Is the Pass Plus Course Worth It in the UK?

Car Owl

Published in English •

Summary

  • Pass Plus costs £150-£250: It covers 6 modules including motorway and night driving.
  • Some insurers offer a discount: But the discount is getting smaller. Shop around first.
  • It builds real confidence: If you are nervous about motorways or dual carriageways, it is genuinely helpful. See our confidence guide for more tips.

You have passed your driving test. Congratulations! But you still feel nervous about certain situations. Could Pass Plus help?


What Is Pass Plus?

Pass Plus is a practical training course designed by the DVSA. It takes about 6 hours and covers driving situations that the standard test does not.

The 6 Modules

  1. Town driving: Busy roads, roundabouts, and traffic management.
  2. All-weather driving: Rain, fog, and poor visibility.
  3. Rural roads: Country lanes, bends, and limited visibility.
  4. Night driving: Using lights, dealing with glare, and pedestrian awareness.
  5. Dual carriageways: Joining, leaving, and overtaking safely.
  6. Motorways: Lane discipline, speed management, and motorway junctions.

How Much Does Pass Plus Cost?

The course typically costs £150-£250 depending on your location and instructor. Some councils offer subsidies that reduce the cost to under £100.

Check your local council's website to see if a discount is available in your area.


Does Pass Plus Reduce Insurance Costs?

Some insurers offer a discount for completing Pass Plus. However, the savings have shrunk over the years.

  • Typical discount: 5-10% off your premium with some insurers.
  • Not all insurers participate: Many major insurers no longer offer a Pass Plus discount.
  • A black box might save more: Telematics insurance can reduce premiums by 20-30% for careful new drivers.

Compare insurance options in our new driver insurance guide.


Is Pass Plus Worth the Money?

Yes, If:

  • You are nervous about motorways or dual carriageways.
  • You want structured practice with a professional instructor.
  • Your local council offers a subsidy.
  • Your insurer offers a meaningful discount.

Maybe Not, If:

  • You already feel confident in all driving conditions.
  • Your insurer does not offer a discount.
  • You would prefer to use the money for extra private practice with a friend or family member.

Alternatives to Pass Plus

  • Advanced driving courses: IAM RoadSmart and RoSPA offer courses that teach defensive driving.
  • Motorway lessons: Many driving instructors offer standalone motorway lessons from £30-£50 per hour.
  • Practice with family: Free practice on motorways and country roads builds experience fast.

Final Thoughts

Pass Plus is a good course that teaches useful skills. But the insurance savings are not as big as they used to be. If you are mainly doing it for confidence, it is worth every penny. If you are doing it purely for the discount, check with your insurer first.

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