What Happens On My First Lesson?

Here at Wakefield Driving School we think taking your first driving lesson should be an exciting prospect.

We know you'll be asking yourself, "What will my instructor be like?" and "Will I be able to drive straight away?" so we've asked one of our pupils, Lauren Bannister from Thornes to let you know what happens on your first lesson, so you can really look forward to getting behind the wheel for the first time. Lauren isn't unusual, she's just one of hundreds of people just like you from the Wakefield area who chose us as their training provider. Here's Lauren pictured at the end of her first driving lesson and here's her story...

"I chose Wakefield Driving School because of all the good reviews I'd seen on their website. I'd never driven before, so I wanted a local instructor that I could trust who knew the area well. I work full time as a primary school teacher, so I took weekly evening lessons. I was quite nervous before my first lesson, but my instructor made me feel at ease as soon as I got in the car.

He explained the course structure on the drive up to the training area, which was a very quiet, straight road with hardly any traffic. After taking a look at my driving licence he asked me to read a car number plate to check that my eyesight was up to driving test standard (the legal requirement is 20.5 metres).

My instructor showed me the test examiner's marking system and explained that the content of every lesson would be carried out to test standard, including my first lesson. I thought this was a good idea, as I like to know what I am aiming for right from the start. He demonstrated the hand and foot controls and then it was my turn to drive! He guided me through the basics of how to move the car off from the side of the road and then how to stop safely in a calm, clear manner which was a big help, as I didn't know if I would be able to do this at the first attempt.

I was really surprised that I managed to move off so smoothly straight away, as my instructor talked me through the basics every step of the way. I stalled a couple of times soon after which was frustrating, but I was given lots of help and encouragement to correct my faults, so I was soon back on track. After a few attempts I could move away from the side of the road and pull up again on my own. The lesson plan was simple to follow and easy to remember, making things much easier than I expected. Later on, my instructor showed me how to make gear changes so I could go a little faster, which was both scary and exiting at the same time! I can't wait for next week's lesson now."

Lauren carried on with her evening lessons, learning a new skill each week until she could drive safely on her own to the standard required by the driving test examiner. Lauren's instructor made sure she was 100% ready to pass her test by giving her plenty of 'mock' test practise during the later stages of her course, in and around the training areas near Wakefield driving test centre.

Lauren took her driving test a week after the end of her course and here's the result - another first time pass. Lauren only made three minor faults on her test, here's her review of our course in her own words...

"Being a teacher myself I know how important good quality lessons are and I can honestly say that if you are looking for driving lessons in Wakefield then give this school a call. Wakefield Driving School have a properly structured course of driving lessons that take you from complete beginner to test standard driver and near the end of the course there are confidence-building mock tests to sharpen your skills for the real thing. I couldn't have been happier with my training and I'm so pleased to have passed first time.

Walking two miles to work with heavy school books in the wind and rain hasn't been fun, now it will only take me a few minutes to drive to work and maybe now I can have a lie in. It's hard to believe, but I'm going car hunting at the weekend!"