First Driving Lesson

Starting your driving lessons is both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking. Here’s what you can expect and how to prepare:

Getting Started with Best Drive:

Best Drive has been teaching people to drive for over 24 years. Their instructors are friendly and understand how it feels to be a new driver. They’ll make sure you’re comfortable and tailor lessons to your needs.

Best-Drive

Your First Driving Lesson:

• Getting to Know the Car:
• Cockpit Drill:
• Doors: Ensure all doors are closed properly.
• Seat: Adjust your seat so you can reach the pedals comfortably.
• Seatbelt: Fasten your seatbelt securely.
• Mirrors: Set your mirrors to have a clear view around the car.
• Controls: Learn about the indicators (blinkers), lights, dashboard symbols, pedals (clutch, brake, accelerator), handbrake, and gearstick.
• Starting to Drive:
• After understanding the controls, you’ll practice moving the car, stopping, and steering in a safe, quiet area.

Moving off & stopping

Learning to move off and stop a car safely is a fundamental skill for new drivers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master this process:

1. Preparation:

• Adjust Your Seat and Mirrors: Ensure you’re seated comfortably with clear visibility.
• Fasten Your Seatbelt: Always buckle up before starting.
• Start the Engine: Turn the ignition to power the car.
• Depress the Clutch Pedal: Press the clutch fully with your left foot.
• Select First Gear: Move the gear stick into the first gear position.
• Set the Gas: Gently press the accelerator with your right foot to increase the engine’s revs slightly.
• Find the Biting Point: Slowly lift the clutch until you feel the car ready to move; this is the biting point.

2. Observation:

• Check Mirrors and Blind Spots: Look around to ensure it’s safe to proceed.
• Signal if Necessary: Use indicators to show your intention if other road users are present.

3. Moving Off:

• Release the Handbrake: With the car prepared, gently release the handbrake.
• Smoothly Release the Clutch: Continue lifting the clutch while applying gentle pressure on the accelerator to move forward.
• Accelerate and Change Gears: As you gain speed, fully release the clutch and accelerate, shifting to higher gears as needed.

4. Stopping Safely:

• Plan Your Stop: Identify a safe, legal, and convenient place to pull over.
• Check Mirrors: Ensure it’s safe to slow down and stop.
• Signal if Necessary: Indicate your intention to pull over if it benefits other road users.
• Decelerate: Ease off the accelerator and gently apply the brake.
• Depress the Clutch: Press the clutch fully as you come to a stop to prevent stalling.
• Steer Towards the Kerb: Guide the car smoothly to the side of the road.
• Apply the Handbrake: Once stationary, engage the handbrake to secure the vehicle.
• Shift to Neutral: Move the gear stick to neutral and release the pedals.

Tips for Beginners:

• Be Patient with Yourself: Learning to drive takes time. Don’t worry if you don’t get everything right immediately.
• Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about something, ask your instructor. They’re there to help you.

Finding Lessons Near You:

Best Drive has instructors in the following. Bath, Bristol, Cardiff,

What to Bring to Your First Lesson:

• Provisional Licence: You must have this to start lessons.
• Suitable Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes with thin soles (avoid high heels or thick-soled shoes) to feel the pedals better.
• Glasses or Contacts: If you need them for seeing distances, bring them along.

Feeling Nervous?

It’s normal to feel a bit anxious. Best Drive instructors are trained to help you feel at ease. Remember, everyone starts as a beginner, and making mistakes is part of learning. Other drivers understand this and are usually patient.

Tips for Beginners:

• Be Patient with Yourself: Learning to drive takes time. Don’t worry if you don’t get everything right immediately.
• Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about something, ask your instructor. They’re there to help you.

Finding Lessons Near You:

Best Drive has instructors in the following. Bath, Bristol, Cardiff,