The Pass Plus course: is it actually worth it?

Passing your driving test is a major achievement, and one you should certainly be proud of. But it’s just the beginning of your driving career, and the first year behind the wheel can be a rollercoaster of nerves and new experiences. With unfamiliar road types, unpredictable weather, and getting used to motorway driving, there's a lot to take in.

That’s where Pass Plus comes in, a government-backed scheme designed to boost confidence and sharpen your driving skills. But how does it work, and is it really worth the price? In this guide, we'll cover what Pass Plus involves, the pros and cons, and how it affects the cost of your car insurance.

What’s covered

• What is the Pass Plus scheme?
• How much is Pass Plus?
• What does the course teach you?
• Can you fail Pass Plus?
• How do I get my Pass Plus certificate?
• Does Pass Plus reduce insurance?
• Is Pass Plus worth it?

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What is the Pass Plus scheme?

Pass Plus is a short, practical driving course aimed at newly qualified drivers. This six hour course is designed to improve road safety, build confidence, and prepare drivers for real-world conditions that aren’t always covered in standard lessons.

The course is completely voluntary and can be taken any time after passing your test, though it’s most beneficial within the first year when accident risk is highest.

You’ll need a Pass Plus–registered approved driving instructor (ADI) to take part. You can find a local instructor via GOV.UK. There’s no formal test, but you’ll be assessed throughout and must meet the required standard in each module to receive a certificate.

Also read: How do I find the right driving instructor? Our top 10 tips

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How much is Pass Plus?

Prices vary depending on your location and instructor, but you should expect to pay between £150 and £300. In Wales, the subsidised Pass Plus Cymru scheme costs just £20, thanks to a road safety grant. Some local councils also offer discounts, so it’s worth checking with yours.

Here's a breakdown of the typical cost range depending on where you live in the UK:

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What does the course teach you?

The course consists of six 1-hour modules, each focusing on a different aspect of driving. These include driving:

1. In town

2. In all weather conditions

3. On rural roads

4. At night

5. On dual carriageways

6. On motorways

The modules are typically delivered as practical-style sessions, though local conditions may require some theory-based learning

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1. Driving in town

Urban driving is a daily reality for most motorists. This module helps you navigate complex junctions, roundabouts, underpasses, and bus or cycle lanes. It’s designed to improve your observational skills and awareness in busy environments.

2. Driving in all weather conditions

This module prepares you for the UK’s unpredictable weather, including driving in rain, sleet, ice, snow and dazzling sunlight. You’ll learn how to prevent skidding, manage stopping distances, and handle poor visibility. It’s especially useful if you’ve only driven in mild conditions during your lessons.

3. Driving on rural roads

Country roads come with their own set of challenges, such as blind bends, overtaking slow-moving vehicles, and unexpected hazards like livestock or debris in the road. This module teaches you how to anticipate risks like horse riders and cyclists, as well as how to identify safe passing places as you navigate through winding lanes.

4. Driving at night

Night driving can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. This module aims to help you get confident with driving in the dark. You'll learn how to use your headlights correctly, adjust to different light levels, manage being dazzled by other drivers, and judge speed and distance in the dark.

5. Driving on dual carriageways

Dual carriageways may seem straightforward, and you may have already had some experience with them during your lessons. However, good lane discipline and awareness are things that you pick up over time, and this module aims to build your confidence on dual carriageways.

You’ll practise joining and leaving via slip roads, overtaking safely, and how to judge distances.

6. Driving on motorways

Motorways can be nerve-racking for new drivers. While learners can now have lessons on motorways, you likely didn't spend much driving time on them.

This module helps you build confidence by teaching safe speeds, following signs, correct lane use, managing driving fatigue, and how to handle a breakdown. Even if you’ve had motorway lessons, this deeper dive can make a big difference.

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Can you fail Pass Plus?

Technically speaking, you can’t “fail” the Pass Plus course. Unlike the driving test, there’s no exam or pass/fail mark at the end. However, you do need to meet a set standard across all six modules to earn your certificate. If you fall short in any area, your Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) will recommend you get extra lessons to help you reach the required level of competence for each module.

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How do I get my Pass Plus certificate?

Once you’ve completed the course and met the required standards, your instructor will provide a training report. You can then apply for your certificate by contacting the DVSA Pass Plus team. You'll likely need to show them your signed training report to prove you managed to meet all the set standards.

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Will I get discounted insurance if I complete Pass Plus?

This is where things get a bit murky. While many drivers assume that taking the Pass Plus course guarantees cheaper car insurance, this isn't always the case. The government introduced the scheme hoping that insurers would jump at the chance to dish out discounts, but in reality there hasn't been much interest, with increasingly less insurers offering discounts over time.

That's not to say none of them do - while some insurers do offer discounts, the actual amount varies widely, typically in the ball park of 5-25%*. Even so, these types of discounts still might not be enough to beat cheaper quotes from competitors.

While it might not lead to immediate savings, the skills you learn during the course will make you a safer driver, and maintaining this could indirectly save you money over time by reducing your risk of making a claim and building towards your no claims discount (NCD).

Before you sign up, it's important to check with your insurer first, to see if they offer discounts. Even if discounts are available, they might only be valid if you complete the course within a year of passing your driving test.

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So, is the Pass Plus course worth it?

If you’re wondering whether Pass Plus is genuinely worth the time and money, the answer depends on what you’re hoping to get out of it.

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Final thoughts

The bottom line is if you plan to take the Pass Plus course purely in the hope of getting cheaper insurance, you might be disappointed. However, if you still want to build your driving confidence after passing your test, and are nervous about motorway driving or in bad weather, it might be for you. That is, if you have the budget, of course.

It's an investment in your safety, and in the long term, this could pay off.

Next guide: Black box insurance myth-busting →

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Sources:

*UK Business Magazine