PASS PLUS is a training scheme for new drivers. This is a course specially designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), with the help of insurers and the driving instruction industry.

- PASS PLUS consists of six practical modules which cover driving in town, in all weathers, on rural roads, at night, on dual carriageways and on motorways. You can take it at any time within the first 12 month of passing your test. There is no test at the end of it - your driving will be continually assessed and you must successfully complete all the modules in the course. In exceptional circumstances, if a module can't be done on the road it will be covered in a theory session. Completion of the 6 modules takes at least 6 hours.

PASS PLUS helps you to:

• gain valuable driving experience safely - dealing with a wide range of road and traffic situations, some of which you may not have faced before
• build on your existing skills and knowledge - it can take years to become a skilled, safe driver - PASS PLUS helps get you there more quickly
• reduce your risk of being in a road crash - the course will help boost your awareness of all kinds of hazards and help you learn how to anticipate, plan for and deal with them safely
• save money on car insurance premiums
• boost your confidence - PASS PLUS training can help you become more confident on the roads
• give peace of mind to your loved ones

If you haven't got a car after you pass your Practical Driving Test, you may be able to defer the insurance discount for up to two years - check with your insurance company. If you passed your test more than a year before starting PASS PLUS, check that you'll be eligible for the discounts on offer from your insurance company before you take the course.

When you have successfully completed the course, you are advised to check available discounts offered by several of the insurance companies taking part in the scheme. The amount you save will depend on the company you choose.

Town driving

The second part of the module is a practical session, covering the different features of driving in town, such as complex junctions and public transport. You'll concentrates on:

• observation, judgement and awareness
• eye contact
• consideration for vulnerable road users
• being cautious but not over cautious
• keeping space around your car

  As much of this module as possible should be covered in a practical session. You'll focus on correct speed, safe stopping distances, plus seeing and being seen in

• rain
• sleet, snow and ice
• mist and fog
• bright sunshine

You will also look at skids

• what causes them
• how to prevent them
• correcting slow-speed skids
• braking on poor surfaces
• aquaplaning

Driving out of town
This module taken on country roads, will look at the main differences between town driving and country driving.

• observing the road ahead
• making progress safely
• bends, hills, uneven roads and dead ground
• keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead
• safe overtaking

It focuses especially on being aware and showing consideration for

• pedestrians, horse riders and animals in the road
• farm entrances
• slow moving vehicles

Appropriate use of the horn, coping with mud and debris on the road and how to use passing places are also covered.

Night driving

This module covers the essential aspects of driving in the dark and also at dawn and dusk. You'll learn about

• the importance of the correct use of headlights
• adjusting to the dark
• judging speed and distance
• the correct use of lights and keeping them clean
• dealing with dazzle
• road users who can be hard to see
• parking issues

Driving on dual carriageways

Dual carriageways are high speed, multi-lane roads where the two carriageways are separated by a central reservation. They demand particular skills, including

• effective observation, using your mirrors and checking blind spots
• judgement and planning ahead
• the need for a safe separation distance
• joining and leaving a dual carriageway
• overtaking and lane discipline
• the correct use of speed

Driving on Motorways

This module should be a practical session if at all possible. If there is no motorway nearby, it will have to be covered in theory: you should drive on a motorway as soon as you can afterwards so you can put the theory into practice.

The topics covered include

• planning journeys in advance
• joining and leaving a motorway, using slip roads
• safe speeds in different circumstances
• effective observation all around your vehicle
• signs, signals and markings
• overtaking and lane discipline
• courtesy to other road users
• motorway fatigue
• breakdown procedures
• use of lights, including hazard warning lights
• debris on the carriageway
• crosswinds