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Pass Plus
 Enhance
Your
driving skills.
Some people say you only really start learning to drive once you have
passed your driving test!
The Pass Plus scheme is aimed at new drivers to help them become better drivers. 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. Pass Plus training will take at
least six hours, though it can take longer if your instructor thinks it's necessary.
Pass Plus 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. You'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, 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
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.
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.
On successfully completing your training you'll be sent your Pass Plus certificate to claim your discount on your car insurance
policy. You should also consider working towards your Advanced Driving Test. Passing this test would take your driving skills
to a higher level, and provide you with further financial benefits.
Your Pass Plus certificate is written proof that you’ve passed the Pass Plus course. Once you’ve received it, you will be able to
claim your discount on your motor car insurance policy. DSA advises you to check for available discounts offered by insurance
companies to drivers who
have completed their Pass Plus course. The amount you can save will depend on the insurance company you choose.
If you do not have a car at the moment, you may be able to defer the discount for up to two years, but you would need to check
with your insurance company. If you passed your practical driving test more than a year ago, check that you will be eligible for
the discount on offer from your insurance company before you take the course.
You should check which company offers you the best discount. You could save more money on your insurance than you
actually paid for your Pass Plus course, effectively getting your training for nothing. When you contact the insurers, you need to
check that a Pass Plus discount is available to you.
To join Pass Plus, you need to choose an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) to train you. The ADI must be registered with the
DSA as a Pass Plus instructor, and they must also have their ADI 'green badge'. You can check whether an ADI is a registered
Pass Plus instructor by telephoning the DSA Pass Plus Section on 0115 936 6504. The DSA will need the instructor's name
and ADI number to check for you.
You
can choose to do it either in my car or your own car,
whichever you prefer. I like to cover the modules in three sessions of
two hours.
Helen Adams ADI
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