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The Pass Plus Scheme From the DSA

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 driving after passing their test. With this in mind, a scheme was introduced to help enhance newly qualified drivers to tackle some of the aspects of driving that were not included in their initial learning.

The course itself is designed by the Driving Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in conjunction with insurance companies and driving instructors, the ultimate goal being to reduce the number of accidents involving 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 include:

  • A reduction in accidents involving new drivers
  • Reduced insurance premiums
  • More self-confidence
  • Improved driving ability
  • More experience on the road especially motorways

The Pass Plus Modules

The Pass Plus scheme is broken down into modules to afford all those who embark on it the time and the opportunity to do as well as they can. There is no pass or fail for this course simply the ability to enhance one’s knowledge and experience behind the wheel.

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 suggests 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 lookout 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 may not have experienced night driving. This is something that many experienced drivers still have trouble with and the Pass Plus course aims to help overcome the fear of night driving and also educates on how to best approach the task.

Dual Carriageways

Many aspects of dual carriageway driving cause new drivers difficulty - this module deals with driving on multi-laned roads and includes overtaking and entering and leaving at junctions.

Motorways

Driving on motorways whilst learning to drive is illegal and no driver or driving instructor should consider attempting to teach you how to until you've passed your test. The Pass Plus Scheme’s module is designed to give the driver an insight into how to deal with other traffic on motorways, overtaking, approaching/leaving the motorway, reading signs on motorways, coping with a breakdown and handling crosswinds 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.

 


Disclaimer: The information in the article is for general purpose information only and should not be constituted as legal advice. This article has been produced by a third party and Jardine Motors does not take any responsibility for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability with respect to the website or the information provided. Article last updated March 2016.