Pass Plus Scheme

What is the Pass Plus Scheme?

The Pass Plus Scheme is designed for and aimed at new drivers who are statistically more likely to be involved in an accident within their first two years of legalised driving. With this in mind a scheme was introduced to help enhance newly qualified drivers tackle some of the aspects of driving that were not included in their initial learning.

The course itself is designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) in conjunction with insurance companies and driving instructors alike with the ultimate goal being to reduce the number of accidents had by fledgling drivers thus helping to make the roads safer and also to keep insurance premiums down.

What are the Benefits of the Pass Plus Scheme?

The benefits of the scheme are – as we have already mentioned – the reduction of road accidents caused by those drivers who are still new to the road. In addition to this the benefits of the scheme include:

• Reduced insurance premiums
• More self-confidence
• Improved driving ability
• More experience on the road

The Pass Plus Modules

The Pass Plus scheme is broken down into modular learning to afford all those who embark on it the time and the opportunity to do as well as they can.

It is worth mentioning at this juncture that there is no pass or fail for this course simply the ability to enhance one’s knowledge and experience behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

The modules for the Pass Plus Scheme are as follows:

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 would suggest 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. 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 look out for whilst doing so such as cattle loose in the roads, bends and hills, and how to deal with horse riders whilst trying to pass them.

Night Driving

Unless your driving instructor has taken you out driving in winter for the most part you won’t have experienced night driving. This is something that many experienced drivers still have trouble dealing with and the Pass Plus course aims to help overcome the fear of night driving and also educate on how to best approach the task.

Dual Carriageways

Again this is something else that you may have done little off whilst taking your driving lessons. Many that still causes drivers difficulty is the negotiating and driving on dual carriageways. This module deals with driving on multi-lane roads and how to deal with drivers overtaking etc.

Motorways

This will be something that you should never have done whilst learning to drive; driving on motorways whilst learning to drive is illegal and no driver or driving instructor should consider attempting to teach you how to. The Pass Plus Scheme’s module is designed to give the driver an insight into how to deal with other traffic on motorways as well as how to read the signs on motorways, deal with breaking down, and how to deal with cross winds and debris on the ground.

You can take the Pass Plus course any time within the first year of passing your practical driving test and upon completion you can apply to your insurance company to see if they can offer you a discount.

You will find that many insurance companies do offer discounts for drivers – new or otherwise – who have completed the Pass Plus course.