U.K. Pass Plus Guide

In the U.K., there is a Pass Plus scheme which is aimed at people new to driving. Through the scheme, new drivers will be taught how to deal with a range of scenarios e.g. driving in all weather conditions, driving at night, on motorways and dual carriageways. Approved driving instructors (otherwise referred to as ADIs) are able to train new drivers to meet these criteria. To join the Pass Plus scheme once you have passed your practical test, you must get an ADI to further train you and help you to improve your recently gained driving skills.

Why should I join the Pass Plus scheme?

The scheme was developed by the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) with help from the car insurance industry and trained driving instructors.

Published statistics show that within the first 2 years of passing their test, an alarming number of drivers are likely to have some type of accident. The DSA and other driving organisations want to reduce this number, so they developed this training course to help new drivers to gain confidence in a wide range of situations.

In the U.K., driving on motorways is illegal until you"ve passed your practical test. Once you"ve passed your test, you"re faced with the problem that you can now legally use motorways but you"ve had no prior instruction to help your confidence about using them. The Pass Plus scheme aims to help new drivers deal with situations that they didn"t come across while learning to drive, but will come across quite frequently as a fully qualified driver.

As well as improving your driving skills, the Pass Plus scheme also allows you to get cheaper insurance. For new drivers, insurance premiums can be quite excessive because of the number of accidents that new drivers and young drivers are statistically involved in. If you can prove to insurers that you"re a competent driver as you"ve been taken through the Pass Plus scheme, your insurance will be a lot cheaper. Cheaper insurance is one of the main incentives for new drivers to take part in this scheme, but driving skill and confidence will both be enhanced as well.

The Pass Plus scheme isn"t just available for new drivers, it can be taken by any driver at any time to help them improve their skills. Most people tend to take part in the scheme not long after they have passed their test though, because all their training will still be fresh in their mind. For those who have been driving for a long time, it"s a great way to refresh training you"ve had previously and make sure you"re still road-safe.

What will I learn on the Pass Plus scheme?

The Pass Plus scheme has 6 different modules that will help you to cope with driving in the following conditions:

- Motorways
- Dual carriageways
- Roads in rural areas
- Roads in towns
- All weather conditions
- Night time driving

Throughout the course, you will have to focus on your surroundings, be aware of others and make judgements regarding them. You should have learned similar skills during your practical driving sessions, this course will build upon existing knowledge. Instead of being focused on a test after your training, the scheme is continually assessed. You will have to learn how to deal with each situation to a satisfactory level before you pass. In a time frame of roughly 6 hours, you will be taught everything you need to know. Most of the 6 hour training period should be spent inside the car.

How much extra will it cost to take part in the Pass Plus scheme?

Course fees vary depending on a number of things. The driving instructor, driving school and area in which you live will all affect the Pass Plus fees. In the U.K., some of the local authorities in both England and Scotland will offer help. In Wales, all of the authorities will offer help with fees if you need them.

How do I join the Pass Plus scheme?

You will need to check that the local authority supports this scheme before you can apply. Also, you"ll need an ADI that has been registered as a Pass Plus Intructor. A number of authorities will help with the training costs, once you"ve chosen an approved Pass Plus instructor. Contact your local authority to see what help they can offer regarding the scheme (you may be able to get as much as 50% off).