The DSA recommends that new car drivers who have just passed their practical test consider taking Pass Plus. Pass Plus is a course of six extra modules taken with a driving instructor after passing your test.

What is Pass Plus?

Pass Plus is a training course specifically aimed at new drivers, 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 of passing their test due to a lack of driving experience - this is where Pass Plus comes in! Pass Plus will build upon your existing skills and knowledge, it will teach you how to anticipate, plan for and deal with all kinds of hazards, and can help you to become more confident on the roads.

Pass Plus is made up of six practical modules which include:

    • town driving
    • all-weather driving
    • driving out of town
    • night driving
    • Driving on dual carriageways
    • Driving on motorways

Town driving

Driving in town can be daunting: rush hour traffic, complicated junctions and traffic systems … learn the skills to deal with all these and more

The first module begins with an introduction to PASS PLUS, explaining the course aims and the skills and knowledge to be covered.

The second part of the module is a practical session, covering the different features of driving in town, such as complex junctions and public transport. You'll concentrate on

    • observation, judgement and awareness
    • eye contact
    • consideration for vulnerable road users
    • being cautious but not over cautious, and
    • keeping space around your car

All-weather driving 

Rain, fog, bright sunshine, snow and ice: find out how to drive safely in all the different weather conditions you'll face on the road

As much of this module as possible should be covered 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, and
• bright sunshine

You will also look at skidding

• what causes them
• how to prevent them
• correcting slow-speed skids
• braking on poor surfaces, and
• aquaplaning

Driving out of town

Country roads can harbour all kinds of hazards, from sharp bends and potholes to farm vehicles and animals in the road

This module taken on country roads, will look at the main differences between town driving 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, and
• 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

Appropriate use of the horn, coping with mud and debris on the road and how to use passing places are also covered.

Night driving 

Dealing with dazzle, judging distance and speed, using your lights correctly - these are just some of the areas covered

This module covers the essential aspects of driving in the dark and also at dawn and dusk. You'll learn about

• the importance of the correct use of headlights
• adjusting to the dark
• judging speed and distance
• the correct use of lights and keeping them clean
• dealing with dazzle
• road users who can be hard to see, and
• parking issues 

Driving on dual carriageways

To drive safely on fast, multi-lane roads you'll need all your skills of observation, concentration, anticipation and lane discipline

Dual carriageways are high speed, multi-lane roads where the two carriageways are separated by a central reservation. They demand particular skills, including

• effective observation, using your mirrors and checking blind spots
•  judgement and planning ahead
• the need for a safe separation distance
•  joining and leaving a dual carriageway
• overtaking and lane discipline, and
• the correct use of speed

Driving on Motorways

Motorways are like no other roads: learn how to drive on them safely and correctly under expert supervision

This module should be a practical session if at all possible. If there is no motorway nearby, it will have to be covered in theory: you should drive on a motorway as soon as you can afterwards so you can put the theory into practice.

The topics covered include

• planning journeys in advance
• joining and leaving a motorway, using slip roads
• safe speeds in different circumstances
• effective observation all around your vehicle
• 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.

Anyone who holds a full UK licence is eligible to take part in the scheme. You will not have to take a test at the end of the course but you will be continually assessed. You must successfully complete all the modules in the course to an achieved or exceeded standard.

When you have successfully completed the course, you are advised to check available discounts offered by the insurance companies taking part in the scheme. The amount you save will depend on the company you choose, you may even save more than you paid for the course.

Pass Plus and motor insurance

When you successfully complete PASS PLUS you will usually qualify for a substantial discount on your motor insurance policy. Motor insurers who support the scheme offer discounts on

• comprehensive
• third party fire and theft
• third party insurance policies.

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