What can I expect on my first lesson?

🚗 What to Expect on Your First Driving Lesson in Keynsham

Starting your driving lessons can feel exciting and a bit nerve-racking — but don’t worry, your first lesson with Newmans Driving School is calm, structured and at your pace. Here’s what really happens when you get behind the wheel for the first time.

🕒 Before We Set Off

We’ll begin with a quick chat to check your provisional licence, make sure you’re comfortable, and answer any questions. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you’ll complete the DVSA eyesight check by reading a number plate from 20.5 metres away — a simple but important start.

Then we’ll talk through car safety and seating position — adjusting the seat, mirrors and steering wheel so you feel relaxed and in full control.

🧰 Getting to Know the Controls

Next, we’ll go over all the main controls you’ll be using throughout your lessons, including:

• Accelerator, brake and clutch (the “ABC”)

• Handbrake and gear lever

• Indicators, lights and windscreen wipers

• How to start and stop the engine safely

You’ll get to practise each one while stationary, so nothing feels rushed.

🚦 Moving Off for the First Time

Once you’re comfortable, it’s time for the exciting bit — moving the car! We usually start on a quiet road around Keynsham or Saltford, so you can focus without traffic pressure.

We break the process into easy stages:

1. Find the bite point — balancing the clutch and accelerator.

2. Move off slowly — about two car lengths to get a feel for motion.

3. Build up to 10 mph — learning smooth control.

4. Change into 2nd gear — simple gear change practice.

5. Use MSM (Mirror–Signal–Manoeuvre) — when pulling away again.

By the end of the first lesson, you’ll have moved off, stopped safely, and started building real confidence.

🅿️ Stopping and Parking Safely

You’ll also learn how to stop the car correctly using the mirrors, clutch and brake in the right order, and how to apply the handbrake and select neutral. These steps are the foundation for everything you’ll do later — junctions, roundabouts and parking.

💬 After Your Lesson

At the end, we’ll talk through what went well and what comes next. You’ll get honest, encouraging feedback and a clear plan for your next few lessons.

If you’re new to driving, most learners complete a few early sessions covering:

• Moving off and stopping

• Steering and junctions

• Basic gear work

• Simple hill starts and manoeuvres.

Every learner progresses differently, and that’s completely fine — our job is to help you feel confident, not rushed.

📅 Ready to Book Your First Lesson?

Your first lesson is a big milestone — and at Newmans Driving School, we make sure it’s a positive one from the start.

👉 Request your first lesson todayLessons available in Keynsham, Saltford and Kingswood — patient, DVSA-approved instruction for beginners and nervous drivers.