Your First Lesson — No Surprises
We know your first driving lesson can feel daunting. Here's exactly what will happen so you can relax and focus on learning.
Before the Lesson
What to bring:
- Your provisional driving licence (you must have this!)
- Comfortable shoes — flat soles are best, no flip-flops
- Your glasses or contact lenses if you need them for distance
What to wear:
- Comfortable, casual clothing
- Flat shoes you can feel the pedals through
The Pickup
Your ACE Driving instructor will collect you from your chosen pickup point in Peterborough — home, college, work, wherever suits you. We'll start with a friendly chat to put you at ease.
In the Car
Before driving anywhere, your instructor will cover:
- Cockpit drill — adjusting your seat, mirrors, and steering wheel
- The controls — pedals (clutch, brake, accelerator), handbrake, gear stick, indicators
- Dashboard basics — what the warning lights mean
Your First Drive
You'll start on a quiet road where your instructor will guide you through:
- Moving off — finding the biting point and pulling away smoothly
- Stopping — using the brake and clutch together
- Steering — keeping the car straight and gentle turns
- Changing gears — going up to second and back down
Don't worry about stalling — everyone does it, and dual controls mean your instructor can help at any moment.
What You Won't Do
On your first lesson you definitely won't be:
- Going on busy main roads
- Doing roundabouts
- Parking
- Going fast
These all come later when you're ready.
After the Lesson
Your instructor will give you feedback on what went well and what to work on. They'll also discuss a plan for your next few lessons.
Book Your First Lesson
Ready to get started? Book with ACE Driving School — we specialise in making beginners feel comfortable and confident from lesson one.