Are Pass Plus Schemes Worth It?

Passing your driving test is a huge accomplishment, but there is often more to learn before you’re fully confident driving independently. Even though the Pass Plus scheme is not mandatory, it is a great way to become familiar with different situations and refine your driving abilities after your test. As well as potential insurance reductions, these schemes build essential road knowledge and safety for new drivers. This article will establish the Pass Plus scheme, how it works and what benefits it can provide consumers. 

What is the Pass Plus scheme? 

A pass plus scheme is a voluntary course you can take after getting your driver’s license. It improves your road skills and allows you to explore areas that may not have been covered in your pre-test lessons. 

A Pass Plus course tends to last six hours and has to be completed with a registered Pass Plus instructor. The unit covers six different modules: 

1. Driving in towns 
2. Driving in a variety of weather conditions 
3. Driving at night 
4. Driving on rural roads 
5. Driving on dual carriageways 
6. Driving on Motorways

Here’s an outline of why these units can be beneficial: 

Motorway and dual carriageway driving 

In the UK, most instructors will not take you on the motorway before you have secured your driver’s license. While you can often go on dual carriageways, both types of roads can be intimidating because of their size, busyness and high speed limits. 

For people who cannot have qualified drivers to support them (like relatives or friends who passed more than three years ago), this poses a challenge. The Pass Plus scheme means that you can practice these roads with the support of a fully qualified professional. 

Specific area driving 

When preparing for your test, most instructors will drive you around the test routes that are likely to occur in your test. Whilst this can be very useful for getting you prepared and confident for your test day, it may mean you haven’t had so much time to practice in areas or locations that are more relevant to you, or you may have had no experience with some places. 

Pass Plus covers: 

• Town driving, which you can do around your home or in more built-up areas where they may avoid putting test routes in. This will allow you to practice being in traffic and being aware of pedestrians and cyclists. 
• Rural areas are not often included in test routes, but are a major part of driving around Britain. These roads are often free of road markings or street lights and have high speed limits, a structure unlike any other road environment. 

As both of these are essential skills that may not be prioritised in your pre-test learning process, Pass Plus provides a great way to hone them before you drive fully independently. 

Driving in harder conditions

As the Pass Plus routine covers driving in different weather conditions and night driving, you can experience driving at times when your pre-test instructor may not have taken you out. Again, these skills are necessary to become a good driver, especially for those who are nervous. Familiarising yourself with any conditions that may compromise your vision or feel confusing will make you more confident and, in turn, a better driver. 

How much does Pass Plus reduce insurance?

Many people believe there is a Pass Plus insurance discount, though it is important to note that this isn’t always the case. Some insurers offer discounts for drivers who have completed Pass Plus, so if this is a main point of appeal to you, look out for or search for these offers.

Is Pass Plus worth it? 

The Pass Plus scheme can offer some real value for newer drivers who want to gain comprehensive driving knowledge and feel more confident on the road. The best way to think of it is as an investment in your confidence and safety. 

If you feel uncertain about your well-roundedness as a driver, a Pass Plus scheme will help, so it is definitely worth considering. 

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.