Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about booking driving lessons with First Ride.
Answers before you book
Everything customers usually ask before booking a lesson, mock test or test HIRE.
How do I book my first driving lesson?
Use the Book Now page to choose your suburb, instructor, lesson type and available time. You can also send an enquiry for help choosing a lesson.
Why does pricing depend on suburb and instructor?
Each instructor can have different service areas, lesson types and rates. Selecting your suburb and instructor first helps show the correct live price before you book.
Can I choose my own instructor?
Yes. After you select your suburb, available instructors for that area will appear. You can choose the instructor that best suits your lesson needs and availability.
Do you offer automatic lessons?
We currently offer automatic driving lessons only. Select your suburb first so the available automatic instructors and lesson options can be shown.
What are your training hours?
Driving Lessons Available Daily: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, subject to instructor availability in your suburb.
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
You can cancel or reschedule free of charge with at least 24 hours' notice. With less than 24 hours' notice, a no-show, or arriving more than 15 minutes late, the lesson may be charged in full. See our booking terms.
Can I use the instructor's car for my driving test?
Yes. The Driving Test Package includes a one-hour warm-up lesson and use of an instructor's dual-control car for your test. Only HIRE for Test provides the car at the test centre without a warm-up lesson. Both depend on test centre coverage and instructor availability. Compare test-day options.
Do you practise around test routes?
Mock test preparation can include practice around common test conditions, route-style driving, observation checks, manoeuvres and feedback on areas to improve.
What should I bring to my lesson?
Please bring your valid learner licence or driver licence. If you are preparing for a test, also bring any test booking details or requirements you want the instructor to review.
Can I book multiple lessons at once?
Yes. You can add multiple lesson times with the same instructor during checkout, or choose a package if available for your selected instructor.
What if my suburb is not listed?
Contact us with your residential suburb and postcode. We can confirm whether an instructor can cover your area or suggest the nearest available service suburb.
How do payments work?
Your payment options are shown at checkout and can include card, PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Discounted packages are paid upfront. Other lessons may be paid online, before the lesson or at the start of the lesson, as shown in your booking.
Do you teach nervous beginners?
Yes. Our instructors work with first-time and nervous learners using calm, step-by-step lessons focused on confidence, safety and steady progress.
How many lessons will I need before the test?
It depends on your current driving experience, confidence and test readiness. After your first lesson or mock test, your instructor can recommend a practical lesson plan.
Can parents book lessons for their child?
Yes. Parents can submit the booking details on behalf of a learner. Please include the learner's name, contact details and licence stage where possible.
Do you offer night, weekend or highway driving?
Book a regular driving lesson and choose an available time. Night and weekend lessons depend on instructor availability. Highway practice can be included when appropriate for your experience; mention it in your booking notes so your instructor can plan the lesson.
What happens if I am late to a lesson?
Please contact your instructor as soon as possible. Late arrival may reduce your lesson time because instructors often have other bookings scheduled afterward.
Can I change instructor after booking?
Where availability allows, yes. Contact us with your reason and preferred suburb so we can check alternate instructors and suitable time slots.
Do you help with logbook hours?
Yes. Eligible NSW learners may receive 3 logbook hours for 1 structured instructor lesson, up to the NSW limit. Your instructor can also help you focus on the skills needed for safer independent driving.
What areas do your instructors cover?
Coverage depends on active instructor service areas. Visit the Locations page or choose your suburb on the Book Now page to see available instructors.
Do I need my own car?
No. Lessons are completed in the instructor's automatic dual-controlled training vehicle, subject to availability in your selected area.
Can I book a mock test only?
Yes, mock test preparation can be booked as a standalone service when offered by your selected instructor.
What happens if it rains?
Lessons usually continue in normal rain because wet-weather driving is an important skill. If conditions are unsafe, your instructor will discuss rescheduling options.