For me, I got my car 8 months after my 17th and got sorted on provisional insurance. I was used to driving it, so when I passed and upgraded the insurance, I jumped straight in the car and drove off to see a mate. Had a lot of confidence in myself and no worries. I'd been driving practically everywhere with my mum since I got my car and I passed 2 months after my 18th.
I think a certain amount of hours driving should be mandatory because, with no disrespect to the OP, you should be confident driving alone if you're to be allowed on the roads. My ex was a terrible driver, had to get her out of a few sticky situations with parking. My brother is terrible too and has had several near misses. Every time he comes home there's a new story about how 'some idiot almost made him crash', yet I've been in the car with him while driving and I know it's him.