First Driving Lesson Guide: Prepare for Driving Lessons

Your first driving lesson is mostly about getting comfortable. You’ll sit in the driver’s seat, learn what the controls do, and drive slowly with an instructor beside you. You don’t need any experience, and nobody expects you to get it right the first time.

Still, not knowing what’s coming is what makes most people nervous. This guide walks you through how to prepare for your first driving lesson, what happens on the day, and a few practical tips to help you feel confident from the start.

What happens in your first driving lesson?

Every instructor works a little differently, but most first lessons follow a similar pattern:

1. A quick chat. Your instructor will ask about your experience, your goals, and anything that worries you.
2. Getting set up. You’ll adjust your seat, steering wheel, and mirrors so you can see and reach everything comfortably.
3. Learning the controls. Your instructor will show you the pedals, indicators, wipers, lights and handbrake.
4. Moving off. You’ll drive slowly, usually on a quiet street or in a low-traffic area.
5. Basic skills. Expect to practise steering, braking smoothly, turning corners and stopping safely.
6. A short recap. At the end, your instructor will tell you what went well and what to work on next.

Most instructors won’t take you onto busy roads in your first lesson. The pace depends on how confident you feel.

How do you prepare for your first driving lesson?

A little preparation makes a big difference. Here’s what to sort out beforehand:

• Check your learner permit. In Victoria, you need a learner permit before you drive on public roads. Bring it with you.
• Wear flat, comfortable shoes. Thick soles, heels, and thongs make it harder to feel the pedals.
• Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you need them to drive.
• Get a decent night’s sleep. Driving takes more concentration than you’d think.
• Eat something beforehand. Low energy and nerves are a bad mix.
• Write down your questions. It’s easy to forget them once you’re behind the wheel.

If you don’t have your learner permit yet, you’ll need to apply through VicRoads and pass the Learner Permit Test first. You can also read the road rules while you wait, which makes your first lessons much easier.

What’s the first day of a driving lesson actually like?

Picture a calm, slow-paced session, not a test. The car has dual controls, which means your instructor can brake if they need to. That’s there for your safety, so you can concentrate on learning.

Expect to feel a bit awkward at first. Checking mirrors, steering, and watching the road all at once feels like a lot, but it gets easier quickly. Most learners say the nerves fade within the first 15 to 20 minutes.

You’ll probably make small mistakes, like braking too hard or drifting wide on a turn. That’s completely normal, and it’s exactly why you have an instructor.

Is your first driving lesson in Australia different from other countries?

A few things are specific to Australia:

• We drive on the left-hand side of the road.
• Learners in Victoria must display L plates and follow learner restrictions, including a zero blood alcohol limit.
• Each state has its own rules, so what applies in Victoria may not apply in NSW or Queensland.

If you’re learning in Melbourne, your instructor will teach you local road rules, like hook turns in the CBD and how to share the road with trams.

What’s it like learning in an automatic car?

If you’re starting out, automatic driving lessons for beginners are a simple way to build confidence. There’s no clutch and no gear changing, so you only have two pedals to think about: accelerator and brake. That means you can focus on steering, observation and road awareness instead of juggling gears.

At Licence Pass, lessons are taught in automatic cars, so new drivers can concentrate on the fundamentals first. One thing to know: if you pass your Drive Test in an automatic, your licence will be restricted to automatic cars. Check the VicRoads website for current details on how that works.

First driving lesson tips and advice

These small things help more than you’d expect:

• Tell your instructor you’re nervous. They’ve seen it many times and will adjust the pace.
• Ask questions. If something doesn’t make sense, say so straight away.
• Don’t rush. Smooth and slow beats fast and jerky.
• Look ahead, not just at the bonnet. Your car goes where your eyes go.
• Take it easy on yourself. Nobody drives perfectly in lesson one.
• Book your next lesson soon. Practicing regularly helps skills stick.

What should you do after your first lesson?

Think about what felt good and what didn’t. Jot down a couple of notes while it’s fresh. If you’re under 21, you’ll need to log supervised driving hours before your Drive Test, so start building those up with a family member or friend who is eligible to supervise. Our guide on how to log 120 hours of driving in Melbourne explains how to track them. Practicing between professional lessons is the quickest way to improve.

Ready to book your first lesson?

If you’re looking for beginner driving lessons in Melbourne, our first-time driver lessons are designed for people who have never been behind the wheel. Every lesson takes place in an automatic dual-control car, which keeps things safe and comfortable while you find your feet. Our instructors keep things patient and practical, so you can build confidence at your own pace.