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City Side Driving School

What to Bring to Your First Driving Lesson

Your first lesson is more relaxed than you might expect. Here is exactly what to bring and how to prepare, so you can turn up and focus on driving.

What happens in your first lesson

Your instructor will pick you up from a place that suits you, check your licence and eyesight, then start with the cockpit drill and the main controls. Most learners are moving the car under control by the end of the first hour. There is no pressure and no silly questions, everyone starts somewhere.

What to bring

  • Your provisional driving licence (the photocard). This is a legal requirement, your instructor cannot teach you without seeing it.
  • Glasses or contact lenses if you need them to read a number plate at 20 metres.
  • Comfortable, flat shoes so you can feel the pedals. Avoid heavy boots, heels or flip-flops.
  • Your theory test pass certificate if you already have it (you will need the number to book your practical test later).

What you do not need

You do not need your own car, L-plates or any insurance of your own. We provide a fully insured, dual-controlled car with a DVSA approved instructor, so there are two sets of controls and you are always safe.

Before your lesson

Be fit to drive: well rested, and with no alcohol or anything that could affect your driving. If you feel unwell, just let us know and we will rearrange.

Ready to get started?

Book your first lesson online in a couple of minutes, or get in touch and we will help you choose the right package.

Why learn with City Side

  • Same price, manual or automatic

    £36/hr either way, no automatic premium and no booking fee.

  • Free local collection

    We collect you from home, work or college anywhere across East London.

  • DVSA approved instructors

    Patient, DBS checked, and great with nervous beginners. Male and female available.

  • Intensive options

    Pass faster with an intensive course, ideal given today's long East London test waits.

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