Master every skill. Track your progress. Pass first time.
This is the official DVSA framework used by every Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in the UK. All 27 skills, clearly explained — plus the 5-level progression system that shows exactly when you're ready for your test.
The DVSA uses a 5-level progression system to measure competence on each skill. You and your instructor track where you are on every skill after each lesson.
Following instructions given by your instructor
Improving but still needs assistance to complete the skill
Mostly independent — occasional prompts needed in new situations
Consistent, confident performance without any help
Understands adaptations and safety reasoning — test ready
You're ready for your test when you consistently achieve Level 5 across all 27 skills
Organised into 8 categories, these are the skills every learner driver must master. Click any category to learn more about the individual skills and what examiners look for.
The foundation every driver must have before getting on the road — from licences and insurance to pre-drive vehicle checks.
Mastering the car's controls, moving off smoothly, and maintaining correct road position.
Reading the road, communicating with other drivers, and making smart decisions before situations develop.
The skills that cause the most test failures — approach, lane selection, observation, and safe execution.
Controlled low-speed exercises that test precise vehicle handling — all potentially assessed on your test day.
Adapting your driving to different road environments, from rural lanes to high-speed dual carriageways.
Staying safe when conditions change — night driving, rain and fog, and managing distractions.
The 20-minute independent driving section of your test — navigating by sat nav or road signs without instructor guidance.
Most instructors still record progress on a paper log sheet. Digital tracking changes what's possible for both instructors and learners.
Instructor and learner both see the complete picture at a glance. No flicking through paper sheets trying to remember last session's progress.
The system highlights which skills are lagging. Instead of guessing what to focus on, instructors know exactly where to spend the next lesson.
Learners can see their levels improving after every lesson. Progress made visible is a powerful motivator — especially through the difficult intermediate stage.
If a learner changes instructor or uses a cover instructor, anyone can pick up exactly where the last lesson left off. No lost progress, no duplication.
Learners check progress from their phone. Instructors update after each lesson from any device. No paperwork to lose, no records left in the car.
Our software follows the official Ready to Pass structure — the same 27 skills and 5-level system your ADI is trained to use.
Our Software
Track all 27 skills with the 5-level system. Learners see their own progress. Instructors update in seconds after each lesson.
Start Tracking — Free TrialA quick reference to all 27 DVSA driving skills and their categories.
The DVSA recommends an average of 45 hours of professional lessons plus 22 hours of private practice. However, the number varies significantly depending on the individual. Some learners pass in fewer than 30 hours; others need 60+. Progress through the 27 driving skills framework is the most reliable indicator of test readiness — not hours alone.
You're ready for your practical test when you consistently achieve Level 5 (Reflection) across all 27 DVSA driving skills. At this level you can drive independently, adapt to new situations, and understand why safety decisions matter — not just what to do. Your instructor should agree you're test-ready before booking.
The DVSA's Ready to Pass framework defines 5 levels: (1) Introduced — following instructor guidance; (2) Helped — improving but needs assistance; (3) Prompted — mostly independent but occasional prompting needed; (4) Independent — consistent, confident performance; (5) Reflection — understands adaptations and safety reasoning. Test-ready means Level 5 across all skills.
Ready to Pass is an official DVSA campaign that encourages learner drivers to prepare properly before booking their practical test. It defines the 27 driving skills every driver must master, organised into 8 categories. The framework uses a 5-level progression system so instructors and learners can clearly track readiness.
Yes. MyDriveSchool.Software follows the exact DVSA framework, allowing instructors to record progress across all 27 skills after each lesson. Learners can log in to their own portal to see their current level for every skill, identify weak areas, and watch confidence grow as levels increase — far more motivating than a paper record.
Our software follows the official DVSA Ready to Pass framework — the same 27 skills and 5 levels your instructor uses.
Instructors update progress after each lesson. Learners see exactly where they stand — and what to work on next.
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