What is Pass Plus and do I need it?

Pass Plus is a training course for newly qualified drivers. It was introduced by the Government in 1999. The course lasts around six hours, and mainly involves practical driver training.

What is the point of Pass Plus?

Pass Plus is designed to teach new drivers additional skills and safer driving, and is usually taken either as a full day course or as two half days.

At the end of the course, you’ll be able to apply for a Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency (DVSA) certificate, which you’ll need if you want to apply for a discount on your car insurance.

To take the Pass Plus course, you’ll need a driving instructor who is registered with Pass Plus. You can check if an instructor is registered with the course by emailing the DVLA’s Pass Plus team, at passplus@dsa.gsi.gov.uk. You can also find a list of accredited instructors using this website.

What does Pass Plus cover?

Pass Plus is designed to build upon knowledge learnt for the standard driving test. It is also helpful for getting drivers used to more driving situations. Areas covered by the course include:

• Town driving and complicated junctions
• All-weather driving including snow and fog
• Rural roads and out of town driving
• Night driving, including seeing and reacting
• Dual carriageways including overtaking
• Motorways, including breakdowns, safety and planning

For a full guide of what’s included as part of the Pass Plus course, click here.

Why should I take Pass Plus?

In a survey of drivers who had taken Pass Plus, 89% said that their driving skills had improved, and 93% said they felt more confident on the road.

For most drivers, though, it will be the lure of a potential saving on car insurance which will lead them to take Pass Plus. Most major insurance companies, including the AA, Churchill, Tesco, Co-op and Zurich all offer discounts for Pass Plus drivers.

However, it’s worth doing some research into the cost of the course, and the potential saving you might receive from an insurer. In some cases, the saving might not cover the cost of taking the Pass Plus course.

When can you take Pass Plus?

You can take Pass Plus at any time, lthough it is likely to be most helpful for newly qualified drivers. It is recommended that new drivers interested in Pass Plus take it during their first two years of driving.

How much does it cost to take Pass Plus?

The cost of taking the Pass Plus course is usually about £180, but it depends on your instructor and where you live. Some local councils offer discounts on taking the Pass Plus course, so it’s worth checking with your council before you start.

What training can you do before you pass your test?

As well as regular driving lessons, learners in a growing number of UK regions can take part in intensive driving couses aimed at reducing the risk of being killed or injured on our roads. The Pathfinder Project, which is part of the Under 17 Car Club, is one charity that offers five-day driving courses to rising 17-year-olds.

It has been running courses since 2008 and has been given £90,000 worth of funding by the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia to deliver training to around 1000 young people at three locations in and around the region over the next three years.

It has also been given £25,000 worth of funding to deliver training to 250 young pre-drivers in Gloucestershire over the next four years.

Driving and road safety charity IAM RoadSmart is also offering intenstive training courses to 17-year-olds in Yorkshire on October 2017 and to young people in Scotland in conjunction with the Drive Wise Scotland scheme.

Choosing your first car insurance policy? Let What Car? help with our guide.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here