JCC Driving School - Your First Lesson

Your Driving Licence

It is a legal requirement that you are the holder of a licence to drive a car before you can have a lesson.
To drive a car you must be at least 17 years old, unless you are receiving the higher rate mobility component of DLA, or the enhanced rate mobility component of PIP, when the age is reduced to 16 years old.

Most clients will have a provisional licence which allows them to learn to drive. For more information about how to get a Provisional Licence visit the Government website "Apply for your first provisional driving licence".
Please be aware that there are some sites on the Internet who claim they will apply for a driving licence on your behalf. These sites usually charge a large fee for doing this for you.

Clients who already hold a full licence to drive an automatic car and want to upgrade to a manual licence do not need to do anything as their licence will act as a provisional licence for manual vehicles. For more information visit the Government website "Upgrade an automatic car driving licence to a manual one".

On your first lesson you will need to show your licence before you are allowed to drive.

Your First Lesson:

The prospect of sitting behind the wheel on your first lesson may seem both exciting and daunting. There is no need to worry however as no-one will expect you to drive onto a busy road on your first lesson. As your skill and confidence develop you will progress from quiet roads to roads which are busier and more complex. Our vehicles are fitted with dual controls - if the situation requires it your instructor can take control of the vehicle and avoid problems.

It is important that you feel comfortable when driving. Shoes are very important - you need to be able to operate the foot pedals effectively, and it is recommended you wear comfortable, flat sole shoes in order to achieve maximum control.

If you normally wear glasses you should wear them for your lesson. The minimum distance to read a standard number plate in clear daylight is 20.5 metres (with corrective lenses if you wear them). Your driving instructor must ensure your eyesight meets the minimum standard by asking you to read a nearby number plate. 20.5 metres (67 feet) is approximately the length of five family cars.

Your first lesson will begin with your instructor checking your licence is valid, and possibly checking your eyesight. You will then be driven to a quiet road where you will be introduced to the controls and displays, and how, when and why to use them. The first lesson establishes a foundation on which to build your future learning experience. Your instructor will assess what you can and can't do. As there is much to cover we recommend booking two hours for the first lesson.

You will not be expected to drive perfectly on your first lesson. Your instructor will introduce the various controls gradually at a pace to suit you so that you become a safe and competent road user.

At the end of the lesson you will drive back to your pickup point (or other destination by prior arrangement with your instructor) where together you will review the lesson and discuss the focus of the next lessons. Your instructor will complete your record sheet, and arrange a date and time for your next lesson - remember our diary fills up quickly.

Please Note:

Due to the number of first lessons being booked and clients then not taking these lessons I regretably require the first lesson to be paid for in advance at the time of booking. This may be done by card or bank transfer. Further details will be given at the time of booking your first lesson, or telephone Tracy on 07773123443 for more information.