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PASS PLUS

Learning to pass your driving test with

Gold Medal Driving School

need not be the end of your driving training.

PASS PLUS is a training scheme specially designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) in conjunction with insurers and the driving instruction industry, to help give newly qualified drivers more training to further advance their driving skills and knowledge.

You will be taught how to deal with a wide range of road and traffic situations you probably won't have dealt with before, to help you become a safer driver.

You can complete the course any time within the first 12 months of passing your driving test.

A minimum of 6 hours of training is required to successfully complete the course.

When the course is complete the DSA will send you a certificate, which you should present to your Insurance Company to obtain the appropriate discounts.

When you have completed the course, you are advised to check the available discounts offered by the Insurance Companies taking part in the scheme.

The amount you save will depend on the company you choose, you will probably save more than the cost of the course.

PASS PLUS consists of six practical modules covering:

  • Module 1 - Town Driving
  • Module 2 - All Weather Driving
  • Module 3 - Driving Out of Town
  • Module 4 - Night Driving
  • Module 5 - Driving on Dual Carriageways
  • Module 6 - Driving on Motorways

During the course, your driving will be continually assessed by your Instructor and you must successfully complete all six modules in the course.

If you passed your driving test more than 12 months ago, you should check that you will be eligable for the discounts on offer from your Insurance Company before you take the course.

More information about PASS PLUS can be found at:-

www.passplus.org.uk Training

costs £22.50

per hour. 

Town Driving

Typical sign at multi lane junctions. Theory test.

The first module begins with an introduction to

PASS PLUS, explaining the course aims and the skills and knowledge to be covered. The second part of the module is a practical session, covering the different features of driving in town, such as complex junctions and public transport. You'll concentrate on:-

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

All Weather Driving

Hazard Warning Slippery road. Theory test

As much of this module as possible should be covered in a practical session. You'll focus on correct speed, safe stopping distances, plus seeing and being seen in:-

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

You will also look at skidding

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

Driving Out of Town

Hazard Warning Uneven road. Theory test.

This module taken on country roads, will look at the main differences between town driving and country driving.

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

It focuses especially on being aware and showing consideration for

  • pedestrians, horse riders and animals in the road
  • farm entrances
  • slow moving vehicles

Appropriate use of the horn, coping with mud and debris on the road and how to use passing places are also covered.

Night Driving

Hazard ahead, look for additional information sign. Theory test.

This module covers the essential aspects of driving in the dark and also at dawn and dusk.

You'll learn about:-

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

Driving on Dual Carriageways

Dual carriageway ahead. Pass Plus.

Dual carriageways are high speed, multi-lane roads where the two carriageways are separated by a central reservation.

They demand particular skills, including:-

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

Driving on Motorways

Start of Motorway information sign. Motorway lessons.

This module should be a practical session if at all possible. If there is no motorway nearby, it will have to be covered in theory: you should drive on a motorway as soon as you can afterwards so you can put the theory into practice.

The topics covered include:-

planning journeys in advance

joining and leaving a motorway, using slip roads

safe speeds in different circumstances

effective observation all around your vehicle

signs, signals and markings

overtaking and lane discipline

courtesy to other road users

motorway fatigue

breakdown procedures

use of lights, including hazard warning lights

debris on the carriageway

crosswinds.

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