Does Pass Plus give you a car insurance discount?
Pass Plus is a government-backed driving course that gives inexperienced motorists extra practical experience on the road. It should make you a better driver – but does it get you money off your car insurance?
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?
For many new drivers, the jubilation of passing the driving test is swiftly followed by the daunting prospect of driving alone. Enter the Pass Plus scheme, an advanced driving course designed to refine the skills of newly minted drivers, typically for no more than £200.
The government – backed course has gained popularity among young drivers fresh from their driving test success. It's widely available and aims to build on the key skills new drivers have already developed to pass their driving test.
Be warned though, the cost of the six-lesson course isn't set in stone; it can vary depending on the instructor you choose to go with.
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?
Ah, the big question. There’s a bit of an assumption out there that having the Pass Plus scheme under your belt will mean big savings on your car insurance premiums. But it isn't a guarantee.
That said, the scheme may still 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, finalizing 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...
Reviewer
Saarrah Mussa
Former Content Writer
Saarrah was a MoneySuperMarket's in-house pet insurance expert. With broad experience writing across insurance products Saarrah is acutely aware of the complexities and costs consumers have to face...
