What is Pass Plus?

Pass Plus is a training scheme for new drivers. Its aim is to improve your driving skills and make you a safer driver.

The scheme has been designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), with the help of the motor insurance and driving instruction industries, to develop your skills and knowledge in areas where you may have limited experience.

As an indicator of its effectiveness, a survey of L test candidates carried out by ORC International for DSA, showed that those who had taken Pass Plus:

• 93% felt more confident on the road
• 89% considered that their driving skills had improved as a result of taking the course

The problem

• You are vulnerable: you’ve shown by passing the driving test that you are able to drive unsupervised on the road. As a newly qualified driver you’re much more vulnerable than you might realise.
• You are more likely to have an accident: Statistics show that new drivers are more likely to have an accident within the first 2 years of passing their test than at any other time in their driving career.
• You lack of driving experience: it’s not because of your age – newly qualified drivers are at higher than average risk whatever their age. The main factor is simply a lack of driving experience.

Pass Plus will benefit you by:

• Enabling you to gain quality driving experience safely
• Helping you become a more skillful driver
• Teaching you how to develop a positive driving style which is both enjoyable and safe
• Reducing your chances of being involved in a road accident
• Saving you money on your car insurance premiums

Pass Plus is made up of six practical modules:

• driving in town
• driving in all weathers
• driving on rural roads
• driving at night
• driving on dual carriageways
• driving on motorways

There is no test at the end. Instead you'll be assessed throughout. All the modules must be completed to pass the course.

Ask your instructor for a list of insurance companies participating in the Pass Plus scheme. You may get up to 35% discount on your first insurance policy if you complete the Pass Plus course.

The solution

Develop your driving skills, so you can drive safely in all conditions and on all types of road. Until you do this you will be at greater risk of being involved in a road accident. That risk is reflected in car insurance premiums. This is where PASS PLUS comes in.

The six-module training syllabus will develop your skills and, if you feel nervous driving on your own, it can also help to boost your confidence.