The process of becoming an accomplished, confident driver doesn’t stop on the day you pass your test. In fact, there are, and you can go some of the way to improve both your driving experience and your knowledge. One of the most advantageous of these is the Pass Plus licence. Whether you are a new driver or just want to gain some extra experience, a Pass Plus certificate can offer multiple advantages.
This blog post seeks to shed some light on the dark art of just what a Pass Plus certificate is, who can take the added qualification and why it could make you a better driver. If you’re looking to supercharge your driving skills, this guide from Learn and Drive UK brings you everything you need to know.
What’s all this about a Pass Plus Certificate?
A Pass Plus certificate is an advanced driving qualification provided by the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). It is developed to enable new drivers to continue practising the skills taught in driving lessons and tests, making them more confident and safer on the road.
The Pass Plus scheme is aimed at new drivers who have recently passed their driving test and who wish to improve their driving skills even further. The `advanced driving’ skills and knowledge are taken to mean those that complement the skills and knowledge associated with driving in more demanding conditions, for example, at night, in bad weather, on motorways.
The Pass Plus certificate is not compulsory, but you could become a better driver by doing it, and you may also benefit from other rewards, such as cheaper car insurance.
What is included in the Pass Plus Course?
With six modules, you will build on learning about various types of roads and conditions. These modules are as follows:
1. Town Driving
City driving entails manoeuvring through congested city streets, junctions and crowded places. In this module, you’ll master the more difficult driving situations, like driving through roundabouts, crossing pedestrian crossings, and responding to traffic lights.
2. All-Weather Driving
This course will help you understand how to adjust your driving according to difficult weather conditions, be it heavy rain, fog or snow. You’ll be able to control your speed, stay visible, and keep yourself safe while driving on a day with lousy weather.
3. Head out of Town (Drive on the edge of Town and Country)
Rural summers come with different hazards out on the roads – winding streets, blind bends, and slower-moving vehicles in the form of tractors. This unit of work allows you to build on the techniques to be a safe driver on country roads and to predict hazards and adjust your speed for the road conditions.
4. Night Driving
That’s specific to night driving when you have such poor visibility.” In this module, you’ll cover driving carefully at night, including adjusting your headlights, estimating distance and being on the lookout for other drivers or pedestrians.
5. Dual Carriageways
These are potentially more difficult as you have to deal with faster traffic and more lanes. In this stage, you’ll develop your skills driving at higher speeds and getting onto faster roads. You’ll also develop a feel for how other drivers are likely to behave and how to keep a safe following distance.
6. Motorway Driving
New driver skill levelFlair experience on the Motorway is considered by many to be the highest skill level of all for new drivers. This module helps you learn the rules and skills for driving on motorways, including lane discipline, how to join and leave motorways, and how to respond to faster-moving traffic.
How Long is a Pass Plus Course?
The Pass Plus class typically lasts six hours. It’s split down into practical driving lessons with your instructor, who will take you through each module. You can do the course over 1 or 2 days, depending on your schedule and preferences.
Since the course is customised to your specific requirements, you are guaranteed to have training and hands-on experience. You’ll also learn how to handle scenarios you may not have come across during your standard driving test, helping to give you greater knowledge of varying road conditions.
Pass Plus Course: WHO Can Do it?
The Pass Plus course is available to any driver who has passed their full driving test in the previous 12 months. While the course is designed especially for new drivers, anyone who wants more driving experience or who would like to improve their driving skills may participate.
It is perfect for new drivers who perhaps lack confidence or are nervous about driving in the dark/on motorways. It is also ideal for those who just want to gain more experience driving in a busy, urban environment or driving on rural roadways.
What’s the Point of a Pass Plus Certificate?
There are a number of benefits to taking the Pass Plus course for new drivers. These benefits include:
1. Increased Confidence
The Pass Plus certificate is also a great way to increase your confidence on the road. Once you have finished your course, you will feel more confident in a range of driving situations, including night driving, high-speed motorway driving and more. It’s a wonderful opportunity to practice and get the experience you need to become a safer driver.
2. Lower Car Insurance Premiums
One of the most tangible advantages of taking the Pass Plus course is the possibility of reducing car insurance rates. Drivers who have passed the Pass Plus course are less likely to be involved in accidents, and many insurers provide these drivers with discounts. How much you can save will differ between insurers, but as a general rule of thumb, it’s worth asking your insurance company whether you are eligible for any discounts after completing Pass Plus.
3. Improved Driving Skills
The course doesn’t just cover the basics of driving; it can help you develop advanced skills and become a safer driver. From getting to grips with all weathers, to enhancing your motorway driving abilities, the Pass Plus lessons mean that you will be properly prepared for all aspects of driving.
4. A Head Start on Encouraging Qualifications
It can be a good starting point for those aiming to enhance their driving skills with further tuition, like advanced driving courses which might also give people a discount on insurance in the very beginning (if they observe what is taught to them). It will provide a basic introduction to the required driving skills that can serve you well in any future driving instruction.
How Do I Obtain My Pass Plus Certificate?
You need to work through the full course and gain your instructor’s sign-off on each module to gain your Pass Plus certificate. You will be issued your Pass Plus certificate on completion of the course, which is valid for life.
At Learn and Drive UK, we provide the Pass Plus course to give new drivers the experience and knowledge they need to feel confident on the open road. If you like the sound of the Pass Plus course, then all you need to do is give us a call and book your lessons today.
Conclusion
Pass Plus The Pass Plus certificate is the ideal way for new drivers to enhance their skill level; it gives drivers the opportunity to develop more confidence and become safer road users. The benefits of Pass Plus, based on the official DSA syllabus – not only do you increase your range of driving skills in key areas, you may also reduce your car insurance costs – Pass Plus is designed to make you a safer driver.
At Learn and Drive UK, we believe in quality driving lessons to suit YOU! If you have recently passed your driving test and you want to learn more advanced driving techniques, the Pass Plus course is ideal for you.
Call us today at WWW.LearnandDrive.UK to book or find out more about your Pass Plus course.