Yes, they (we..!?) did.
There was no such thing as a trial lesson in the RAF in those days. The OASC (Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre) aptitude tests were supposed carry out an initial appraisal. Beyond that, there was no such thing as a bad student, only bad instructors - and that was the official line! Further, training started on the JP.
Things changed rapidly, and soon, although trial lessons were never held, initial flying training was carried out on light piston - Chipmunk and then Bulldog - as a cheaper means of initial airbourn selection. That's where I came in, Chipmunk, JP3, JP5, Gnat etc.
Have you called Brian yet?
A