Pass Plus

So. You've passed your test and are safe to drive on the roads unaccompanied BUT remember that you are an inexperienced driver.

Statistics show that new drivers are around 10 times more likely to be involved in an accident and roughly 20% of new drivers will be involved in an accident during their first year behind the wheel - that's why insurance premiums are so high.

What is pass plus?

Pass Plus is an established training course aimed at new drivers. It is designed by the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) with the help of insurers. Many insurance companies give a generous discount once Pass Plus is completed.

Pass Plus builds on your skills and knowledge. It will teach you how to anticipate, plan for and deal with all kinds of hazards to help you become a more confident driver.

Pass Plus has six modules that must be completed to the required standard. At the end of the training you will be sent your Pass Plus certificate to claim your discounted car insurance policy.

You will focus on:

• Observation, judgement and awareness
• Eye contact
• Consideration for vulnerable road users
• Showing caution
• Keeping space around your car

You will focus on correct speed, safe stopping distances, plus seeing and being seen in:

• Rain
• Sleet, snow and ice
• Mist and fog
• Bright sunshine

You will also look at skidding, and:

• What causes skids
• How to prevent skids
• Correcting slow-speed skids
• Braking on poor surfaces

This module looks at the main differences between town and country driving:

• Observing the road ahead
• Making progress safely
• Bends, hills, uneven roads and dead ground
• Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead
• Safe overtaking

It also focuses on being aware and showing consideration to:

• Pedestrians, horse riders and animals in the road
• Farm entrances
• Slow moving vehicles
• The correct use of the horn
• Mud and debris on the road
• How to use passing places

This module covers driving at night, dawn and dusk:

• Parking issues
• Adjusting to the dark
• Judging speed and distances
• The correct use of lights
• Dealing with dazzle
• Hard-to-see road users

Dual carriageways are high speed roads with two carriageways separated by a central reservation. Skills needed include:

• Observation, using your mirrors and checking blind spots
• Judgement and planning ahead
• Separation distances
• Joining and leaving a dual carriageway
• Overtaking and lane discipline
• The correct use of speed

The topics on this module include:

• Journey planning
• Joining and leaving a motorway, and using slip roads
• Safe speeds in different circumstances
• Effective observation
• Signs, signals and markings
• Overtaking and lane discipline
• Courtesy to other road users
• Motorway fatigue
• Breakdown procedures
• Use of lights, including hazard warning lights
• Debris on the carriageway
• Crosswinds