Pass plus: What is it and is it worth it?

Passing your practical driving test is the last thing you need to do before being legally allowed to drive on your own, but that isn’t necessarily where your driving lesson journey comes to an end.

If you so desire, you can take a Pass Plus course after you’ve taken your driving test. It promises to further flesh out and bolster the skills you acquired when you were learning to drive, so it can help make you a safer driver, and you may also be able to get a car insurance discount after you’ve passed the course.

What is Pass Plus?

Pass Plus is a course you can take after you’ve passed your practical driving test and have received your full UK driving licence. It’s a completely optional qualification to have, though doing so can be beneficial if you’d like to get a bit more training, or want to polish the skills you picked up when you were learning to drive.

Pass Plus also gives additional training in areas you may not have been able to practice in during your driving lessons. For instance, depending on the time of year, you may have limited experience of driving at night, or in more difficult conditions such as snow and heavy rain. While you may not experience these in your Pass Plus sessions, you will be given detailed guidance on what to do and avoid in these situations.

Even though Pass Plus is primarily recommended for drivers who have recently passed their driving test, it’s open to anyone who holds a full UK driving licence. As a result, if you weren’t able to do the course after passing your test or are already an experienced driver, you can still book your spot on a Pass Plus course.

What are the Pass Plus modules?

The Pass Plus course is comprised of six separate modules, which are as follows:

• Driving in town
• Driving in all weathers
• Driving on rural roads
• Driving at night
• Driving on dual carriageways
• Driving on motorways

These modules will typically go through what you would have been taught when you were originally learning to drive, though they’ll be more in depth to give you a comprehensive guide on how to drive on these roads and these conditions safely and effectively.

The vast majority of the modules will require practical sessions to complete, though in some situations there may be theory-based parts to do as well.

How much is Pass Plus?

The price for the Pass Plus course can vary, depending on the instructor and where in the country you take your course. As a rule of thumb, expect to pay between £150 to £200 to complete the Pass Plus course.
Some local authorities in the UK do offer discounts for drivers who want to enrol on the Pass Plus scheme. You can find out which councils offer Pass Plus discounts on the Government website.

Is Pass Plus worth it?

If you want to improve your skills as a driver, then Pass Plus may be worth doing. If the skills and tips you pick up on Pass Plus help make you a safer driver and avoid any potential mishaps on the road, then that could be money that’s very well spent.

Some insurance providers also offer discounts to drivers who have completed the Pass Plus course, so it may be worth doing if you want to save a bit of money on your premiums. This could especially be handy for younger drivers, since insurance costs tend to be much higher for new and more inexperienced drivers than motorists who have plenty of miles under their belts.

Unless you can get a discount, though, Pass Plus can be on the pricey side to complete, so drivers who are on a tighter budget may not be in the position to afford it in the first place. While anyone with a full driving licence can take the Pass Plus course, the course will be more beneficial to drivers who have only recently passed their practical test, so older or more experienced drivers may not benefit as much from completing the course.

Pass Plus FAQs

What is the main purpose of Pass Plus?

The Pass Plus Scheme is primarily in place for drivers to help hone and improve their driving skills, thus making them safer to themselves and other road users when behind the wheel.

How long does Pass Plus take to complete?

It takes around six hours to complete all of the modules in the Pass Plus course, though this may vary a bit from person to person.

Does Pass Plus lower my insurance?

You may be eligible for a discount after you’ve passed the Pass Plus course, though this varies depending on the insurance provider – some will offer you a discount, whereas others may not.

An insurance provider may need to see the certificate that shows you’ve completed the Pass Plus course before offering you a discount. Since you’re not automatically given a certificate after passing all of the modules, make sure you apply for your Pass Plus certificate if you really want that insurance discount.

How do I register for Pass Plus?

You can book a Pass Plus course by getting in contact with the DVSA. You can also arrange a course through your driving instructor, though they must already be approved by the DVSA and be registered on the Pass Plus Scheme.

Can I do the Pass Plus course in my own car?

Yes, you can complete the course in your own car if you’d prefer to do so. If you’d prefer not to, or don’t have your own car yet, you can of course complete it in your instructor’s car.

Does a Pass Plus certificate expire?

The Pass Plus certificate doesn’t have an expiration date. However, don’t confuse that with meaning it’s proof you can drive – you will still need to have a valid driving licence in order to legally drive on the public road.

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