Pass Plus Scheme

Pass Plus is a Scheme to help newly qualified drivers become even safer on the road. It is an additionl after test course which lasts for a minimum of 6 hours. It covers 6 different modules which are described below. you will also be pleased to know that there is no test to complete the course.

Module 1 - Town driving
You will concentrate on:

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

You will be given advice about features of driving such as:

• multi-lane junctions
• unusual roundabouts
• trams and bus, cycle and taxi lanes
• under- and over-passes

Module 2 - All-weather driving
This module continues on from your first session on town driving.
The aim of the module is to cover all aspects of driving in different weather conditions, including speed and stopping distances in:

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

You will need to:

• make sure that you can see and be seen
• decide what speed to drive at
• apply the rules in practice

You will also look at skidding:

• the causes of skidding
• prevention of skids
• correcting slow-speed skids
• braking on poor surfaces
• aquaplaning

Module 3 - Out of town driving & rural roads
This session will cover:

• the main differences from town 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

With special emphasis on:

• consideration for pedestrians on roads with no pavement
• horse roads
• sharp bends
• use of the horn
• farm entrances and buildings
• slow-moving vehicles
• livestock and wild animals
• mud and other debris on the road
• use of passing places

Module 4 - Night driving
This session covers all aspects of driving in the dark, including:

• the importance of headlights
• adjusting to the dark
• driving at dusk and dawn
• judging speed and distance
• the correct use of lights and cleanliness of lights
• dazzle
• anticipation and awareness of pedestrians, cyclists etc
• parking

Module 5 - Dual carriageways
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 (use of all mirrors, blind spots, scanning the near, middle and far distance)
• judgement and planning (safe distances and the two-second rule)
• joing and leaving dual carriageways - use of slip roads
• overtaking and lane discipline
• correct use of speed

Module 6 - Motorways
As a new driver, you may never have driven on a motorway. They are unlike any other road, not just because of the number of lanes, the high traffic volumes and vehicle speeds, but also because there are rules and signs that only relate to motorways. PASS PLUS will give you invaluable training and experience in driving on motorways.

If there's no motorway nearby, this session will have to be covered in theory (while you can gain some helpful experienceon dual carriageways, this won't cover aspects specific to motorways). In this case, you should plan to drive on a motorway as soon as possible after the course, so you can put the knowledge into practice. As with any theory session, it would need to be completed to an achieved standard.

Topics covered will include

• planning journeys in advance
• joining and leaving motorways
• safe speeds in different circumstances
• effective observation (use of all mirrors, blind spots, scanning the near, middle and far distance)
• 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

Please see the Pass Plus website or ask your instructor for a list of companys that currently support pass plus.