Suggested Timeline Of Lessons
- erinbates404
- May 22
- 3 min read
Something people worry about is how to structure lessons, especially when you're not too sure where to start. Here are our recommendations for the first few lessons.
First Time Driving
We have an entire post dedicated to explaining what should happen during your first learner lesson. Click here to have a read. The main point is to find some quiet roads that are wide and easy to drive on. This means that there will be less pressure from other drivers around you, and you're in a safe location to make mistakes whilst you're getting used to the basics. It also means you're able to stop when you need to. It's helpful if you can find an area like this that has a few loops you can drive round. This means that you can practice turning, pulling out of quiet junctions, etc.
Depending on how confident you're feeling, you may want to try driving home, if you're close enough. If not, no worries! Just make sure you go at your own pace.
Lesson Two
At this point you want to focus on just getting comfortable with driving and using the pedals. Your coach may want to tell you what gears to change into whilst also observing for you, so you can focus on this. If you're lucky enough to have found an area with a nice quiet loop to drive round, you may want to consider adding in a less quiet road to the mix. This allows you to practice getting up to speed and building your wariness of other drivers. For this try to find a nice straight road that you can drive on for a little while amongst the traffic.
If you're around the area, Hook Heath is a great example of quiet roads with long straight sections, wide lanes, and loops. Highlighted in yellow are quiet side roads where you can choose to practice manoeuvres and all that shebang.
Highlighted in red is a perfect example of incorporating a busier road into your loop. In this one specifically you're able to practice your junction observation, speed and indicating.
Of course, not everyone may be ready to tackle a busier road so soon. So you may wish to try this in another lesson.
Note for coaches - Your learner may need extra encouragement to do this first time as it can be quite scary!
Lesson Three
Start talking about the importance of observations and hazard perception. We have included a post about mirrors and observation that you can refer to for this! Steer your focus (see what I did there) towards approaching and emerging from junctions. Talk about the gear changes you need to perform when approaching and then when emerging.
Note for coaches - As your learner is doing this talk them through the process of, first, checking your mirrors, starting to indicate, and then thinking about gear change.
Top Tip - When you've gone through these steps it can be helpful to say them aloud as you're doing them so you get familiar with the order. Remember there is no shame in asking if you're unsure!
Top Tip - Always stop at a junction unless there's absolutely nothing coming. Examiners aren't looking for speed! They're looking for safe, controlled driving.
Lesson Four
Assuming you're getting familiar with changing gears, it's time to start driving on busier roads. You can begin to familiarise yourself with how mini roundabouts work. Stick to simpler roads and try to avoid any complicated situations, unless you're feeling confident.
It's then a good idea to start thinking about some manoeuvres. If you're able to find an empty car park you can practice parking within the lines, either forwards or backwards. If you want to start practicing more you can refer to our section that mentions all the manoeuvres you can be asked to do in your test. Click here!
Remember that everyone has different progressions and this is just an idea of the sort of structure you can use. Everyone's journey is unique, so take the time you need. Following on from lesson four we suggest you look through our Steps to Passing and look over the posts we have about different things you can encounter on the roads.
Note for coaches - It can be helpful to identify areas of weakness and tailor your lessons around this. Feedback is essential, make sure to look back on things and ask your learner questions that provoke reflection!
Top Tip - Take a look at common learner mistakes so you can avoid them!
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