After successfully passing your practical driving test your instructor is likely to recommend a Pass Plus course. Though optional, Pass Plus comes highly recommended by the vast majority of driving instructors and road safety experts.
But does completing a Pass Plus course always guarantee cheaper car insurance?
The Basics of Pass Plus
Pass Plus is optional, additional driving lessons for newly-qualified drivers within the first 12 months after passing their practical test. Costs vary from around £150 to £200, with the course covering a series of real-world driving conditions to improve confidence and competency.
These real-world driving conditions include:
- Motorway driving
- Dual carriageway driving
- Driving on rural roads
- Driving at night
- Safe driving in adverse weather conditions
- Town and city driving
Unlike a traditional driver tuition course, the Pass Plus course lasts just 6 hours in total. What’s more, there’s no ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ aspect as such – you simply complete the course successfully and benefit from a Pass Plus certificate.
Why Should I Take a Pass Plus Course?
The Pass Plus course is designed to make you a safer and more confident driver on the roads. It provides practical experience in a wide variety of driving conditions, which in most instances will be avoided during conventional and intensive driving courses.
Statistically, drivers who take a Pass Plus course are less likely to be involved in accidents than their counterparts. That is precisely why many insurers show preference to Pass Plus drivers, often rewarding responsibility with lower premiums.
Will I Definitely Get Cheap Car Insurance?
The answer to this question depends entirely on the insurance provider you do business with. Across the UK, the vast majority of top-name insurers are willing to offer (or at least consider) preferential rates for Pass Plus drivers. It can be anything from 5% right up to 20% off the premium you’d otherwise pay, which given the extortionate costs of new/young driver insurance can be considerable.
As is the case when shopping for any type of insurance, the key to getting a good deal lies in comparing as many options as possible. Online comparison sites can be useful, as can teaming up with an independent broker who can do the hard work on your behalf.
Though if you do go to a car insurance broker, ensure their services are free of charge – ask about hidden fees and commissions before signing on the dotted line.
Who Can Take Pass Plus?
Last up, it’s important to note that if you plan on taking a Pass Plus course, then you should do so within the first 12 months after passing your practical driving test.
It’s therefore advisable to sign up just as soon as you pass your test, even if your primary (or exclusive) motivation for doing so is to save money. However, the most important reason for doing the Pass Plus course is that you will be taught how to drive confidently and skillfully in a range of different settings; which will increase your safety and that of your passengers and other road users.
For more information on any of the above or to discuss any aspect of driver tuition in more detail, contact a member of the team at Manchester Driver Training.
Craig Upton
Craig Upton supports UK businesses by increasing sales growth using various revenue streams online. Creating strategic partnerships and keen focus to detail, Craig equips websites with the right tools to increase traffic. Craig is also the CEO of iCONQUER, a UK based company and has been working in the digital marketing arena for over a decade. A trusted SEO consultant and trainer, Craig has worked with British brands such as FT.com, DJKit, UK Property Finance, Serimax and also supported UK doctors, solicitors, builders, jewellers, to mention a few, gain more exposure online. Craig has gained a wealth of knowledge within the digital marketing space and is committed to creating new opportunities working with UK companies.