To be conscious that everybody learns at a different pace. This is not to determine who is a good or bad driver. This is only to be used as a guide for an estimated timeframe on level or amount of hours to consider if need for any private tuition or any courses etc. 

Complete Beginner (0-2 hours completed)

• Experience Level: No prior driving experience.

• Knowledge/Skills: Basic understanding of vehicle operation; introduction to P.O.M routine.

• Activities: First driving lesson, introduction to gearbox/pedals, moving off, and stopping.

Basic Beginner (2-4 hours completed)

• Experience Level: Minimal driving experience.

• Knowledge/Skills: Elementary understanding of D.S.S.S.M (cockpit drill) and P.O.M routine, basic steering control.

• Activities: Pulling up to stop, introduction to M.S.M routine, possible hill starts.

Introduction to Driving (4-8 hours completed)

• Experience Level: Early-stage driving practice.

• Knowledge/Skills: Following M.S.M routine, starting theory test practice, basic turns, introduction to M.S.P.S.L routine.

• Activities: Navigating small roads and give way junctions.

Limited Driving Experience (8-12 hours completed)

• Experience Level: Some driving experience, but still learning.

• Knowledge/Skills: Basic hazard identification, controlling speed in 20/30mph zones, introduction to small roundabouts, L.A.D.A routine, and pedestrian crossings.

• Activities: Learning traffic light systems, basic manoeuvres (parallel parking).

Medium Driving Experience (12-24 hours completed)

• Experience Level: Moderate driving experience.

• Knowledge/Skills: Managing risks, following M.S.P.S.L and L.A.D.A routines with some prompting.

• Activities: Handling 2-lane roundabouts, bay parking (forwards and backwards), improving manoeuvres.

Progressive Driving Experience (24-36 hours completed)

• Experience Level: Gaining confidence and independence.

• Knowledge/Skills: Handling 2-3 lane roundabouts, managing risks independently, following road signs and markings.

• Activities: Approaching junctions safely, and practicing manoeuvres with less assistance.

Advanced Driving Experience (36-45 hours completed)

• Experience Level: Near-test level, highly confident.

• Knowledge/Skills: Independent use of M.S.P.S.L and L.A.D.A routines, advanced risk management.

• Activities: Driving on single/dual carriageways, following sat nav, completing mock driving tests.

Be advised: The UK government recommends that learner drivers typically need around 45 hours of professional driving lessons with an instructor and 22 hours of private practice with a friend or family member who meets the legal requirements (over 21 years old and holding a valid full driving license for at least three years). This is an average estimate, as the exact number of hours can vary depending on how quickly a learner picks up the skills​ 

Allow for any additional hours if had any gaps whilst learning to drive and for re-practice of the same manoeuvres on multiple occasions, or practice junctions again due to errors or mistakes made with routine or risk management. Also, any extra practice for multiple mock tests and different test routes. 

Remember everybody learns at a different rate regardless of average hours intended to be a systematic/ society viewpoint. Not everybody is starting in the same place but anyone can achieve the same ultimate goal! 

Book Mock Test here at Driving @Uphill Mastery!