What Is Pass Plus and Is It Worth It?
If you’re a newly qualified driver, you may have heard about Pass Plus. This advanced driving course promises to enhance your skills and potentially save you money on car insurance. But is it really worth the investment?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of Pass Plus, helping you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
What is the Pass Plus Scheme?
Pass Plus is a practical driving training course designed to enhance the skills of newly qualified drivers. It typically involves six hours of training sessions with an approved driving instructor. The course covers a range of driving scenarios, such as driving in town, on rural roads, at night, on dual carriageways, and on motorways.
By completing Pass Plus, new drivers can gain valuable experience and confidence, potentially leading to reduced insurance premiums and improved overall road safety. The course is often seen as a way to bridge the gap between passing the driving test and becoming a more experienced driver.
Additionally, Pass Plus can help new drivers understand the rules of the road more thoroughly, including specific regulations for different types of roads and driving conditions.
To take the Pass Plus course, you will need to learn from a qualified driving instructor who is registered with the Pass Plus scheme. You can find a list of registered instructors on the government website.
What is the Purpose of the Pass Plus Scheme?
The purpose of Pass Plus is to;
– help increase people’s confidence on the road
– solidify the driver’s knowledge
– give people the opportunity to experience more real-world driving situations with an instructor still on hand for guidance and support.
Many people find that Pass Plus fills the void that many feel after they have passed their test.
What Does A Pass Plus Course Involve?
Pass Plus is assessment-based, so there is no pass or fail test. Instead, you are required to complete a total of at least five and a half hours of practical driving with your instructor and reach a pass standard in each of the six different modules.
Six Pass Plus modules:
– Town and city driving
– All-weather driving
– Rural Roads
– Night driving
– Driving on dual carriageways
– Driving on motorways
The Pass Plus aims to cover as many of these modules with you behind the wheel, however, this is not always possible i.e., may be hard to experience night driving in the dark during the height of summer. In this case, you would carry out the module in theory rather than on the road.
Town & city driving
While the majority of your time during your driving lessons will have been spent driving in and around a town, there is always room to improve your observational skills and awareness in this environment.
Pass Plus covers urban driving in greater detail, giving you tips and advice on navigating complex junctions, underpasses and trams, cycle and bus lanes.
All-weather driving
In the UK there is a good chance you will have experienced some rain during your driving lessons, but you may have escaped more extreme conditions, like heavy rain, snow, ice, fog and blinding sun.
To ensure you get all the information you need, the all-weather section of the Pass Plus teaches you how to prevent and handle skids in wet conditions and why stopping conditions reduce in bad weather.
Rural driving
As most driving test centres are based in a town or city, a large proportion of your driving lessons will have taken place in or around this area. So it is not uncommon to feel a little out of your comfort zone when it comes to driving on rural roads.
Driving on rural roads often requires you to anticipate potential dangers, so having an instructor to guide you can be reassuring.
On your Pass Plus, you will be given tips on how to tackle blind bends and sharp corners, respond to animals on the road and overtake slow-moving traffic like tractors, horse riders and cyclists.
Night driving
Depending on what time of year you take your driving test, you may or not experience driving in the dark. As there is no requirement to drive in the dark to pass your test, it can be something that passes you by.
The Pass Plus aims to solve this, by giving you the chance to drive in these conditions or giving you the theory you need to deal with night-time driving conditions. Topics include the correct use of headlamps, adjusting to different light levels, dealing with being dazzled and tips on judging speed and distance.
You’ll know when you’ve mastered this section, as you’ll be confidently driving and parking regardless of whether you are in an urban or rural environment during the day or at night.
Driving on Dual Carriageways
You will have driven on dual carriageways during your driving lessons, so the Pass Plus simply aims to solidify your knowledge in this environment.
This involves practising joining and leaving carriageways, overtaking, lane discipline and safe distances.
Driving on motorways
A new law brought into force in 2018 has enabled learner drivers to drive on the motorway with a qualified instructor, so anyone who passed their test after this date may already have some motorway experience.
However, the amount of time spent on the motorway is still fairly limited, given everything else you have to cover in your driving lessons.
The Pass Plus system gives you more time driving on a motorway with an instructor there to help.
This gives you the opportunity to develop a more thorough understanding of driving at a safe distance at motorway speeds as well as how to deal with motorway fatigue, handle a breakdown, use lanes correctly and follow motorway signs.
How Much Does a Pass Plus Course Cost?
The cost of completing your Pass Plus varies depending on where you live, the instructor/driving school and how long your training takes, but will typically cost between £150 to £250.
In some areas, councils subsidise the cost of the Pass Plus to encourage people to take up the extra lessons. So if you are interested in carrying out the Pass Plus but are concerned about cost, you should get in touch with your local council to see if they do offer any subsidies.
How Much Does Pass Plus Reduce Insurance?
The potential insurance savings from completing Pass Plus can vary significantly. While some insurance companies offer substantial discounts for Pass Plus-certified drivers, others may not provide any financial benefit.
If you’re considering taking the course, it’s important to check with your preferred insurance provider to see if they offer a Pass Plus discount. Even if there’s no immediate financial reward, completing the course can improve your driving skills and potentially reduce your risk of accidents, which could lead to future savings through a no-claims discount.
Is Pass Plus Worth It For The Insurance?
Ultimately, whether Pass Plus is worth it for the insurance depends on your individual circumstances. If you’re looking to improve your driving skills and potentially save on insurance, the benefits might outweigh the costs. However, if insurance discounts are your primary motivation, it’s essential to research the specific offers from different providers before making a decision.
Pros of Pass Plus:
- Improved driving skills: Pass Plus can enhance your driving abilities in various road conditions, making you a safer and more confident driver.
- Potential insurance discount: Some insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who have completed Pass Plus, which can save you money on your premiums.
- Enhanced confidence: Gaining experience and knowledge through Pass Plus can boost your confidence on the road, especially for new drivers.
Cons of Pass Plus:
- Cost: The course itself involves fees for the training and instructor’s time.
- No guaranteed insurance discount: Not all insurance providers offer discounts for Pass Plus completion, so the financial benefit may be limited.
- Time commitment: Completing the course requires additional time and effort beyond your initial driving test.
Is Pass Plus worth it?
Ultimately it is down to whether you think it is worth it taking Pass Plus or not. Bear in mind, the Pass Plus can be a great way to increase your confidence and help you feel more comfortable behind the wheel. However, it will no longer necessarily lead to automatic insurance reductions, so you must weigh up the pros and cons of the Pass Plus for yourself.
Increased confidence
The extra lessons and more comprehensive information covered are sure to make you feel more confident when it comes it going it alone.
Increased experience
More time behind the wheel equals more experience and having an instructor with you will only help to increase what you learn when driving.
No pass or fail
There’s nothing to worry about when taking your Pass Plus as it is not a pass or fail course, you can keep having extra tuition until you have the skills and confidence to go it alone.
Reduced insurance premiums
some, but not all, insurance companies offer a discount to people who have passed their Pass Plus driving assessment. Although, increasingly insurance companies are only offering discounts to new drivers who have a black box fitted.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can You Do Pass Plus In Your Own Car?
You have the flexibility to choose whether to take the Pass Plus course in your own car or your instructor’s car. If you have your own car that meets the course requirements, you can use it for the training.
This can be convenient and allow you to practice in a familiar vehicle. However, if you don’t have your own car or prefer not to use it, you can take the course in your instructor’s car. Ultimately, the decision is up to you based on your preferences and circumstances.
What Is A Pass Plus Certificate?
A Pass Plus certificate is a document that verifies that a driver has successfully completed the Pass Plus driving course. It doesn’t have an expiration date and serves as a testament to the driver’s commitment to improving their driving skills and promoting road safety.
While not mandatory, a Pass Plus certificate can be valuable in securing potential discounts on car insurance premiums. It demonstrates to insurance providers that the driver has taken proactive steps to enhance their driving abilities, which can be seen as a positive factor when determining insurance rates.
How Long Does a Pass Plus Certificate Take to Come?
Once you successfully complete the Pass Plus course, you will receive a certificate by post. The DVSA Pass Plus team typically aims to send certificates within two weeks of course completion.
If you haven’t received your certificate after this timeframe, it’s recommended to contact them directly, providing the name of your driving instructor for reference.
Is Pass Plus an IAM Certificate?
The Pass Plus scheme is a government-backed program designed to enhance the skills of newly qualified drivers. It is not equivalent to an IAM RoadSmart certificate. While both programs aim to improve driving proficiency, Pass Plus focuses on practical experience and covers specific driving scenarios, while IAM RoadSmart offers a more advanced level of training and assessment.
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18 Jun 2024