Driving Schools in South London
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    • The Basics >
      • 1. Starting The Car
      • 2. Moving Off
      • 3. Stopping, Parking and Reversing
      • 4. Dashboard Instruments
      • 5. Accelerating
      • 6. Steering
      • E. Driving An Automatic Car
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Driving: The Basics

How To Drive a Car in 6 easy steps
The basics of learning to drive a car in six steps
Learn the basics of driving

Learn to drive in 6 Easy Steps

Step 1 Starting the Car
STARTING
Step 2 Moving Off
MOVING OFF
Step 3 Stopping, Parking and Reversing
STOPPING
Step 4 The Dashboard
DASHBOARD
Step 5 Accelerating
ACCELERATING
Step 6 Steering
STEERING

STEP 1: Starting THE CAR

Step 1 Learning to drive
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Understanding Warning Lights: Familiarise yourself with the dashboard warning lights to ensure your vehicle is in proper working condition.
Starting Your Car: Follow the correct procedure to start your car, ensuring all systems are functioning properly.​​

Step 2: Moving Off Safely and Smoothly

Step 2 Learning to drive
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Using Your Mirrors: Always check your mirrors before moving off to ensure it's safe.
MSM Routine: Follow the Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre routine to ensure safe driving.
Using the Gears and Brakes: Learn to use the gears and brakes smoothly to maintain control of the vehicle.​

Step 3: Stopping, Parking, and Reversing

Step 3 Learning to drive
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Slowing Down and Stopping: Apply brakes gradually to slow down and stop safely.
Parking: Master different parking techniques, including parallel and bay parking.
Reverse Parking: Practice reverse parking to ensure you can park in tight spaces.​

Step 4: Using Instruments and Driving Aids

Step 4 Learning to drive
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​Dashboard Warning Lights:
Understand the function of each warning light on your dashboard.

Using Switches and Controls: Get to know the various switches and controls in your vehicle.
Mirrors: Adjust and use your mirrors effectively to maintain awareness of your surroundings.​

Step 5: Accelerating and Using the Gears

Step 5 Learning to drive
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​How to Use Gears Effectively: ​
Learn to shift gears smoothly to optimize your vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency.

Step 6: Steering and Manoeuvring

Step 6 Learning to drive
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Manoeuvres: Practice essential driving manoeuvres such as turning, parking, and reversing.
OSM Routine: Follow the Observation-Signal-Manoeuvre routine to ensure safe and effective driving.
Coasting: Understand the risks of coasting and how to avoid it.
Skidding: Learn how to control your vehicle in the event of a skid.​

Driving an Automatic VehiclE

Learning to drive an electric car
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​Using the Gear Selector:
Familiarize yourself with the gear selector in an automatic vehicle.
Safe Acceleration: Practice safe acceleration techniques to maintain control and ensure passenger comfort.


The best frequently asked driving questions

Frequently Asked Questions

See our frequently asked questions for helpful tips, advice and all about our driving lessons in south London
FAQS AND USEFUL ADVICE

Shop LEARNING TO DrivE Essentials

Purchase the latest edition of the Highway Code, L plates and Learn Your Road Signs Flash Cards in this Elite Test Pass Kit. This kit is essential in helping you to pass your Theory and Hazard Perception Test and ultimately your Driving Test in South London.
The best Highway Code 2024 Book, Know Your Traffic Road Signs Flash Cards and Magnetic L Plates

South London Driving School areas

Nearest Driving Test Centres in South London

Driving Test Centre in Croydon
111 Canterbury Road
Croydon
Surrey
CR0 3HH

Driving Test Centre in Hither Green
42- 44 Ennersdale Road
Hither Green
Greater London
SE13 6JD
Driving Test Centre in Isleworth
Worton Hall
Worton Road 
Isleworth
TW7 6ER

Driving Test Centre in Tolworth
Douglas House 1b
Douglas Road
Tolworth, Surrey
KT6 7RZ
Driving Test Centre in Mitcham
Redhouse Road
Mitcham
Surrey
CR0 3AQ

Driving Test Centre in Morden
10 Tudor Drive
Morden
Surrey
SM4 4P
Driving Test Centre in Chertsey
Unit 4, The Forum
Hanworth Lane
Chertsey
Surrey KT16 9JJX

Driving Test Centre in Wallington (Mint House)
6 Stanley Park Road
Wallington
Surrey
SM6 0PY

DRIVING SCHOOL BLOG

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Why Learner Drivers Should Experience Different Driving Conditions in South London
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The Ultimate Guide to Driving Without Mobile Phone Distractions
Whether you're a complete beginner or need a refresher after some time away, DSSL Driving Schools has a range of lessons and courses
Get Road-Ready with DSSL's Flexible Driving Lessons in London
As a new driver in South London, selecting the right first time car is an important decisio
Choosing the Right Car for New Drivers in South London

Driving Test Pass in South London

Pass your driving test in south London

DSSL specialises in short notice, last minute and late cancellation driving tests in south London areas

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  • Home
  • Areas
    • Bromley
    • Croydon
    • Greenwich
    • Lewisham
    • Kingston
    • Lambeth
    • Merton
    • Richmond
    • Southwark
    • Sutton
    • Wandsworth
  • Lessons
    • Learning to Drive
    • Advanced
    • Automatic
    • Intensive
    • Manual
    • Motorway
    • Pass Plus
    • Refresher
  • Instructors
    • The Basics >
      • 1. Starting The Car
      • 2. Moving Off
      • 3. Stopping, Parking and Reversing
      • 4. Dashboard Instruments
      • 5. Accelerating
      • 6. Steering
      • E. Driving An Automatic Car
  • Test
    • Highway Code
    • Theory Test
    • Mock Driving Test
    • Common Test Failures
    • Road Conditions
    • Road Signs
    • Parking
    • Roundabouts
    • DVSA News
  • FAQ
    • Car Insurance For Learners
    • Safe Driving For Life
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Bookings