Learn2DriveASAP

Areas covered

• Pinner
• Slough
• Uxbridge
• Greenford
• Ickenham

1st driving lesson you will go over the controls, the controls are the essential elements of the vehicle that you need to understand and operate to drive safely and effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the key controls typically covered in a driving lesson:

1. Steering Wheel

• Function: Used to control the direction of the car.
• Operation: Turn the wheel in the direction you want to go. Most steering wheels have power steering, making them easier to turn.

2. Pedals

• Accelerator (Gas Pedal): Located on the right, this pedal controls the speed of the vehicle. Press it gently to accelerate.
• Brake Pedal: Located to the left of the accelerator, it slows down or stops the vehicle. Apply steady pressure for smooth braking.
• Clutch Pedal (Manual Cars Only): Located on the far left, it is used to change gears. Press it down fully before shifting gears.

3. Gear Stick

• Function: Used to change gears in the car.
• Automatic Transmission: Typically has positions like P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), and sometimes L (Low gear).
• Manual Transmission: Requires shifting between gears (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) using the gear stick and clutch pedal.

4. Handbrake (Parking Brake)

• Function: Keeps the car stationary when parked.
• Operation: Typically a lever between the front seats. Lift it to engage and press the button to release.

5. Indicators (Turn Signals)

• Function: Used to signal your intention to turn left or right.
• Operation: Move the indicator stalk (usually located on the left side of the steering wheel) up for a right turn and down for a left turn.

6. Lights

• Headlights: Essential for driving in low visibility conditions (night, fog, etc.). They have settings for low beam and high beam.
• Fog Lights: Used in very poor visibility conditions.
• Dashboard Switches: Usually located on a stalk near the steering wheel or on the dashboard.

7. Windshield Wipers

• Function: Keep the windshield clear of rain, snow, or dirt.
• Operation: Controlled by a stalk near the steering wheel, allowing for different speeds and sometimes an intermittent setting.

8. Horn

• Function: Used to alert other drivers or pedestrians of your presence.
• Operation: Usually located in the center of the steering wheel.

9. Mirrors

• Rearview Mirror: Provides a view of the road behind you.
• Side Mirrors: Give a view of the sides and rear of the vehicle. Adjust them before starting to drive.

10. Dashboard Controls

• Speedometer: Shows your current speed.
• Fuel Gauge: Indicates the amount of fuel left in the tank.
• Temperature Gauge: Monitors the engine’s temperature to prevent overheating.

11. Seat Adjustments

• Function: To ensure you are seated comfortably and can reach all controls effectively.
• Operation: Adjust the seat position, height, and backrest angle before starting to drive.

12. Ignition

• Function: Starts the vehicle.
• Operation: Insert the key and turn it (or press the start button in keyless systems) to start the engine.

13. Cruise Control (if available)

• Function: Maintains a constant speed without using the accelerator.
• Operation: Activated by buttons on the steering wheel or a stalk, allowing for adjustments to speed.

During a driving lesson, the instructor will guide you through these controls, ensuring you understand their functions and how to operate them safely. You’ll practice using them in various driving situations to build confidence and skill.

Moving off and stopping are fundamental skills covered early in driving lessons. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what typically happens in a driving lesson focused on these skills:

Moving Off

1. Preparation:

• Vehicle Checks: Ensure comfortable seating, adjust mirrors, and fasten your seatbelt.
• Clutch Control: For manual cars, press the clutch pedal down fully.
• Select Gear: Engage first gear.
• Starting the Engine: Turn the ignition key or press the start button.

1. Observation:

• Mirrors: Check interior and exterior mirrors for traffic.
• Blind Spots: Look over your shoulder to check blind spots.
• Signal: Indicate your intention to move off if necessary (signal left/right depending on your situation).

1. Action:

• Release Handbrake: Gradually release the parking brake.
• Clutch and Gas: Slowly lift the clutch pedal to the bite point while gently pressing the accelerator.
• Move Off: As the car starts moving, fully release the clutch and maintain a steady speed with the accelerator.

Stopping

1. Preparation:

• Choosing a Safe Spot: Identify a safe and legal place to stop.
• Signal: Use your indicators to signal your intention to stop if necessary.

1. Observation:

• Mirrors: Check your mirrors to ensure it’s safe to stop (you might also need to check blind spots).

1. Action:

• Brake Gently: Gradually press the brake pedal.
• Clutch: In a manual car, press the clutch fully down as you come to a stop to avoid stalling (this is usually done when the speed drops under 10-15 km/h).
• Neutral Gear: After stopping, put the gear in neutral.
• Handbrake: Engage the parking brake to secure the vehicle.
• Switch Off Indicators: If you signaled, turn off the signals.

1. Observation:

• Surroundings: Keep an eye on your surroundings and make sure it’s safe as passengers may want to exit and enter the vehicle.

Tips for Success

• Practice Clutch Control: Especially in manual transmissions, getting the feel for the clutch bite point is crucial.
• Smooth Movements: Be gentle with the car’s controls to ensure smooth movement. Jerky starts or stops can be unsettling.
• Constant Observations: Always stay alert to your surroundings using mirrors and quick glances over your shoulder (checking blind spots).

Additional Considerations for Automatic Transmission

• Move-Off:
• Switch to ‘D’ (Drive) mode.
• Release the handbrake.
• Press the gas pedal gently to move off.
• Stop:
• Use the brake to bring the vehicle to a stop.
• Keep the car in ‘D’ if you are stopping temporarily (e.g., traffic light), or switch to ‘P’ (Park) if stopping permanently.

By practicing these steps, often with a professional instructor initially, learners can build confidence and competence in controlling the car during these basic but essential maneuvers.

•   Diverse Roads: From navigating the bustling streets of Uxbridge town centre to practicing on quieter suburban roads, you’ll experience different driving conditions that will prepare you for real-world driving.
•   Access to Test Centres: Uxbridge and Hillingdon are well-served by nearby driving test centres such as the Uxbridge Driving Test Centre, making it convenient for learners to practice and take their driving test locally.
•   Local Knowledge: Our Driving Instructors are familiar with the area can teach you key routes and challenging spots that are often used in driving tests.

•   Manual Lessons: Learning to drive a manual car can be more challenging due to the added skill of gear shifting. However, passing your test in a manual car gives you more flexibility, as you’ll be able to drive both manual and automatic vehicles.
•   Automatic Lessons: Automatic cars are simpler to drive, as you don’t need to worry about changing gears. They can be a great option if you’re looking for a quicker learning process or if you’re less confident about handling a manual gearbox.

•   Experience and Qualifications: Our driving instructors are fully qualified and have experience teaching in the area. They will know the local test routes and tricky road situations that can arise.
•   Flexible Scheduling: Whether you’re a student, working professional, or have other commitments, our driving instructors can accommodate your schedule, offering lessons on weekends or evenings if needed.
•   Tailored Lessons: A good driving instructor will adapt lessons to your progress and comfort level, ensuring that you learn at your own pace while covering all the necessary skills and knowledge to pass your test.

•   Access to Local Test Routes: Driving schools in the area will often focus on test routes used by local examiners. This will give you the advantage of familiarity when your test day arrives.
•   Quiet Residential Areas for Beginners: If you’re new to driving, the quieter streets in Hillingdon and nearby suburban areas provide a low-pressure environment to start practicing.
•   Convenient Access to Motorways: Once you’re comfortable with the basics, practicing on nearby motorways like the M25 and M40 will help you develop higher-speed driving skills.

1.  Practice Regularly: Make sure to get enough practice, including private practice if possible, to reinforce what you’ve learned during lessons.
2.  Familiarize Yourself with the Test Centre: Knowing the layout of your local test centre and nearby routes will help you feel more comfortable on test day.
3.  Stay Calm Under Pressure: Nerves are normal, but staying calm and focused will help you make better decisions during your test.
4.  Take Mock Tests: Your instructor can guide you through mock tests to simulate the real experience, giving you a feel for what to expect and how to handle test conditions.

Call now to book driving lessons

07514-324851