Gibson, for instance, is only a novice to me (3)
I believe the answer is:
mel
'gibson for instance is only a' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'novice to me' is the wordplay.
'novice' becomes 'l' (as in a learner driver with L-plates on their car).
'to' means one lot of letters go next to another (I've seen this in other clues).
'l' after 'me' is 'MEL'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for mel that I've seen before include "Honey" , "- - Gibson (actor)" , "-- Brooks, film director" .)