Drilling a smaller hole first is easier to control and provides a guide for the final, larger drill bit.

Mark the desired hole location.
Use one of the methods from Solution 1 (punch, tape) to prevent the initial pilot bit from slipping.
Select a drill bit significantly smaller than the final desired hole size (e.g., 1/8" pilot for a 1/2" final hole).
Carefully drill the small pilot hole at the marked location.
Switch to the final, larger drill bit. Place the tip of the larger bit into the pilot hole.
Drill the final hole. The pilot hole will guide the larger bit and prevent it from wandering.

N/A - A standard drilling technique that improves accuracy, especially when drilling larger holes.

Start with a Smaller Pilot Hole