Pass Plus Modules

What is Pass Plus?

Pass Plus is a course which helps to improve your driving ability. It's available as soon as you pass your practical driving test, and often recommended within the first year of getting your licence.

If you choose to take the course, you’ll need to book an ADI (approved driving instructor). This may be your current instructor if they’re qualified to teach Pass Plus. If you’re unsure whether your current instructor is qualified or not, contact the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) to find out.

Why should I get extra training?

Some people think they’re ready for anything the road has to throw at them. But that's not always the case. For example, road safety charity Brake’s figures for those aged 17-24 are fairly damning:

• 23% of drivers aged 18-24 crash within two years of passing their driving test

• Road users who are 17-19 make up just 1.5% of drivers, but account for 9% of crashes

• Drivers aged 16-19 are 33% more likely to have a fatal crash than those aged 40-49

However, it’s wrong to assume all new drivers are likely to have a collision on the road. By taking a Pass Plus course you’ll reduce the chances of becoming another statistic in the crash column.

On the flip-side of that coin, you may be a new driver who still doesn’t feel overly confident. It may sound strange, but not everyone feels as though they’re ready to take on the road, even after passing. Pass Plus gives you the additional confidence to know you can tackle any challenge on the road.

What are the different modules involved?

The course is broken up into six different modules, all of which cover various sections of daily driving.These include:

1. Town driving

This is the most basic and common Pass Plus module. That's because you’ll experience town driving the most. It focuses on increasing your attention levels, making you as skilful as possible.You’ll learn how to tackle:

• Unusual roundabouts

• Multi-lane junctions

• Trams, buses and cycle lanes

• Under and overpasses

Effectively, this module will teach you how to be as competent as possible on the roads – watching out for any potential hazards when behind the wheel. That could be from the road itself, pedestrians or other drivers.

2. All-weather driving

If you learnt to drive in warmer months, you may need to brush up on how to cope with the more extreme weather conditions. This usually means the likes of rain, sleet, snow, ice and fog - and sometimes even blinding sunlight.Skidding is also covered under this section and will see you perfecting your understanding of:

• Preventing skids

• Aquaplaning

• Correcting slow-speed skids

• Braking on poor surfaces

3. Driving on rural roads

Not every journey you make will be on built-up roads, which receive regular maintenance. Sometimes, driving on rural roads and having to deal with blind corners, potholes and unusual traffic, is also a necessity.

During trips on rural roads you’re likely to tackle:

• Horse riders, pedestrians and cyclists on the side of the road

• Sharp bends

• Farm and building entrances

• More frequent use of the horn

• Safe passing places

• Livestock and wild animals

• Road debris

Ideally, you’ll learn how to use good foresight to predict a potential danger before it happens. On a sharp bend for example, you’ll naturally slow down to anticipate a potential pedestrian or horse rider around the bend.

4. Night driving

Some people book night lessons before their practical test, but that’s not the case for everyone. It’s very possible to complete your course without ever having a lesson at night.

As such, this module is again necessary for many.

It helps with:

• Adjusting to the different light levels

• The correct use of different headlights

• Judging speeds and distance

• Driving at dusk and dawn

• Being dazzled

You’ll know you’ve aced this module when you’re confident in safely driving and parking at night, whether it’s on urban or rural roads.

This boost in confidence of driving in the dark is a great help. After all, it’s something you’ll have to get used to if you plan on using your car once the sun has gone down.

5. Driving on dual carriageways

You should have driven on one at some point in your regular lessons, but did you ever feel like you mastered them? This module focuses on:

• Making appropriate and effective observations

• Judgement of distances

• Overtaking and lane discipline

• Joining and leaving the carriageway

Dual carriageways are as close to the motorway as it comes for learners. Even as a qualified driver, you’ll need to be able to hone your skills on these roads.

6. Driving on motorways

Of all the Pass Plus modules, this one is the most intimidating. You’d never have driven on the motorway as a learner driver, making this a completely new challenge.

On this module you’ll learn to:

• Set safe speeds in different circumstances

• Deal with motorway fatigue

• Cope with debris and crosswinds

• Follow signs, signals and markings

• Improve how observant and alert you are

There’s certainly nothing to over-concern yourself with when it comes to motorway driving, but there are dangers. Being eased into this high-speed form of driving is wise.