5 Tips To Help You Prepare For Your First Driving Lesson

This is an exciting time, as you are gearing up for your first driving lesson! No doubt about it, but we are sure you are feeling all the emotions: nervous, excited, worried and many more. This is a normal reaction for new drivers, but Coastline Academy is here to help calm those nerves for you a little bit. We have five tips to help you prepare for your first driving lesson, so check them out below!

1. Eat A Healthy Meal and Hydrate

To start, you will want to drink two or three glasses of water and eat a good meal an hour or two before your driving lesson. Staying hydrated will help prevent brain fog and low energy, which you do not want during a lesson. This can affect your reaction time and your ability to stay focused. Eating the meal will stop you from feeling hungry during the lesson, which would definitely be a distraction.

2. Dress Comfortably

You want to be comfortable behind the wheel, so make sure you are dressed comfortably. Wear sneakers or other non-slip shoes so they don't slip off the pedals. Do not wear flip flops, as it makes it difficult when switching from the gas to brake pedals. Wear clothes you are comfortable in, but do not wear anything too baggy, as it can get caught on the gear shifter or in the car door. Athletic garments are a great option, as they are comfortable to wear and allow you to move freely. Also, bring a hoodie or jacket with you. The weather can turn bad or if you have a driving lesson at night, it will cool down. You never know what may happen, as you might get a flat tire and need to be outside of the car, so better to be prepared.

3. Get Plenty Of Sleep

You need to stay alert during that first driving lesson, so make sure you get at least seven hours of sleep the night before. Yes, that can be a difficult task, but waking up rested will help you focus and help you avoid feeling groggy and irritated. You will be alert to the changing road conditions and retain the information your driving instructor is giving you.

4. Do Your Research On Car You'll Be Driving

Before heading out on the road for your first driving lesson, you can ask the driving school what kind of vehicle you will be using during the lesson. By knowing this, you can do some research on the car. Also, maybe someone in your family has the same kind of car. You can practice in that vehicle with the family member and be more prepared for that first lesson.

5. Don't Forget Your Learner's Permit

This seems like a no-brainer, but we have had plenty of students show up to their first driving lesson without their learner's permit in hand. Make sure you grab it the night before your lesson, as you don't want it to be in your parent's car and they are gone to work. You will need this to drive, so make sure it is with you for that first driving lesson!

One last thing, remember that mistakes happen. Making them during a driving lesson is perfectly normal. There's no need to apologize to your instructor. He or she understands you're new to this driving thing.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to get behind the wheel with Coastline Academy, book your driving lesson today. If you still need to take Driver's Ed, sign up today!