Pass Plus
When you pass your driving test, it doesn`t have to mean that your automotive education has to stop.
In many ways, learning how to drive has only just begun. After all, learner drivers aren`t permitted to drive on motorways, which can be pretty intimidating places for the novice motorist.
There`s also the possibility that you may have passed your test without ever having to drive at night or in congested urban conditions. For that matter, if you`ve passed your test in the city, would you be able to cope with the unique challenges that driving on tight rural lanes would present? And how would you deal with driving if the country was gripped by snowy, icy conditions like they were at the start of 2010?
Inexperience is one of the single biggest reasons that insurers will charge new drivers high premiums. Statistics show that new drivers are more likely to have an accident in the first two years after passing their test, due to lack of automotive know-how.
But one way you can address the experience issue (and make you a safer driver in the process) is through the Driving Standards Agency`s Pass Plus scheme. It`s been tailor-made to improve your ability to identify, address and deal with hazardous situations.
The course, taught by Approved Driving Instructor badge-holders, offers those fresh from passing their practical test the opportunity to brush up their skills in new situations. These include driving:
- in town (focusing on observation, judgement and awareness ; eye contact; consideration for vulnerable road users; showing caution and keeping space around your car).
- in rural areas (with special attention on awareness and consideration for horse riders, pedestrians and animals in the road, farm entrances and slow moving vehicles).
- dual carriageways (including effective use of mirrors, safe overtaking, planning ahead and the correct use of speed).
- on motorways (focusing on journey planning, entering and leaving the motorway, lane discipline and more).
- at night (featuring practical advice on adjusting to dark conditions, judging speed and distance and dealing with dazzle).
- in adverse weather conditions (including rain, sleet, snow and ice, mist and fog and bright sunshine. Plenty of coverage is given to what causes skids, avoiding them, correcting them at low speeds and avoiding aquaplaning).
Though the course lasts a minimum of six hours, it`s possible that the instructor will take longer if you require it. Pricing depends on your area and instructor and some local authorities will even help with the costs: sometimes up to 50 per cent! Just pay a visit to the directgov.co.uk website for a full list of local authorities which will happily provide assistance with taking the Pass Plus.
On completing your training, you`ll get a certificate which will allow you to be eligible for a discount on your young drivers car insurance: not to mention stacks of useful experience. To see how much you`ll be able to save with your certificate, why not use a car insurance comparison service to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies with one search.
Learn to drive with Paul Troke, DSA ADI (Car) 311692
13 Yarde Cottages, Torrington, Devon, EX38 8QA
© Paul Troke
