Procedural learning is a type of implicit memory that aids the performance of particular types of tasks without conscious awareness of these previous experiences. It refers to the acquisition of motor skills, habits, and certain types of cognitive skills. Unlike declarative learning and memory, procedural memory is typically inaccessible to conscious recollection. In procedural learning, acquisition and memory are demonstrated through task performance, while in declarative learning, fact acquisition can occur very quickly, even upon single exposure to an event. Procedural learning usually requires repetition of an activity, and associated learning is demonstrated through improved task performance.

Procedural memory guides the processes we perform, and most frequently resides below the level of conscious awareness. When needed, procedural memories are automatically retrieved and utilized for execution of the integrated procedures involved in both cognitive and motor skills, from tying shoes to flying an airplane. Procedural memories are accessed and used without the need for conscious control or attention.

Procedural memory is created through procedural learning, or repeating a complex activity over and over again until all of the relevant neural systems work together to automatically produce the activity. Implicit procedural learning is essential for the development of any motor skill or cognitive activity. Different processes within the procedural learning domain may show different trajectories during learning and off-line periods. At least two processes underlying procedural learning can be distinguished: sequence learning and statistical learning. Sequence learning refers to the acquisition of a series of stimuli that repeatedly occur in the same order, while statistical learning refers to the acquisition of shorter-range relationships among stimuli that is primarily based on frequency information.