What is Pass Plus?                                                                                     

Pass Plus is a government developed scheme which enables drivers to expand on their knowledge of driving and hopefully become better, safer drivers. For further information, take a look at the Pass Plus website.

Who can take it?                                                            

Anybody who has passed their practical test can take Pass Plus, however only those people who take it within 12 months of passing their test will be eligible for a discount on their insurance premiums. For a list of companies offering discounts please see the Pass Plus website.

Why should I take it?

1) Pass Plus will help you gain experience on the road and introduce you to new situations that you may not have come across previously.

2) Your confidence will be boosted.

3) Certain insurance companies will give you lower premiums if you have taken Pass Plus. This is because it demonstrates that you are more experienced on the roads and so you are less likely to be involved in an accident. These lower premiums are only applicable if you have taken Pass Plus within 12 months of passing your practical test.

What does the course entail?

There are 6 modules that you have to complete, but there is no test to take. You just cover them in detail and put into practise what you have learnt.

1) Town driving

• You will come across rush hour traffic, large junctions and complicated traffic systems.

• This module focuses on observation and awareness, making eye contact and recognising the space around your car.

• http://www.passplus.org.uk/modules/town.asp

2) All-weather driving

• You will be introduced to driving in adverse conditions, such as rain, fog, snow, ice and bright sunshine.

• This module focuses on speeds and controlling the car, skidding, how to correct a skid and aquaplaning amongst other things.

• If the weather we are discussing is not 'available', such as ice in the middle of summer, we shall cover the issues in detail but without the actual practical experience.

• http://www.passplus.org.uk/modules/weather.asp

3) Out of town driving

• You will learn about the hazards on country roads, such as tight and blind bends, animals and farm vehicles.
• This module focuses on observing the road ahead, overtaking, bends and hills, slow moving vehicles and farm animals.
• http://www.passplus.org.uk/modules/country.asp

4) Night driving

• You will be taught how to use your headlights correctly how to deal with dazzle from other cars and how to judge your speed.
• This module focuses on proper use of headlights, judging distances, hard-to-see road users and other vital safety issues.
• http://www.passplus.org.uk/modules/night.asp

5) Dual carriageways

• This will introduce you to high speeds and how you should deal with them.

• This module focuses on multi-lane use, observation and using your mirrors, blind spots, safe separation distances, overtaking and correct lane use.

• http://www.passplus.org.uk/modules/dual.asp

6) Motorways

• These are unlike any other type of road so gaining experience is very important.

• This module focuses on safe speeds, overtaking, lane use, crosswinds and why you should plan your journey in advance.

• http://www.passplus.org.uk/modules/motorway.asp