What is the Pass Plus scheme?
The Pass Plus scheme is an advanced driving course designed to enhance the skills and confidence of new and inexperienced drivers. The course can be taken at any time and aims to provide additional practical training to help drivers deal with various driving situations and reduce their risk of accidents.
In this guide, we'll delve into the benefits of Pass Plus, outline the modules included in the training, explore whether it can reduce insurance costs, and answer some frequently asked questions to determine if it's the right course for you.
Contents
- What are the benefits of Pass Plus?
- Pass Plus modules
- Does Pass Plus reduce insurance costs?
- Is there a test for Pass Plus?
- Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of Pass Plus?
Pass Plus provides new drivers with plenty of valuable skills to enhance their driving abilities and confidence. By providing extra training in numerous driving conditions and scenarios, the scheme helps to develop safer habits. Below are some key benefits to Pass Plus:
- Improved Driving Skills: The course covers various driving conditions not typically encountered during standard lessons.
- Increased Confidence: Gaining more experience in a controlled environment helps new drivers feel more secure on the road.
- Enhanced Safety: Extra training improves anticipation and reaction to different driving situations, reducing accident risk.
- Potential Insurance Discounts: Some insurers offer discounts to drivers who have completed the course, recognising their commitment to safe driving.
Pass Plus Modules
The Pass Plus course consists of six modules designed to cover a wide range of driving situations. There's no pass or fail for this course, simply the ability to enhance one’s knowledge and experience behind the wheel.
Town Driving
This module takes a more in-depth look at driving in built-up areas and also in and around busy town centres which you may not have driven through whilst taking your initial driving lessons.
The idea of the module is to ease you into driving in heavily built-up and populated areas and dealing with such hazards as public transport and vulnerable road users.
All-Weather Driving
As the name of this module suggests, it deals with driving in conditions you may not have encountered whilst taking your lessons and subsequent test.
All-weather driving is an important part of being able to drive, as we can be faced with unforeseen weather at any time, including winter conditions like rain and snow. The module also deals with skidding, how it happens, and what can be done to avoid it.
Driving out of town
This module looks at driving on country roads and what hazards you should be on the lookout for whilst doing so. This includes cattle loose in the roads, bends and hills, and how to deal with horse riders while trying to pass them.
Night Driving
Unless your driving instructor has taken you out driving in winter for the most part, you may not have experienced night driving. This is something many experienced drivers still have trouble with, and the Pass Plus course aims to help overcome the fear of night driving and also educates on how to best approach the task.
Dual Carriageways
Many aspects of dual carriageway driving cause new drivers some difficulty - this module deals with driving on different roads to your typical single carriageway, and includes overtaking and entering and leaving at junctions.
Motorways
Driving on motorways whilst learning to drive is illegal, and no driver or driving instructor should consider attempting to teach you how to until you've passed your test.
The Pass Plus Scheme’s module is designed to give drivers an insight into how to deal with traffic on motorways, overtaking, approaching and leaving, road signs, coping with a breakdown, and handling crosswinds and debris on the ground.
Does Pass Plus reduce insurance costs?
One of the attractive aspects of the Pass Plus scheme is the potential for reduced insurance premiums. Many insurance providers recognise the value of additional training and may offer discounts to drivers who have completed the course. However, the amount of the discount and availability can vary significantly between insurers.
It's recommended to check with your insurance company to see if they offer any incentives for Pass Plus participants. Keep in mind, even if a discount is not available, the improved driving skills and confidence gained from the course can be invaluable.
Is there a test for Pass Plus?
Unlike the practical driving test, there's no formal examination at the end of Pass Plus, as the course is assessed continuously by the driving instructor. If the instructor is satisfied with the driver’s performance and understanding of each module, the driver will receive a Pass Plus certificate upon completion.
The continuous assessment approach of the Pass Plus course ensures that drivers are competent in all the areas covered by the course without the pressure of a final exam.
Is Pass Plus right for you?
The Pass Plus scheme can be a valuable investment for drivers looking to improve their skills, gain confidence, and potentially save on insurance costs. Whether it's worth it depends on individual needs and circumstances, but the benefits of enhanced safety and driving capabilities make it a worthy consideration.
For additional tips and advice related to driving, visit our blog section, which is regularly updated with helpful insights and information.
Frequently Asked Questions
The course typically takes around six hours to complete, but it can be spread over several days or done in a single day, depending on the instructor and the driver’s preference.
The cost of the Pass Plus course varies depending on the driving instructor or school, but it typically ranges from £150 to £200.
Not all driving instructors are Pass Plus registered, so you'll need to find an instructor who is certified to offer the course.
Yes, anyone with a full UK driving licence who'd like to gain more experience and confidence on the road can take the Pass Plus course.
A Pass Plus certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the course. It serves as proof that you have undergone advanced driver training, which can be beneficial for improving driving skills and may help in obtaining insurance discounts.
