Further Courses...
A guide to the DSA Pass Plus
course
Designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) in
association with the driving instruction industry and car
insurers, the Pass Plus scheme gives new motorists
experience in unfamiliar driving situations and can also
help young drivers reduce their car insurance
premiums.
Here we look at what`s involved with the Pass Plus course
and how it could help you save money.
What does the Pass Plus course involve?
The Pass Plus, which was established in 1995, focuses on
giving new drivers experience in six practical modules so
they can become familiar with various hazards and be more
confident on the road.
The modules are:
- All-weather driving: Focuses on the correct speed and
stopping distances in weather conditions including rain,
bright sunshine, mist, fog, snow and ice. It also looks at
skidding including aquaplaning and braking on poor
surfaces.
- Driving out of town: This module is taken on country
roads and includes awareness of slow moving vehicles, farm
entrances, as well as bends, hills and uneven roads.
- Driving on dual carriageways: Looks at the
skills involved in driving on these high speed roads
including overtaking, lane discipline and planning
ahead.
- Driving on motorways: Focuses on driving on motorways
and the unique skills involved including: joining and
leaving a motorway; safe speeds in different circumstances; motorway fatigue; and courtesy to other road users.
- Night driving: Examines driving in the dark as
well as at dawn and at dusk. Aspects include the correct
use of headlights; judging speed and distance; dealing
with dazzle; and road users who are hard to see.
- Town driving: Looks at the different features of
driving in town including observation, consideration for
other road users and keeping space around the car.
How can the Pass Plus course help you save on car
insurance?
Research by a comparison website shows that 15 providers
offer a discount for completing the Pass Plus course at an
average rate of 12 per cent. However, discounts can be
higher if you shop around - and could be worth as much as
35 per cent off your premiums. The AA offers 35 per cent
off for new drivers that complete the course; while both
17-40 Car Insurance and Endsleigh, the only insurer
approved by the National Union of Students, offer 20 per
cent reductions.
Prices for the course itself vary, but are typically in
the region of £171. To help cover the cost of the
course,
several borough, town, city and county councils sponsor
Pass Plus tuition with discounts available to cover up to
50 per cent of the total costs. As such, it`s well worth
contacting your local authority to see if there is any
help available to you.
Even without financial assistance to cover the course`s
costs, the savings from taking the tuition can quickly
outweigh its expense. According to the AA British
Insurance Premium Index, premiums for third party, fire
and theft cover now average £1,059 a year, so with
savings
up to 35 per cent, drivers could save more than £350
during their first year of motoring.
Other ways for young drivers to save on car
insurance
In addition to taking the Pass Plus, new drivers can look
for policies that offer rapid bonus schemes - that is a
full year`s no-claims discount in less than 12 months.
Some insurers also offer discounts to young drivers that
agree to mileage limits, fit approved security devices and
add parents to their policies as named drivers.
Whether you`ve just passed your test or you`re looking for
learner drivers car insurance use a
comparison website, like gocompare.com, to compare deals and find a competitive
policy.