PassPlus®
The Pass-Plus is a course taken after you have passed your driving test.
KeyStart© is registered to conduct the PassPlus® course and as a reward, you will receive a discount on your car insurance from many insurers: Often equivalent to 1 Year No Claims and up to 30% Discount off your premium (*this may vary)
So what Is Involved?
The PassPlus® course was developed by the Driving Standards Agency, the driving instruction industry and the insurers, to improve your driving skills in areas where you have had little or no practice. This in turn will reduce the risk of you being involved in an accident.
The main aim of the Pass-Plus course is to promote positive driving, to get you away from the ‘driving like a learner’ stereotype. It may also be your first introduction to motorway driving.
One of the key elements to the Pass-Plus course is making you realise that driving a car can be dangerous, so you need to gain experience quickly and safely. The best way to do this is through professional instruction.
Throughout the Pass-Plus course, your abilities should improve in the following areas:
Your attitude
Taking responsibility for your own actions
Demonstrating care and consideration for other road users
Your skills
Observation
Assessing what you have seen
Making clear decisions
Taking the correct action (based on the afore-mentioned)
Ultimately you will be able to drive in any road conditions, day or night, wet or dry, fast or slow. Maintaining full control of your car and showing consideration and awareness of others.
What is included in the Pass-Plus course?
The Pass-Plus course covers six modules:
1.Town Driving
2. All Weather Driving (where possible)
3. Out of Town Driving and Rural Roads
4. Night Driving (more difficult in the Summer months)
5. Dual-Carriageway Driving
6. Motorway Driving
The entire length of the Pass-Plus course must not be shorter than six hours, although some modules will be longer than others. Parts of the course may also need to be covered in theory if a practical situation is not possible. i.e. you can’t drive in the rain on a nice sunny day. That can’t be planned, even by the greatest of driving instructors.
Who conducts the Pass-Plus course? KeyStart© IS a Registered PassPlus® provider
The best solution is to take the Pass-Plus course with the driving instructor who taught you to drive. However, if they are not registered for pass plus yet, they might be able to recommend another driving instructor who is.
Is there a test at the end?
No. The aim of the Pass-Plus course is to give you more experience. After six hours driving tuition, you will have been given a good basic introduction to everyday driving. What is important is that these skills have been learnt under professional tuition.
How do you claim the insurance discount?
Once you complete the Pass-Plus course, your driving instructor will give you a form to fill out. This form states what instruction you have received and that you performed at a suitably high standard. You then send this form to the Driving Standards Agency who will send you a pass plus certificate (this may take a few weeks): Alternatively you instructor may do the form for you.
The Pass-Plus certificate can then be presented to your insurance company in exchange for a discount.
How much discount?
The amount of discount will vary from company to company (..as may the price you pay for the PassPlus course), but many companies are now allowing at least a one year no-claim bonus with your first year insurance. It could be as much as 30%. Shop around for the best deal before you commit.
Is there a time limit for completion of the Pass-Plus course?
Yes. You must complete the Pass-Plus course and apply for the certificate within 12 months of passing your driving test. My advice is to take the Pass-Plus course within the first month of passing - get the ball rolling, act now.
Where can I get more information on Pass-Plus?
There are three simple ways to get the information you need:
Ask your driving instructor - if registered, he or she will have all the information to hand.
Enquiries about Pass Plus
If you have questions about Pass Plus you are welcome to contact the DSA Pass Plus section.
Telephone
0115 936 6504
Email
passplus@dsa.gsi.gov.uk
Post
Pass Plus Team
DSA
112 Upper Parliament Street
Nottingham
NG1 6LP