Advanced Driving Courses After Your Test

Despite drivers between 17-19 year-olds making up only 1.5% of licence holders, they account for almost 9% of serious crashes. Most of these accidents are not down to vehicle safety, or road conditions – they are the result of poor driving standards. Driving a car can be great fun, if it is done sensibly and responsibly. But in the wrong hands, whether through reckless driving or simply through lack of experience, a motor vehicle can be deadly. Insurance companies and motoring organisations, such as the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), have been concerned with the high levels of serious crash rates of young drivers for many years, which is why they encourage new drivers to take advanced driving courses.

The Pass Plus Driving Course, which lasts a minimum of six hours, is available from Approved Driving Instructors. The course, aimed primarily for people who have recently received their full-licence, covers six modules: driving at night, adverse weather conditions, dual carriageways, motorways, urban and rural driving.

For many people, the thought of overtaking on country roads can be quite daunting. The Pass Plus course will help new drivers to gain the confidence and skills needed to safely assess an overtaking situation and to carry out the manoeuvre safety and efficiently. Overtaking is one of the main causes of road accidents. How does driving on motorways differ from other road driving? How does bad weather and poor lighting conditions affect handling of the vehicle? What are the potential problems associated with night-time driving? These questions are all answered during the Pass Plus course. The driving instructor will teach the student during these conditions, so that the new driver builds confidence in a safe manner. As well as gaining experience in different road conditions, the Pass Plus course will encourage new drivers to plan ahead, to start anticipating the actions of other road users, and to learn more about the handling of their vehicle.

It is possible to get a reduction in your car insurance premium when you successfully complete the Pass Plus course. After completing the course, your instructor will arrange for a certificate to be sent to you, which can be used to claim a discount from the insurance company.

In addition to Pass Plus, there are some other excellent Advanced Driving Courses that can be taken. The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) offer a series of training sessions for their Advanced Driving Test. Training sessions cover everything that Pass Plus covers, but in much more detail. IAM instructors have been carefully selected for their advanced skills in road use and vehicle handling, and they are keen to pass on these skills to drivers of all abilities. Anticipation is the key message that IAM instructors will strive to communicate, a message that may one day save a life.

The full Advanced Driving Test offered by the IAM can be quite a lengthy process. However, if someone is interested in improving their skills, without training for the full test, the IAM offer the Drive Check option. This is much shorter than the full test, but nonetheless it provides an insight into how safe a driver you are. The Drive Check course and test are designed to focus on the main causes of accidents on our roads.

Whether you are looking to improve your driving ability, or simply to get a discount on your car insurance policy, taking an advanced driving course can be of great benefit. Anticipation and responsible road use may help you prevent an accident from occurring, and may even save your life.

Disclaimer: The information in the article is for general purpose information only and should not be constituted as legal advice. This article has been produced by a third party and Jardine Motors does not take any responsibility for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability with respect to the website or the information provided. Article last updated March 2016.