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The Pass Plus Course
Pass Plus is an established training course aimed at new drivers. It was designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) with the help of insurers and the driving instruction industry.
Statistics show that new drivers are more likely to have an accident in the first two years after passing their test, due to lack of driving experience.
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.
Who can do Pass Plus training
You can take a Pass Plus course at any time, but it's mainly aimed at new drivers in the first year after passing their test.
Pass Plus modules
The Pass Plus scheme is made up of six course modules. All of the modules must be successfully completed to the required standard. Find out what you need to know to pass the six modules:
Driving around a town
The first module has two parts. It begins with an introduction to Pass Plus, explaining the course aims and the skills and knowledge to be covered.
The second part is a practical session covering the different features of driving in a town, such as complex junctions and public transport.
Town DrivingYou'll focus on:
- observation, judgement and awareness
- eye contact
- consideration for vulnerable road users
- showing caution
- keeping space around your car
All weather driving
This module will be covered as much as possible in a practical session. You'll focus on correct speed, safe stopping distances, plus seeing and being seen in:
- rain
- sleet, snow and ice
- mist and fog
- bright sunshine
You'll also look at skidding, and:
- what causes skids
- how to prevent skids
- correcting slow-speed skids
- braking on poor surfaces
- aquaplaning
Driving in the countryside
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 focuses especially on being aware and showing consideration for:
- pedestrians, horse riders and animals in the road
- farm entrances
- slow moving vehicles
It also covers the correct use of a horn, coping with mud and debris on the road and how to use passing places.
Driving at night
This covers the important parts of driving at night, dawn and dusk. You'll learn about:
- the importance of using headlights correctly
- adjusting to the dark
- judging speed and distance
- the correct use of lights and keeping them clean
- dealing with dazzle
- hard-to-see road users
- parking issues
Driving on dual carriageways
Dual carriageways are high speed roads where the two carriageways are separated by a central reservation. You'll need to have particular skills, including:
- effective 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
Driving on motorways
This should be a practical session if possible. If there is no motorway nearby, it will be covered in a theory session. You should drive on a motorway as soon as you can afterwards so you can put the theory into practice.
The topics covered include:
- journey planning
- joining and leaving a motorway, 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
How you'll be instructed
Pass Plus Pupil's Guide
At the start of your course, your instructor will give you a copy of the 'Pass Plus Pupil's Guide'. This contains detailed information about all aspects of Pass Plus.
Duration
Pass Plus training will take at least six hours, though it can take longer if your instructor thinks it's necessary.
The training sessions
Pass Plus is a practical course and all modules should be practical sessions. However, local conditions and time of year may mean that some modules need to be given as a theory session. A theory session could be given if there is no motorway nearby. Generally at least five and a half out of six hours should be spent in the car.
You will not have to take a test at the end of the course but you will be continually assessed during the modules.
Recording progress
Your instructor will complete a training report form that you'll sign and date when you reach the required standard in each module. To pass the course you'll need to reach a satisfactory standard in all the course modules. You'll be given a progress record to help you to keep track of your progress throughout the course.
At the end of your training
On successfully completing your training you'll be sent your Pass Plus certificate to claim your discount on your car insurance policy, this can be up to 30%!