Keep track of your progress learning to drive
Learning to drive is a journey, not a race.
Keeping track of how you’re developing each skill helps you and your instructor make the most of every lesson. It also helps you feel confident that you’re truly ready when test day comes.
Each of the 27 driving skills has 5 levels of progress. You’ll be ready to take your driving test when you’re consistently achieving level 5 for all 27 skills.
The 5 levels of progress
Working through these levels takes time, and that’s completely normal. Most learners move through them at different speeds for different skills.
Level 1:
Introduced
You’ve been introduced to the skill and can follow your instructor’s guidance.
Level 2:
Helped
You’re making progress, but still benefit from some help from your instructor.
Level 3:
Prompted
You can handle the skill most of the time, but sometimes need a prompt – especially in new or unfamiliar situations.
Level 4:
Independent
You’re handling the skill consistently, confidently and on your own
Level 5:
Reflection
You can explain what you did, why it mattered, and what you’d do differently next time. You understand how the skill makes you safer and more fuel-efficient.
This is the level you need to reach for all 27 skills before taking your test.
How long does it take to reach level 5?
There is no minimum number of lessons or practice hours required.
How quickly you progress will depend on how you learn – and that is different for everyone.
What research does show is that learners who combine professional lessons with private practice tend to do better in their test and become safer drivers.
The more driving experience you build before your test, the better prepared you will be for everything you encounter on the road after you pass.
Keep track with the driver’s record
The best way to stay on top of your progress is to use the official driver’s record.
It lets you and your instructor see at a glance which skills you need to focus on.
You can also use it to note down any worries or questions from your private practice sessions, so you can raise them at your next lesson.
Your instructor may use a different progress tracking form or app. That’s fine, as long as you are working towards the behaviours described at level 5.
Ask yourself
After each lesson or practice session, it can help to reflect on a few simple questions:
- Which skills felt more confident today than last time?
- Were there any situations where I needed prompting – and why?
- What would I do differently next time?
Sharing your reflections with your instructor is one of the best ways to make faster progress.
Check you’re ready to pass
You’ll usually be ready to take your driving test when:
1You do not need prompts from your driving instructor.
2You do not make serious or dangerous mistakes when you’re driving.
3You can pass mock driving tests.
4You have practised ways of managing your nerves.
5Your driving instructor agrees you are ready.
Not feeling completely prepared?
Only take your driving test if you’re feeling completely prepared.
You can move your driving test back if you’re not feeling quite ready yet.
It’s free to change your appointment time, as long as you do it at least 10 full working days (Mondays to Saturdays) before your test.