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BeginnersMay 10, 2026ยท 4 min read

What to Expect on Your First Driving Lesson with DMJ

Don't Worry โ€” Everyone Starts Somewhere

First lessons can feel daunting, but the good news is that Dafydd has taught hundreds of complete beginners. There's nothing you can do or say that will surprise him, and there's absolutely no judgement โ€” just patient, calm instruction at your own pace.

Before You Get in the Car

Before your first lesson, you'll need a few things in place:

  • โ€ขA valid provisional driving licence โ€” you must have this before you can legally drive on a public road.
  • โ€ขEyesight check โ€” you need to be able to read a number plate from 20 metres. Dafydd will check this at the start.
  • โ€ขComfortable clothing โ€” flat shoes are best. Heels or chunky soles make it harder to feel the pedals properly.

What You'll Cover

Your first lesson won't involve motorways or rush-hour traffic! We start gently:

  1. 1.Cockpit checks โ€” adjusting your seat, mirrors and headrest so everything's set up correctly for you.
  2. 2.Controls โ€” getting to know the pedals, gear stick, indicators, lights and handbrake.
  3. 3.Moving off and stopping โ€” the basics of getting the car moving smoothly and bringing it safely to a stop.
  4. 4.Steering โ€” staying in your lane and making smooth turns.

By the end of your first lesson, most students have driven on quiet roads and are starting to feel more comfortable behind the wheel than they expected.

Dual Controls

The teaching car has dual controls โ€” Dafydd can brake from the passenger seat at any time. This means you can relax knowing there's always a safety net. The car will never be in danger.

How Long Does It Take to Learn?

Everyone is different. The DVSA recommends around 45 hours of professional lessons plus 22 hours of private practice, but many people take more or fewer. We'll give you an honest assessment of your progress as you go.

Book Your First Lesson

Ready to take the wheel? Get in touch today โ€” we cover Anglesey, Bangor, Caernarfon, Holyhead and the surrounding areas.

Ready to book your lessons?

Call Dafydd today or send a message online.