All you need to know about the Pass Plus course and whether you should take it.
What is Pass Plus?
Pass Plus is a non-compulsory course which drivers can take to gain extra driving experience. It’s taught by a driving instructor who is registered to teach the Pass Plus driving course.
Drivers can take a Pass Plus driving course at any time, although it’s thought to be most useful within the first year of being on the road. It is designed to support a new driver’s developing skills, easing them into the transition of learner to driver. It provides more advanced training and gives the new driver an extra boost of confidence.
How long is the Pass Plus scheme?
The Pass Plus course takes a minimum of 6 hours to complete, with at least 5.5 of those hours spent driving. It may take a little longer if you don’t reach the required standard in each module.
What does Pass Plus include?
The Pass Plus driving course covers 6 modules:
- In town
- In all weathers
- On rural roads
- At night
- On dual carriageways
- On motorways
All these modules should be taught during practical sessions.
What's a Pass Plus test?
There isn’t a Pass Plus test as such. Instead, you’ll be assessed throughout your Pass Plus lessons. You have to reach the required standard in each module in order to pass, but your instructor will do their best to make sure you reach a certain standard before completing each module.
You might Pass Plus will be a breeze because you’ve already passed your driving test. However, the Pass Plus course will get you up to speed in more advanced areas of driving that you may encounter in day to day life after passing the test.
How much does Pass Plus cost?
There are no standard Pass Plus prices. Like with driving lessons, how much Pass Plus is for you depends on where you live, what your driving instructor’s hourly rate is and how many Pass Plus lessons you need to take.
Your local council may well offer a Pass Plus discount, so you should look into whether this applies to your local area. If it does, you’ll need to apply to your local council for the subsidy.
Is there a Pass Plus insurance discount?
Completing a Pass Plus course does not mean you automatically qualify for a discount on your insurance premium, but some insurance companies do offer discounted rates to drivers who have undergone the additional training. How much discount depends upon how much weight the insurance company attaches to Pass Plus, and how much your original quote is.
If your chosen insurer does take Pass Plus account, then you’ll need a Pass Plus certificate to claim any discount. You don’t automatically get a Pass Plus certificate when you complete the Pass Plus course - instead, you need to apply for one from the DVSA by post.
Even if your insurer doesn’t offer a Pass Plus insurance discount, you could look at it from the point of view that the more professional tuition you have on the road, the less likely you are to be involved in a collision - and, therefore, the less likely you will be to make an insurance claim. This, in turn, will help to reduce your insurance premium in the future.
Is a Pass Plus course worth it?
There’s no one right answer when you’re deciding whether a Pass Plus driving course is worth it for you. But, it certainly has benefits!
Benefits of Pass Plus
The Pass Plus course is designed to help you transition to life as a driver. It should help you to improve your confidence on the road and drive more safely.
By taking a Pass Plus course, you’ll get to experience driving in conditions you may not have encountered before with the safety of a driving instructor by your side. Many learners would prefer not to experience motorway driving by themselves for the first time, for example.
As we’ve mentioned above, you may be able to reduce the cost of your car insurance by taking a Pass Plus driving course. This could be particularly for new drivers, as they often experience high premiums due to the high level of risk they pose to insurers.
On the other hand, while Pass Plus has undeniable benefits, there are other ways to increase your confidence and safety on the roads. For example, you could take a friend or family member who is an experienced driver with you the first time you drive in different weather conditions or on the motorway. It won’t be the same as taking Pass Plus lessons, but it may be a happy medium if you find the Pass Plus cost is too high. It’s all about finding the right balance for you.
Book Pass Plus
If you’ve decided you’d like to take a Pass Plus course, you’ll need to find an Approved Driving Instructor who is registered with Pass Plus. There are plenty of registered instructors, whether you’d like pass plus training in Birmingham, London, Manchester, Sheffield or anywhere else in the UK. National driving schools such as The AA and BSM also offer pass plus courses.
Alternatively, if you're looking for cheap driving lessons post-test, talk to us about how booking a refresher course in your local area could help you build your confidence in the same way as the Pass Plus course, but for less.