Have you recently passed your driving test? If so, then well done first of all! There’s a good chance that at the moment you’ll be looking for a car to suit a newly qualified driver. Alternatively, you might still be learning and in fact looking for the best cars suited for learner drivers. At Car Keys, we can help you find the best deal on new cars suited for both circumstances.
In either case, you may also want to consider Pass Plus – which is an optional course you can take after passing your practical driving test. Even if you passed your test first time, Pass Plus can help you develop as a driver and save you money on your car insurance. In this guide we explain how Pass Plus works.
What is the pass plus scheme?
Pass Plus is an optional course you can take after passing your practical driving test.
The Pass Plus scheme can be offered by driving instructors who are officially registered to take such lessons. Assuming it hasn’t mentioned before already, you can ask your instructor whether they’re registered to give Pass Plus lessons. You can also check if an instructor is registered to give Pass Plus lessons by contacting the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).
Pass Plus typically comprises of six modules, taking at least six hours to complete (including at least five and a half hours driving). It usually costs about £180 for six hours. Each module covers different types of driving you’ll likely take on in the not too distant future but can sometimes be quite tricky.
The modules include ‘in town’ driving, all-weather driving, driving on rural roads, driving at night, driving on dual carriageways and driving on motorways. The last module mentioned is a particularly strong benefit of Pass Plus. That’s because while you may have picked up experience with the other types of driving in your normal lessons, it’s not legal to drive on motorways until you have a full licence.
While all modules should be practical sessions that involve a lot of driving, local conditions might make certain modules theory based instead.
Unlike how you got your full driving licence, there’s no final test which represents the completion of Pass Plus. In each module, your instructor will assess how you’ve performed and when a module is completed it can be regarded as ‘achieved’ or ‘exceeded’. The latter is given for exceptionally good driving.
When your instructor decides you’ve passed all six modules, you will be awarded a certificate to confirm your completion of the Pass Plus course.
When can I start my pass plus course?
Technically you can take the Pass Plus course any time after you’ve passed your practical driving test, but it’s usually something people take very soon after they’ve become fully qualified.
However, Pass Plus can alternatively serve as a refresher course for those who are fully qualified to drive but haven’t been behind the wheel for a long time.
Will pass plus reduce my car insurance premium?
When you receive your certificate to confirm you’ve completed the Pass Plus course, there is potential you can use it to get a discount on your car insurance. Don’t bother if you’ve passed but not received the certificate yet – you need the physical proof.
How much you can actually save with Pass Plus varies with different insurance providers, but the amount you can save on a premium can vary between 10 and 30 per cent.
Consult your insurance company first, however, since some will be unwilling to offer discounts for Pass Plus certificate holders. Even if an insurance company is open to supporting Pass Plus drivers, other details such as your age or location can still affect whether you qualify for such a discount.
How long does my pass plus certificate last for?
Say you’ve got a Pass Plus certificate, but no car yet to insure. You probably don’t need to worry, as you should be eligible for a discount for up to two years after completing the course.