first lesson. That’s normal. You’re not expected to be perfect. Your instructor will guide you step-by-step.
2. Ask Questions
If you don’t understand something, speak up. A good instructor is there to teach, not just observe. At Lendrums, we encourage questions and work at your pace.
3. Focus on Safety First
Learning to drive isn’t just about passing a test. It’s about staying safe on the roads for life. Learn good habits early:
- Check mirrors regularly
- Keep both hands on the wheel
- Look ahead, not just in front of the car
These simple skills will help you build strong driving instincts.
4. Don’t Rush Progress
Every learner is different. Some pick up driving quickly, others take more time—and that’s okay. Driving lessons Plymouth learners take with us are tailored to individual needs, not a one-size-fits-all plan.
Learning in an Automatic Car? Here’s What to Know
If you’re learning in an automatic, things are simpler from day one. With automatic driving lessons Plymouth learners enjoy a smoother start—no gears, no clutch, and no stalling.
Here’s what you’ll focus on:
- Smooth acceleration and braking
- Judging speed and distance
- Observation and reaction
- Steering and cornering
Automatic driving schools Plymouth students choose often help reduce nerves and build confidence faster. Many of our students at Lendrums prefer this option because it lets them concentrate on real driving, not gear changes.
What You’ll Learn After the First Few Lessons
Once you’re comfortable in the car, your lessons will cover more advanced skills. You’ll slowly start to build experience with:
- Hill starts (manual only)
- Roundabouts and junctions
- Traffic lights and lane discipline
- Reversing and parking
- Dual carriageways like the A38
- Independent driving practice
By this stage, your confidence will grow. The roads in Plymouth provide a great mix of learning environments—from quiet residential areas to busy town routes.
How to Keep Improving Between Lessons
Driving doesn’t just happen during the lesson. There are things you can do between lessons to stay sharp and keep improving:
1. Study the Highway Code
Understanding rules, signs, and markings will help you drive more safely and confidently.
2. Practice with a Family Member (If Insured)
If you have a car and a supervising adult with a full licence, you can get extra practice. This should always support—not replace—your lessons.
3. Watch Driving Lesson Videos
Some learners find it helpful to watch driving videos that explain what to expect on real UK roads.
4. Ask Your Instructor for Feedback
At the end of each lesson, ask what you did well and what to improve. Write it down and focus on that in your next lesson.
Common Mistakes New Drivers Make—and How to Avoid Them
Don’t worry if you make mistakes. Everyone does. What matters is learning from them. Here are a few early mistakes to watch out for:
- Forgetting to check mirrors before changing direction
- Braking too hard or too late
- Getting distracted or looking at the wrong thing
- Oversteering or turning too sharply
By choosing a trusted school like Lendrums, you’ll get the help you need to build good habits and avoid these common errors.
Why Lendrums Driving School is Perfect for First-Time Drivers in Plymouth
At Lendrums Driving School, we know how important those first few lessons are. We work hard to make sure learners feel safe, calm, and supported from the start.
Here’s what makes us a great choice:
- We’re one of the top driving schools Plymouth families trust
- Our instructors are calm, patient, and fully qualified
- We offer both manual and automatic driving lessons Plymouth learners need
- We know every test route and tricky road in Plymouth
- We’re flexible with scheduling and offer lessons that suit your life
If you’re looking for driving schools near me with a friendly approach, modern vehicles, and instructors who care about your success, Lendrums Driving School is here for you.
Final Thoughts: Start Smart, Stay Confident
Learning to drive is a big step—but with the right support, it doesn’t have to be scary. By following these tips and working with experienced instructors, you’ll grow into a confident, capable driver in no time.
Whether you’re starting in a manual car or taking the smoother route with automatic driving schools Plymouth offers, the most important thing is to stay calm, ask questions, and practice regularly.
Lendrums Driving School is here to guide you through every mile. Your journey starts now—and we’re with you all the way.
