Pass Plus Course

Freshly passed your test and want to bolster your skill, confidence and experience in a safe and professionally guided setting? Pass Plus is the way!

interior view of driving in winter, GPS and windshield wipers in view

What is Pass Plus?

Pass Plus is a 6+ hour training scheme for new drivers that focuses on improving skill and safety in areas they are typically anxious about. These are:

  • Driving in town – this is of course covered in standard driving lessons, but being that we typically do most of our driving in town, the Pass Plus course delves into even more detail.

  • Driving on smaller, rural roads – if you’ve been to the countryside, you’ll likely have noted just how narrow these roads can be (and how fast people like to drive on them). Accidents on rural roads are quite common, so this part of the course teaches you how to stay safe.

  • Motorway driving – again, most young drivers should have had some experience of this, but with more than 6,600 motorway casualties in 2019, accident statistics show that a lot of UK drivers can still benefit from additional skills. By spending more time learning on the motorway, Pass Plus can help you sharpen your skills and handle busy roads better.

  • Dual carriageway driving – this is less likely to be covered in detail by a basic driving instructor. Like motorways, dual carriageways have some of the highest speed limits in the UK, so a little bit of extra training can make all the difference.

  • Driving in poor weather conditions – most young drivers are told to avoid driving in bad conditions.

    Good advice when you’re new to the road, but what happens when you don’t have a choice? Gaining these skills in a formal setting is much safer than through trial and error.

  • Driving at night – night-time driving requires more than just a good set of headlights. Reduced visibility can be a challenge to new drivers both in the city and the countryside.

These modules should ideally be practical sessions, but local conditions may mean some are theory based.

Is there a test for Pass Plus?

No, don’t worry – you won’t have to put yourself through another test at the end of the Pass Plus course. You’ll be continually assessed throughout your training and will have to reach a required standard in each module to pass.

You’ll either have ‘achieved’ the standard required or ‘exceeded’ it. If a module is completed without a practical session, you can only get an Achieved grade.

To potentially get a discount on your car insurance, you’ll need a Pass Plus certificate, which you’ll have to apply for yourself.

Should I invest in a Pass Plus course?

Pros:

  • Build confidence behind the wheel – if you’re nervous about driving on your own after passing your test, the Pass Plus Scheme can give you extra hours on the road with an instructor by your side.

  • Boost road safety skills – gaining extra experience can improve your driving ability in a variety of road settings, helping to make you a safer all-round driver.

  • Further reducing your risk of being involved in an accident

  • Saving you money on your car insurance premiums*

  • 93% new drivers felt more confident on the road**

  • 89% new drivers felt their driving skills improved**

Cons:

  • Cost – the cost of the Pass Plus course can often be more than the amount you can save on your insurance.

  • No insurance savings for most – a Pass Plus certificate won’t necessarily be recognised by your insurance provider, so it may not result in a discount.


More information on the benefits of Pass Plus can be found on the Directgov website

*Subject to status. Candidates are advised to check available discounts with participating insurance companies

** Survey on L test candidates carried out by ORC International

Pass Plus Pricing: £300- 6 Hours