Driving is an interesting rite of passage. You will be able to go wherever you want without relying on anyone else. Before that happens, though, you will need your first driving lessons. In most families, parents teach their kids the basics of driving. Busy parents, on the other hand, may enroll a son or daughter to a driving class.

On your first driving lessons, you’ll probably be excited and nervous. How can you drive this big piece of metal without killing anyone or crashing into a wall. It doesn’t matter if you’re 17 or 40, you’d still feel some uncertainty or even fear as you start your first driving lessons.

What will you do on the first day of driving lessons?

Relax! It is your first day at learning how to drive. Your instructor is not going to take you straight on the main road on the very first day.

On the first day of your lessons, your instructor will be giving you an orientation and will talk about the car, its mechanics, and the basic principles of driving. He or she will talk about basic knowledge like how and when to use the accelerator, brake, gears and shifting, and how both pedals and gear work together to move the car smoothly. If you don’t understand these things right now, don’t worry. You will.

Your instructor will go through routine safety rules with you, also known as “cockpit drill”. He or she will guide you how to adjust your mirror and will even explain its importance. You will even learn how to start your car and familiarize yourself with the driver’s seat, the dashboard controls, and the steering wheel.

After your instructor explains the basics, he or she may start you with the process of shifting gears and ask you to drive slowly. This is usually done in a not too busy area like a big car park, an industrial area, or a spacious field. Some driving schools may even have a practice track that you can drive on.

Some tips for your first driving lessons

Ensure you sleep and rest well before your first class. Driving demands you to be alert, attentive as well as focused. Avoid caffeine as you may get even more nervous and jittery.

Think positively. Start your first day of driving lesson with a positive mind. You will make mistakes in the process of learning how to drive. That’s fine. Even seasoned drivers make mistakes. If you make a mistake, take a deep breath and start over. Besides, the instructor will help guide you through this process.

Don’t panic. It is not easy to stay in control if you panic. Hold the steering wheel and stay attentive. Most driving schools have made modifications in the car for driving students so the instructor can gain control of the car if an accident is about to happen.

Share your thoughts with your instructor. He or she is there to help you learn how to drive like an expert. If you are unsure of anything or you have questions, ask away. Don’t feel shy. You paid for their service and the driving instructor should provide good customer service. Now, if one of your parents is your driving instructor, that’s a little bit more tricky. But you should not shy away from asking questions that could help improve your driving.

Keep practicing and before long, you’ll be out on the road, driving by yourself.