The Pass Plus Scheme

The Pass Plus scheme is aimed at new drivers to help them become better drivers. To join Pass Plus you need to find an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) to train you. Your ADI will help you complete the six training modules to pass the training course.

About Pass Plus

Pass Plus is an established training course aimed at new drivers. It was designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) with the help of insurers and the driving instruction industry. Statistics show that new drivers are more likely to have an accident in the first two years after passing their test, due to lack of driving experience. Pass Plus builds on your skills and knowledge. It will teach you how to anticipate, plan for and deal with all kinds of hazards, to help you become a more confident driver.

Who can do Pass Plus training

You can take a Pass Plus course at any time, But it's Mainly aimed at new drivers in the first year after passing their test.

Pass Plus modules

Pass Plus consists of six modules about driving in different conditions:

in town

in all weathers

on rural roads

at night

on dual carriageways

on motorways

Driving around a town

The first module has two parts. It begins with an introduction to Pass Plus, explaining the course aims and the skills and knowledge to be covered. The second part is a practical session covering the different features of driving in a town, such as complex junctions and public transport. You'll focus on:

observation, judgement and awareness eye contact consideration for vulnerable road users showing caution keeping space around your car

All weather driving

This module will be covered as much as possible in a practical session. You'll focus on correct speed, safe stopping distances, plus seeing and being seen in:

rain sleet, snow and ice mist and fog bright sunshine You'll also look at skidding, and: what causes skids how to prevent skids correcting slow-speed skids braking on poor surfaces aquaplaning

Driving in the countryside

This module looks at the main differences between town and country driving:

observing the road ahead making progress safely bends, hills, uneven roads and dead ground keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead safe overtaking It focuses especially on being aware and showing consideration for: pedestrians, horse riders and animals in the road farm entrances slow moving vehicles It also covers the correct use of a horn, coping with mud and debris on the road and how to use passing places.

Driving at night

This covers the important parts of driving at night, dawn and dusk. You'll learn about:

the importance of using headlights correctly adjusting to the dark judging speed and distance the correct use of lights and keeping them clean dealing with dazzle hard-to-see road users parking issues

Driving on dual carriageways

Dual carriageways are high speed roads where the two carriageways are separated by a central reservation. You'll need to have particular skills, including:

effective observation, using your mirrors and checking blind spots judgement and planning ahead separation distances joining and leaving a dual carriageway overtaking and lane discipline the correct use of speed

Driving on motorways

This should be a practical session if possible. If there is no motorway nearby, it will be covered in a theory session.You should drive on a motorway as soon as you can afterwards so you can put the theory into practice. The topics covered include: journey planning joining and leaving a motorway, and using slip roads safe speeds in different circumstances effective observation signs, signals and markings overtaking and lane discipline courtesy to other road users motorway fatigue breakdown procedures use of lights, including hazard warning lights debris on the carriageway crosswinds

The cost of a Pass Plus course

Your Pass Plus course fees will vary depending on where you live, the instructor or driving school you choose, and how long your training takes. The course takes at least six hours.

Applying for Pass Plus and choosing an instructor

To join Pass Plus, you need to choose an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) to train you. The ADI must be registered with the DSA as a Pass Plus instructor, and they must also have their ADI 'green badge'.

The DSA does not provide lists of instructors.

You can check whether an ADI is a registered Pass Plus instructor by telephoning the DSA Pass Plus Section on 0115 936 6504. The DSA will need the instructor's name and ADI number to check for you.

How you'll be instructed

Pass Plus Pupil's Guide

At the start of your course, your instructor will give you a copy of the 'Pass Plus Pupil's Guide'. This contains detailed information about all aspects of Pass Plus.

Duration

Pass Plus training will take at least six hours, though it can take longer if your instructor thinks it's necessary.

The training sessions

Pass Plus is a practical course and all modules should be practical sessions. However, local conditions and time of year may mean that some modules need to be given as a theory session. A theory session could be given if there is no motorway nearby. Generally at least five and a half out of six hours should be spent in the car. You will not have to take a test at the end of the course but you will be continually assessed during the modules.

Recording progress

Your instructor will complete a training report form that you'll sign and date when you reach the required standard in each module. To pass the course you'll need to reach a satisfactory standard in all the course modules. You will be given a progress record to help you to keep track of your progress throughout the course.

At the end of your training

On successfully completing your training you'll be sent your Pass Plus certificate to claim your discount on your car insurance policy.

Claiming a car insurance discount after completing Pass Plus

When you have successfully completed your Pass Plus training course you will be sent a Pass Plus certificate from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). You’ll be able to use this certificate to claim your motor insurance discount.

Why your Pass Plus certificate is important

Your Pass Plus certificate is written proof that you have passed the Pass Plus course. Once you have received it, you may be able to claim your discount on your motor car insurance policy.

Checking for discounts on your car insurance

DSA advises you to check for available discounts offered by insurance companies to drivers who have completed their Pass Plus course. The amount you can save will depend on the insurance company you choose. Insurers who support Pass Plus offer discounts on the three main types of motor insurance cover: comprehensive third party, fire and theft third party only If you do not have a car at the moment, you may be able to defer the discount for up to two years, but you would need to check with your insurance company. If you passed your practical driving test more than a year ago, check that you will be eligible for the discount on offer from your insurance company before you take the course. You should check which company offers you the best discount. You could save more money on your insurance than you actually paid for your Pass Plus course, effectively getting your training for nothing. When you contact the insurers, you need to check that a Pass Plus discount is available to you.

Insurers offering discounts

The following insurers offer motor insurance benefits to car drivers who have passed Pass Plus: 4Counties Insurance AA Insurance Adrian Flux Insurance Services Churchill Insurance CIS Click4Gap (enter voucher code 'PASSPLUS10GAP') Direct Line Endsleigh i-Kube Privilege Quinn Direct Insurance Ltd Royal and Sun Alliance Swinton Car Insurance Young Marmalade

	MANUAL PASS PLUS from only £120.00		AUTOMATIC PASS PLUS from only £130.00