The pass plus course was introduced in 1995 after studies showed that new motorists were more likely to have an accident in their first two years of driving than at any other time and that 1 in 5 drivers are involved in a car accident within a year of passing their test. The pass plus course is aimed largely at young drivers; those aged 17-21 make up 10% of the total license holding public and they are involved in 20% of all injury accidents. Pass Plus courses can also be of benefit to older drivers who have just completed their practical driving test. Many insurance companies will offer discounts on their policies to those drivers who complete the Pass Plus course within a year of passing their practical driving test.

Pass Plus courses offer the chance to improve your newly acquired driving skills under supervised instruction. The course aims to make new drivers more confident on the road and to make them more aware of and able to deal with hazards.

Areas covered in the Pass Plus course are:

• Driving in town
• Driving out of town
• Driving in all weathers
• Driving at night
• Driving on dual carriageways
• Driving on motorways

There is no test to complete at the end of your course, instead your instructor will continuously access your skills throughout the course and on completion you will receive a certificate from the Driving Standards Agency. It is this certificate that may enable you to receive a discount on your car insurance.