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 most insurers.: Often equivalent to ! Year No
Claimsa 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 will 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 will improve in two main 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
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
3. Out of Town Driving and Rural Roads
4. Night Driving
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.
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 will the price you
pay for the pass plus course), but many companies are now allowing a one year no-claim
bonus with your first year insurance. This could be as much as 30%. Shop around for
the best deal before you sign.
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.
Phone the pass plus telephone hotline on 0115 901 2633
Check out the official Pass-Plus web site - www.passplus.org.uk
