PASS PLUS COURSE
The scheme was introduced in 1995 and was designed by the Driving Standards Agency. The scheme was introduced as statistics show that new drivers are more likely to have an accident in the first two years of passing their test than at any other time in their driving career.
The scheme aims to increase new drivers’ confidence in a range of conditions they may not have experienced while learning to drive.
Pass Plus comprises six modules, each covering a different aspect of driving, check below for details. These modules are:
- Town driving
- All-weather driving
- Driving out of town
- Night driving
- Driving on dual carriageways
- Driving on motorways
Some of the aspects may be covered in theory only. However, this is only done when a practical training session is not possible.
The scheme takes a minimum of six hours to complete. The practical assessment is more lenient than that used in the standard driving test, and adherence to many rules that would otherwise constitute a major mistake in the main practical exam does not apply. It is only required that one is able to drive safely and legally.
There is no examination at the end of the Pass Plus course; rather, a certificate is awarded once the instructor is satisfied with the candidate’s competence.
Each module must be completed to an achieved or exceeded standard, in order to pass:
Achieved: successfully reached the standard required for each of the competencies.
Exceeded: exceeded the required standard for each of the competencies.
Benefits of doing Pass Plus:
1. Discount from your insurance premium
2. Build confidence from your current knowledge
This course is great for those intending to drive soon after getting your license, in the eyes of the insurer you are a new qualified driver for which you are under their biggest risk since you passing your test means you can legally drive on your own, the problem is your insurance won’t trust you abilities till you get some experience on the road regardless whether you have experience in another country or not, therefore completing these course will significantly reduce your insurance premium as your first year will be the dearest one.
And finally nothing like your own safety, this course re-enforce your current knowledge by testing your understanding on how the road safety works, we’ll focus on weakness areas mainly on how you can always prevent an accident by being cautious but not too over cautious.
Participating insurers
Since this is a government scheme for everyone, there is number of insurance companies offering cheaper car insurance to drivers who have completed the Pass Plus scheme, we recommend you check around for prices directly after completing this course.