Are you ready to start your driving lessons? Making that decision is by far the biggest step but to help you prepare for your very first lesson, we have drawn up a list of some of the basics that you need to know and do before you start.
No. 1 – Make Sure You Have a Provisional Driving Licence
Once you have made the decision, we know you will be desperate to get behind the wheel as soon as possible. However, you cannot legally do so until you have obtained a provisional driving licence.
Although you cannot start your lessons until you are at least 17 years old, you can apply for a provisional license up to 3 months before your birthday.
No. 2 – Is Your Eyesight Up To Scratch
Before you start your first lesson, we will check with you regarding the level of your eyesight. Generally, we will do this by asking you to read the registration plate on a vehicle from a distance.
The minimum requirement for students to pass this little test is that old-style number plates (before 2001) can be read from a distance of 20.5 metres (67 feet) and new-style number plates (after 2001) from a distance of 66 metres (20 feet). Your driving examiner will carry out the same test before your driving test.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, please remember to bring them with you whenever you take a lesson.
No. 3 – Choose The Appropriate Clothing
Don’t worry, we’re not expecting you to parade down the catwalk when you arrive for your first lesson!
If you feel a little nervous we strongly recommend wearing clothes which you feel comfortable in, with loose fitting t-shirts and trousers often being a good idea.
Footwear is also an issue. You must choose something that will give you a good feel of the pedals whilst ensuring that you feel in control at the same time. Comfortable flat shoes or trainers with a thin sole are often the best choice.
No. 4 – You Need to Learn the Highway Code
The sooner you can come to grips with the Highway Code, the sooner you will be well on the way to becoming a more competent driver.
There is absolutely nothing to stop you revising the Highway Code long before you start your lessons to ensure you have a great headstart when the time comes to put the theory into practice!