What is an Advanced Driving Course?

What is Pass Plus?

An official training course developed and backed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Pass Plus might be one of the first advanced courses you see when researching what to do next.

Pass Plus is described on gov.uk as:

• ‘A practical training course that takes at least 6 hours and is for drivers to improve their skills and drive more safely.’
• ‘It can be taken at any time although it should be most useful to new drivers in the year after passing their test.’
• ‘You’ll need a Pass Plus-registered approved driving instructor (ADI) to teach you.’

The government website also mentions successful completion of the Pass Plus course may help reduce insurance, although this is not guaranteed.

This potential discount is possible because many insurers may look favourably on extra qualifications and see you as a less risky driver.

What does a Pass Plus course involve?

The Pass Plus scheme takes six hours to complete (you can decide if you want to block book the lessons or spread out the sessions). It covers the following aspects of driving:

• Town driving
• All-weather driving
• Rural road driving
• Night driving
• Dual carriageways
• Motorways

The dual carriageway and motorway sections will help you get comfortable with driving at higher speeds and learn how to use slip roads and lanes properly - while also keeping an eye out on the dangers that come with all of these.

You’ll also get the chance to develop your observational skills, with a focus on looking further ahead than the car immediately in front, and start to identify potential risks and hazards before they turn into emergencies. The Pass Plus instructor will encourage you to talk through your observations out loud so you can display your level of focus.

If you’re worried about taking yet another test, you can relax a little. Although you will be assessed throughout the modules, there is no formal (and stressful) test to take at the end. For extra convenience, you can take the Pass Plus course in your own car.

What is the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course?

IAM RoadSmart offers an advanced driving course for around £210. This is designed to help you build up your confidence and develop sharper skills on the road. It covers a wide range of driving techniques and frameworks, focusing on specific areas including overtaking roundabouts, and parking.

This course can be taken in your own car and includes the following:

• 6-12 sessions with a qualified volunteer Observer
• Instructional videos and a logbook to track your progress
• IAM RoadSmart membership
• The Advanced Test

What is the RoSPA Advanced Driving Course?

RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders encourages an interest in road safety by improving road users’ standards, skills and knowledge. It’s a network of groups all over the UK that provides free training to help prepare for the RoSPA Advanced Test - widely regarded as the most comprehensive and challenging driving test available to the public.

The RoSPA Advanced Test is monitored and approved by the Driving Standards Agency and is taken with an examiner who will be a serving or retired police officer. The results are graded Bronze, Silver and Gold, with RoSPA Gold being the highest civilian driving standard available in the UK.

What are the benefits of an advanced driving course?

• Reduced risk - Statistics from Think! State that 1 in 5 drivers crash in the first year after passing their test. An advanced driving course will teach you defensive driving techniques that can help keep you safe while on the road.
• Confidence boost - Many drivers remember the first time they took their car out alone. While it was a source of pride for some, others may have frozen up and worried about driving independently. An advanced course helps you get used to driving on different roads and in varying conditions e.g. motorways and torrential rain.
• ‘Eco driving’ - In these courses, the instructor will help you learn techniques like smoother acceleration and braking that can help save money on fuel use. Find out more ways you can save money on petrol in our guide.
• Peace of mind for parents - It’s nerve-racking enough driving a car on your own for the first time, but your parents will be equally scared - especially if you’re driving their car. An advanced course helps bridge the gap between passing a driving test and independent driving, while also helping young drivers learn better car control, meaning less wear and tear on the clutch, brakes and tyres.

How do I book an advanced driving course?

You can book a Pass Plus course through the DVSA or a local council website (some may offer grants or discounts to encourage young drivers to take the course). Prices vary but it will normally set you back between £150 and £300, depending on where you live. Head to the IAM RoadSmart (around £210) or RoSPA website (free but there needs to be a group near you to book with them.

Take the wheel with Tempcover

If you want to get your advanced driving course qualification before arranging your annual insurance, trust Tempcover. Our temporary car insurance is comprehensive and flexible, allowing you to take the course in your own - or your parent’s - car.

Temporary insurance allows you to get in that essential extra practice while taking whichever course you choose. Remember, you’ll be learning while driving for a long time to come so enhancing your safety skills now will put you in good stead for all the journeys ahead.

Sources

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/learning-to-drive/what-is-pass-plus/

https://www.gov.uk/pass-plus

https://www.reddrivingschool.com/learners/lessons/pass-plus-course/

https://www.evanshalshaw.com/blog/what-is-pass-plus-scheme/

https://www.billplant.co.uk/driving-lessons/pass-plus/

https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/roadsafety/drivertraining/passplus

https://www.rospa.com/road-safety/rospa-advanced-drivers-and-riders

https://www.rospa.com/health-and-safety-courses/motorcycle-training-course/advanced-drivingriding-test

https://www.iamroadsmart.com/courses-services/for-individuals/advanced-driver-iam0077/