If you have never driven before, it is completely normal to feel excited and nervous before your first automatic driving lesson. You are not expected to know how everything works, and you will not be rushed into busy traffic before you are ready.
What should you bring?
Bring your provisional driving licence and any glasses or contact lenses you need for driving. Wear comfortable, secure footwear that lets you feel and control the pedals. It also helps to be ready a few minutes before the agreed lesson time so we can begin without pressure.
You can use the learner driver resources page to check official theory-test, practical-test and vehicle-safety information.
We start with a conversation
Before moving the car, I will ask about any previous driving experience and how you feel about learning. Tell me if you are nervous, have had a difficult lesson elsewhere or need instructions explained in a particular way. That information helps me teach you properly; it is never something to be embarrassed about.
We will also check that you meet the legal eyesight requirement before driving. If you use glasses or contact lenses to meet that standard, you must wear them whenever you drive.
Getting comfortable in the automatic car
Your first practical job is learning how to set up the driving position safely. We will cover the seat, steering wheel, head restraint, mirrors and seat belt. I will then explain the main controls in the Toyota Yaris Hybrid, including the automatic selector, footbrake, accelerator, parking brake and dashboard information.
An automatic car removes clutch control and manual gear changes, but safe observation, planning and pedal control still need to be learned carefully.
Will I drive during the first lesson?
Most beginners will have an opportunity to move off and stop when it is safe and they feel ready. We normally use a suitable quieter area in or around Weymouth, chosen according to traffic conditions and your confidence that day.
I will demonstrate and explain each step before asking you to try it. Early practice may include checking around the car, signalling when necessary, selecting drive, releasing the brake smoothly, steering and bringing the car to a controlled stop.
What happens if I am very nervous?
You will not be forced to do something simply because another learner did it on their first lesson. We can spend more time parked while you become familiar with the controls, or repeat a simple exercise until it begins to feel comfortable.
If anxiety has stopped you learning before, read more about my approach to automatic lessons for nervous learners.
At the end of your lesson
We will review what you practised, what went well and what the next lesson should focus on. You should understand your progress rather than leave with a vague promise that you are “doing fine”. Good instruction gives you a clear next step.
Ready to begin?
County Driver Training provides one-to-one automatic driving lessons in Weymouth. A one-hour lesson is £60, or a prepaid 10-hour block is £550. Lessons are subject to diary availability.