Learning to drive: Pass Plus

Pass Plus is an extra driving course which hones key skills and lowers insurance costs

So what exactly does it involve and what are the benefits?
 
Pass Plus is an extra course for new drivers, with the aim of honing key skills and rewarding motorists for their efforts.

It’s designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and covers six new sections:

1. In town
This covers driving around complex junctions, keeping space around your car, considering vulnerable road users and increasing observation, judgement and awareness in built up areas.

2. Rural roads
This module takes place in country roads, focusing on safe overtaking skills around slow moving vehicles and horses. It also teaches you to traverse sharp bends, hills, narrow and uneven roads while staying safe.

3. All weathers
You will learn how to drive appropriately in rain, sleet, snow, fog and bright sunshine here. The module also focuses on how to cope with skidding and aquaplaning.

4. Night driving
This will give you the many skills of driving in the dark, including which lights to use in different situations, how to cope with dazzle and hard-to-see road users, how to keep your lights in check and night-time parking issues.

5. Dual carriageways
This lesson will teach you how to join and leave a dual carriageway effectively, leave a safe distance between other cars, observe and overtake correctly, plan ahead and use speed properly.

6. Motorways
The final and probably most important part of Pass Plus – this is the area many drivers lack confidence in after passing their practical test. It covers all aspects of safe motorway driving, from slip roads to signals, fatigue to breakdown procedures, and overtaking to lane discipline.

There is no test at the end of these modules, but you’ll be continually assessed and must reach an accepted standard of driving.

You will be graded with an achieved or exceeded standard for each module you pass.

What are the benefits?

• Discounts on car insurance premiums
• Safe, valuable driving experience
• The chance to develop your existing skills and knowledge
• A reduced risk of being in a road accident
• Higher road confidence

How much does it cost?

Prices vary depending on your location, instructor and driving school, but six hours is the minimum amount of time you’ll have to put into the course.

Some local authorities will help motorists pay up to half of their Pass Plus fees. Check with yours to see if they can help.

How much money can I save on my insurance?

Completing Pass Plus will save you money on car insurance, as insurance companies will take your extra skills and driving knowledge into account.

The savings will also depend on other factors such as your age, vehicle type and model.

The money saved will be different for everyone, but Pass Plus can potentially cut hundreds of pounds off your insurance bills.

Not every insurer offers discounts for Pass Plus drivers. Here’s a list of those who do:

• AA Insurance
• Adrian Flux Insurance Services
• BSM Insurance Services
• Churchill Insurance
• CIS
• Direct Line
• Endsleigh`
• Norwich Union
• Privilege
• Provident
• Royal and SunAlliance
• Tesco Motor Insurance
• Swinton
• QUINN Direct Insurance Ltd
• Zurich

They offer insurance discounts for:
1. Third party only
2. Third party fire and theft
3. Fully comprehensive cover