Pass Plus

Newly qualified drivers are much more vulnerable than they realise. Statistics show that new drivers are more likely to have an accident within their first two years of driving than at any other time in their driving career. We at luv2pass are committed to improving road safety, particularly among young and inexperienced drivers. With that in mind, we strongly recommend the use of 'P' plates during the first two years of passing your practical driving test.

WHY DISPLAY 'P' PLATES?

They show other road users you’re new on the road and most people will give you a bit more time and consideration.

It is vital that the plates are displayed for a minimum 2 years to be consistent with the proposed 2-year probationary code on licences and the existing New Driver Act which applies for 2 years following the practical driving test.

• Two young people under 25 die every day in crashes in Great Britain
• In their first year of driving, one driver in five is involved in a crash

If you don't want to be one of these statistics, read on

WHAT IS PASS PLUS?

• It's a voluntary scheme that offers benefits to newly qualified car drivers
• It's a six module training syllabus designed by the DSA to develop skills and knowledge

WHAT IS THE SYLLABUS?

TOWN DRIVING

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, and
• keeping space around your car

ALL WEATHER DRIVING

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, and
• bright sunshine

You will also look at skidding

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

DRIVING OUT OF TOWN

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, and
• 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

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, and
• parking issues

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, 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, and
• the correct use of speed

Driving on Motorways

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