Pass Plus

DSA Pass Plus course

Young drivers have the odds stacked against them – research by a comparison website in November 2009 revealed they pay an average of £5,731 just to get on the road after the average cost of a car, driving lessons, insurance, a provisional licence, test fees and tax is taken into account.

So it is reassuring then, to know that there is one way for young drivers to save money on their car insurance while enhancing their driving – the DSA Pass Plus course.

What is the Pass Plus course?

The Pass Plus course is an established training course aimed at young drivers, designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). Though it can be taken at any time, it is primarily aimed at new drivers during the first year after passing a test.

The Pass Plus course consists of six modules with the aim of enhancing a new driver`s experience in unfamiliar environments. The modules are:

- Driving around town: Focusing on observation, eye contact, showing caution, keeping space around your car and consideration for vulnerable road users.

- All weather driving: Looks at driving in various conditions including rain, snow, fog and bright sunshine. It also looks at what causes skidding and how to prevent it.

- Driving in the countryside: Helps drivers prepare for dealing with farm entrances, slow moving vehicles and horse riders; as well as bends, hills and uneven roads.

- Driving at night: Teaches the importance of correctly using headlights, dealing with dazzle, hard-to-see road users and adjusting to the dark.

- Driving on dual carriageways: Includes joining and leaving a dual carriageway; lane discipline; the correct use of speed; judgement and planning ahead.

- Driving on motorways: Looks at journey planning; joining and leaving a motorway; safe speeds in different circumstances; dealing with motorway fatigue and more.

Where can you take the Pass Plus course and how much does it cost?

To take the Pass Plus course you need an approved driving instructor to train you and he or she must be registered with the DSA as a Pass Plus instructor.

Costs of the course vary depending on the individual instructor. Many local authorities support the Pass Plus scheme and offer financial support to those undertaking the course.

How does it help to save money on car insurance?

Many car insurance providers recognise that the Pass Plus scheme creates safer driving, which in turn reduces the risk of an accident occurring. As such, several offer discounts for those that complete the course in their first year of driving – the discount could be as high as 35 per cent, depending on the insurer you choose.

Though the discounts can be significant, don`t assume that the largest discount will necessarily equate to the cheapest deal. You should still use a comparison website to compare quotes and policy features to ensure you`re receiving value for money.

Don`t forget too that there are other ways to save including:

- Agreeing to a mileage cap;

- Increasing your vehicle`s security;

- Increasing your voluntary excess but keeping it an affordable level;

- Parking in a garage overnight;

- Paying premiums annually to avoid interest charges.

If you`re a new driver you may also wish to consider a learner drivers car insurance policy from a specialist provider which won`t tie you into a long term contract if you don`t plan to drive as soon as you pass your test.