Does the Pass Plus scheme lower car insurance costs?
Key takeaways
The Pass Plus scheme is an advanced driving course aimed at new drivers to boost their skills and confidence on the road
It costs £150-£200, and consists of six modules covering various driving conditions
The course is practical, requiring at least six hours behind the wheel, and you’re constantly assessed so there’s no final exam or test
It doesn’t guarantee lower insurance premiums straightaway, but it can lead to safer driving habits and potentially lower premiums over time
What is the Pass Plus scheme?
The Pass Plus scheme is a practical training course designed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to help newly qualified drivers build experience, improve safety, and potentially lower their car insurance premiums.
There are typically six modules to complete, including motorway driving and driving at night. The course is popular for young people who have just passed and are looking to gain confidence in certain areas that aren't necessarily covered in the standard driving test.
How much does the Pass Plus scheme cost?
While the price tag for the Pass Plus scheme generally ranges between £150 to £200, several factors can influence the final cost:
Where you live
The driving instructor you select
Whether you need more than the standard six lessons
In some regions, local authorities offer discounted rates to encourage participation. The Pass Plus Cymru scheme in Wales charges only £20, for example, with similar discounts available in Cumbria, Hampshire, Wiltshire, and some parts of Scotland.
What does the Pass Plus scheme cover?
The Pass Plus course is made up of six modules, each focusing on different driving conditions and challenges:
In town
This module hones urban driving skills, tackling complex junctions, underpasses, and multi-lane traffic.
In all weather conditions
Drivers learn to navigate severe weather, understand skid control, and adapt to changes in visibility and grip.
At night
This section teaches effective use of headlights, and how to adjust to varying levels of darkness while judging speed and distance accurately.
On rural roads
Here, the emphasis is on dealing with narrow lanes, unlit roads, and the correct approach to passing other road users safely.
On dual carriageways
This section covers the skills needed to join and exit these roads safely, overtake, maintain appropriate distances, and lane discipline.
On motorways
The final module prepares drivers for long-distance travel, focusing on fatigue management, understanding motorway signs, and maintaining correct lane usage.
How does the Pass Plus driving course work?
The Pass Plus course is mostly practical, with at least six hours behind the wheel. However, some modules might be theory-based, especially if local conditions aren’t suited to practical training.
There's no final exam to worry about, either. Instead, students are continuously assessed throughout the course, and they must successfully complete all modules to pass.
Anyone with a full UK driving licence can take the course, but it's especially useful for new drivers in the first year after passing their test.
Is Pass Plus worth it?
Pass Plus might not lead straight to lower insurance premiums, but there’s value in the enhanced driving experience and the potential for preventing accidents. The benefits of completing the course include:
Gaining experience in a variety of driving situations
Improved driving skills and confidence behind the wheel
A reduced likelihood of being involved in an accident
Does Pass Plus reduce car insurance premiums?
Pass Plus can reduce your car insurance premiums, but it isn't always a guarantee, as car insurance costs also depend on factors such as age and location.
According to our data, here is how much policies start from for drivers who have taken the pass plus test vs those who haven't:
Age | Price with Pass Plus | Without Pass Plus |
|---|---|---|
17-24 | £690.44 | £591.10 |
25-29 | £335.56 | £375.86 |
30-39 | £265.92 | £305.20 |
40-49 | £262.42 | £259.02 |
Based on the 10th percentile of annual prices for car insurance policies sold through MoneySuperMarket in April 2026 , where the policyholder had a full UK car licence.
The scheme may offer long-term financial benefits for young or inexperienced drivers, potentially leading to lower premiums over time because your safer driving habits could lead to fewer insurance claims.
Always shop around and compare quotes, as some insurers may offer discounts for Pass Plus certificate holders.
What else can I do to cut the cost of car insurance?
Young drivers are often perceived as high-risk by insurers, so they face higher insurance premiums. However, there are several strategies to help reduce these costs:
Opting for fully comprehensive cover
Reducing annual mileage
Driving a model of car that is in one of the lower insurance groups
Taking out a telematics car insurance policy that monitors where and how you drive, rewarding safe driving with lower premiums
Increasing the voluntary excess on your policy to contribute more towards any claims
Compare car insurance
Finding the right car insurance doesn't have to be a chore. MoneySuperMarket simplifies the process, allowing you to get quotes with ease. By providing details about yourself, your driving history, and your vehicle, you can receive a list of quotes tailored to your specific needs.
Once you've selected the best deal, finalising your purchase with the insurance provider is just a few clicks away.
The journey to becoming a seasoned driver doesn't end with the driving test. Pass Plus offers a bridge to greater confidence and skill on the road, and while it may not always lighten the financial load of car insurance, the investment in safety and experience is one that could pay dividends in the long run.
Author
Kate Hughes
Money & Savings Expert
Multi award-winner and best-selling author Kate Hughes has been a financial journalist for more than 20 years. She started out at the Financial Times at just 21 years old, holding several senior...
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Collette Shackleton
Content Writer
Collette Shackleton is a highly skilled Content Writer who has over nine years’ experience creating helpful and engaging personal finance content for consumers. Collette shares her experience as a...
