The Pass Plus course is primarily aimed at the newly qualified driver, but anyone can take it. It’s designed to build on the skills and knowledge already gained leading up to the driving test.
Statistics show that new drivers are more likely to have an accident in the first two years after passing their test, simply due to lack of driving experience.
There is no test at the end of the course. However, a minimum standard must be achieved by the pupil. The report form is filled out by me, signed by both the pupil and myself, and sent to the DSA. The DSA then process the form and forward the certificate to the pupil. This should then be forwarded to the insurance company if requested.
Pass Plus modules
There are six modules (6 hours minimum) to cover and wherever possible they are done as ‘practical’ lessons. For instance, if you do Pass Plus in the winter months it may be possible to learn how to drive on snow. If you do the course in the summer months, however, this would have to be covered in theory.
Modules: driving around a town; all weather driving; driving in the countryside; driving at night; driving on dual carriageways and driving on motorways.
Benefits
The course will allow you to gain experience in situations you haven’t covered before. The modules on dual carriageway and motorway driving are probably the most important and valuable for the new driver. Many insurers also offer benefits and discounts to drivers who have completed the course.
By the end of the course, you will have developed from a newly qualified driver into a much safer and more confident driver. Although the skills learnt before the driving test go a long way towards creating a safe driver, Pass Plus takes them to a more advanced level to equip for the real world. Emphasis is placed on early anticipation, early perception, early planning and sound safety decisions. Pass Plus isn’t compulsory, but I highly recommend it.
Pricing
The total cost is £175. Although this works out to be slightly more expensive than 6 standard one-hour driving lessons, I believe that the rewards really do pay for themselves. This additional cost is due to the longer driving distances covered during training sessions.
I also offer shorter motorway confidence courses for pupils who would like to focus on motorway driving only.