Who First Gear is aimed at
The First Gear pre-driver training days are available for young people aged 16, either living in or in education in Derbyshire.
They offer valuable information to help prepare for theory, hazard perception and practical driving tests as well as getting participants to consider how they'll continue driving safely once they've passed their test.
The practical driving sessions are tailored to each young person, and the instructors recognise that some young people may have driven off road before and some young people may have never driven before
What happens on the training days
The day is split into 4 sessions, 2 of these will be practical driving sessions and 2 of these will be classroom sessions.
We ask the instructors to cover the following elements, but if these have been previously learnt or are picked up very quickly they'll also try some manoeuvres with you as well:
- moving off safely and correctly
- steering an accurate course
- changing up and down gears
- braking safely and coming to a stop
You will drive a slightly different course during each practical session. The course starts off as a very simple oval in the morning; it then changes to a 'figure of 8' in the afternoon to enable you to practice stopping or giving way for other vehicles. It'll also build on the elements you learnt in the morning session.
The instructors will also go through some basic under bonnet checks.
The classroom sessions
The classroom sessions, run by road safety officers, have been created to offer you key information to allow you to get off to a strong start with your driving lessons and to prepare you for your theory and hazard perception tests.
We also discuss how you can gain more experience to make you a safer driver, and we'll discuss aspects of life that could affect your driving and how these can be avoided.
You'll be given a workbook, which is yours to keep, where you'll answer questions such as:
- Why do you want to learn to drive?
- How do you feel about back box technology?
The workbook also offers further information on the topics we've covered and gives you useful weblinks for both you, and your parents and guardians.
The main topics covered are:
- the importance of choosing the right driving instructor
- the Highway Code and general information regarding the theory, hazard perception and practical tests
- the cost of getting a licence and running a car
- motorway driving
- pass plus and black box telematics
- the New Driver Act
- the legalities of car modifications
- knowing your vehicle and vehicle maintenance
- mindful driving and the effects of fatigue, overconfidence and peer pressure
Course length
The day runs from 9am to 3.30pm with arrival from 8.45am.
Cost
The course costs £85.99.
You'll receive 2, 1-hour practical off-road driving sessions with a fully qualified driving instructor in a dual controlled car, and a classroom theory session.
You will take away a copy of the Highway Code which you can use to start preparing for your theory test and a student booklet with information relating to the classroom topics and useful websites to look at.
Refreshments and a buffet lunch are also provided.
Date and location
We're still confirming additional driving instructors for 22 March 2026 at County Hall, Matlock. If this date's confirmed and you're interested, email: first.gear@derbyshire.gov.uk and we'll add you to the waiting list.
The dates that are now confirmed and can now be booked are as follows.
Dates when our instructors will be in manual vehicles only
- Saturday 11 April 2026 at County Hall, Matlock DE4 3AG
- Sunday 19 April 2026 at Derbyshire Police and Fire Joint Training Centre, Butterley Hall, Ripley DE5 3RS
- Sunday 2 August 2026 at Derbyshire Police and Fire Joint Training Centre, Butterley Hall, Ripley DE5 3RS
- Sunday 13 September 2026 at County Hall, Matlock DE4 3AG
- Sunday 20 September 2026 at Derbyshire Police and Fire Joint Training Centre, Butterley Hall, Ripley DE5 3RS
- Saturday 10 October 2026 at County Hall, Matlock DE4 3AG
Dates when our instructors will be in automatic vehicles only
- Saturday 11 July 2026 at County Hall, Matlock DE4 3AG
What to bring
You should wear comfortable clothing, so no high heels, flip flops or sliders.
If you wear glasses or if you only sometimes need glasses you need to bring them on the day. The instructors will do an eyesight check before any driving commences to check participants are able to read a number plate from 20m away.
If you'd like more info, or advice on whether this course is suitable for you, email: first.gear@derbyshire.gov.uk or telephone: 01629 538060.
Book your First Gear driver training