If you’re fresh off passing your test and want to give your skills an extra boost, Pass Plus could be the one. But is Pass Plus worth it? Let’s take a look at what it involves and what it means for the cost of your car insurance.
Key takeaways:
- Pass Plus gives newly qualified drivers the chance to take their practical skills to the next level by completing a series of instructor-led modules.
- In England and Scotland, the course typically costs between £160 and £320, depending on your instructor and where you live. In Wales, drivers aged 17 to 25 who passed their test within the last 12 months and live in Wales can take the government-subsidised Pass Plus Cymru course for £20.
- If you’re nervous about hitting the motorway or driving at night, Pass Plus can help boost your confidence.
- The catch? Insurers don’t usually offer a Pass Plus insurance discount, so completing it probably won’t make your policy cheaper.
What is the Pass Plus scheme?
It’s a practical training course that takes at least 6 hours to complete. The aim is to help drivers to improve their skills and become safer on the road.
The 6 modules cover driving:
- In town
- In all weathers
- On rural roads
- At night
- On dual carriageways
- On motorways
You don’t take a test but you will be assessed throughout. To pass you need to reach the required standard in all modules. And once you’ve completed the course, you’ll be able to apply for a Pass Plus certificate.
Is Pass Plus worth it?
If you’ve passed your test but still feel a little shaky behind the wheel, a Pass Plus course will likely be worth it. But, if you’re already pretty confident, you might be happier building your on-road experience independently.
Let’s dive a bit deeper into some of the pros and cons of the Pass Plus scheme:
Pros
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It helps improve your confidence on the road
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It teaches you skills you may have not covered in much detail in your lessons
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You can practice driving in all conditions so you're prepared for the worst
Cons
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It costs moneys
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It requires more time dedicated towards learning to drive
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There's no guarantee the Pass Plus scheme reduces your car insurance costs
When can you take the Pass Plus scheme?
You can take it at any time after passing your driving test. If you’re in Wales and want to make use of the government-subsidised Pass Plus Cymru scheme, you need to be aged 17 to 25, have passed your test within the last 12 months and live in Wales.
As a general rule of thumb, a Pass Plus course will probably be most useful in your first year of driving. New drivers are statistically at greater risk of a crash in their first year or two on the road, so any extra experience you can get is a win.
Who will teach you on the Pass Plus scheme?
You need a Pass Plus-registered driving instructor to teach you. In some cases, it might be as simple as getting back in touch with the same instructor who taught you to drive.
But, if they’re not Pass Plus registered, you can check the GOV.UK website to find a verified driving school near you.
How much does the Pass Plus scheme cost?
It typically costs between £160 and £320 for the Pass Plus course. But it varies depending on where you live and your instructor’s fees.
Some local councils offer discounts so it’s worth asking what’s available. In Wales, for example, the government subsidises Pass Plus Cymru, so eligible drivers only pay £20.
Will I get a discount on my insurance with Pass Plus?
It depends on your insurer. But, in most cases, having a Pass Plus certificate under your belt won’t make a difference to the cost of your car insurance policy.
Insurers offering a Pass Plus insurance discount used to be more common. But, now, even if you are lucky enough to find a discount, it might not be enough to make up for the cost of the course.
You also need to check if you still qualify for a reduction if you passed your practical driving test more than a year ago.
If you want cheap car insurance for young drivers, black box insurance can be a more affordable option for some drivers. But check the terms first. Policies can include mileage limits and restrictions on night-time driving, and how you drive can affect your premium.
What our motor insurance expert says
“There’s no hard and fast rule as to whether insurers offer a discount. It could help reduce your costs, but this may vary between providers. If you’re a nervous driver, boosting your confidence and safety skills behind the wheel will be beneficial regardless of the insurance discount. Plus it could help save on your insurance in the long run - being a safer driver and avoiding accidents will help to build your no-claims bonus over time.”
Applying for a Pass Plus certificate
Once you reach the required standard in all modules, your instructor gives you a training report form. You both sign it, and you send it to the DVSA. You should get your certificate by post within 2 weeks.
If it doesn’t arrive, contact the DVSA Pass Plus team at passplus@dvsa.gov.uk and give your instructor’s name.
You’ll need the certificate if you want to claim an insurance discount.
What other advanced driving courses are available?
If you want to bolster your driving skills even more, you can take an advanced driver course through IAM RoadSmart. Here are some of the benefits of taking an advanced driving course:
- Boost your confidence on the road
- It could possibly help reduce your car insurance
- Practise skills at an advanced level, like control, observation, timing and road positioning. Your instructor also goes through how to deal with unpredictable roads and other road users’ behaviour
The course finishes with an advanced driving test. The IAM RoadSmart course costs £210, which includes IAM RoadSmart membership and the advanced test.
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