It is a sad fact:

new drivers are more likely to have a crash in their first 2 years

than in any other time in their driving career.

Once you have passed your practical driving test you can pay for structured tuition from a registered Pass Plus instructor - like Mike at Xpert Driver Training.

Xpert Driver Training offers a Pass Plus is a training course specifically aimed at new drivers although anyone who holds a full UK licence is eligible to take part in the scheme. The course was designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) with the help of insurers and the driving instruction industry.

Pass Plus will build on your existing skills and knowledge and will teach you to anticipate, plan for and deal with all sorts of hazards. The course will help you to become more confident on our modern, busy roads.

Each Pass Plus candidate is  provided with our Pass Plus Information Pack.

The Pass Plus course is made up of 6 practical modules, generally taking 6 hours, spread over different tuition periods to experience as varied traffic conditions as possible:

Town Driving

You will explore the different features of driving in town such as complex junctions & public transport. You will concentrate on:

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

Weather Conditions

You will focus on correct speed, safe stopping distances, plus seeing & being seen in

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

You will also look at skidding

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

Rural Driving

You will look at the main differences between town & country driving:

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

It focuses especially on being aware & showing consideration for:

• pedestrians, horse riders & animals in the road
• farm entrances
• slow moving vehicles
• appropriate use of the horn
• coping with mud & debris on the road
• how to use passing places are also covered.

Night Driving

Dawn & dusk presents many issues. You will learn about:

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

Dual Carriageways

Dual carriageways are high speed, multi-lane roads they demand particular skills, including:

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

Motorways

Motorways are like no other roads: learn how to drive on them safely and correctly under expert supervision. Topics covered include:

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

There is no exam at the end of the course but you will be continually assessed. You must successfully complete all the modules in the course to an 'Achieved' or 'Exceeded' standard.

Pupils who achieve their Pass Plus certificate should be entitled to a substantial discount on their motor insurance premium from companies supporting the scheme.

Visit the Pass Plus site to read more: 

The BBC published a very interesting report on Death on Britain's roads in 2008 - click below to explore the statistics - you can even choose to focus on our local area:

ROSPA also produce some interesting leaflets that you can either read online or print out to keep:

Book yourself a Pass Plus course now: 

Last Updated on Saturday, 25 June 2011 14:24