Pass Plus: Is It Worth Doing After Your Test?
You’ve passed your driving test — congratulations! Now you might be wondering whether a Pass Plus course is worth the investment. Here’s an honest assessment.
What Is Pass Plus?
Pass Plus is a practical training course designed by the DVSA for newly qualified drivers. It’s taken with a registered ADI (approved driving instructor) and aims to improve your skills and experience in situations your test may not have covered.
The course covers 6 modules:
- Town driving: Busy junctions, pedestrian areas, one-way systems
- All-weather driving: Handling rain, fog, low sun, and wet roads
- Out-of-town driving: Country roads, national speed limit routes, bends
- Night driving: Using headlights, dazzle, and reduced visibility
- Dual carriageways: Joining, lane discipline, overtaking at speed
- Motorways: Motorway driving (which new full licence holders can now do)
It typically takes around 6 hours (a minimum of 3 hours practical time) and there is no test at the end — your instructor assesses you as you go. If you reach the required standard in each module, you pass.
How Much Does It Cost?
Pass Plus courses typically cost between £150 and £300, depending on the instructor and location. On top of this, there’s a DVSA registration fee of around £10–£15.
Some local councils subsidise the cost. It’s worth checking with Coventry City Council to see if any offers are currently available.
The Pros
- More experience: You get professional guidance on motorways, night driving, and other situations you may not have encountered during lessons
- Confidence boost: Many new drivers feel nervous after passing — extra training helps bridge the gap
- Potential insurance discount: Some insurers offer reduced premiums for Pass Plus holders
- Safer driving: New drivers have the highest accident rate — any extra training reduces risk
- No test pressure: It’s assessment-based, so there’s less anxiety than a formal test
The Cons
- Insurance discounts have shrunk: In recent years, fewer insurers offer significant Pass Plus discounts. Typically you might save 5–10% with participating insurers, which may not offset the course cost
- Cost vs value: At £150+, you could instead put that money toward extra driving practice or an advanced driving course
- Short course: 6 hours is limited — you won’t become an expert in motorway driving after one session
- Not universally recognised: Not all insurers accept it, so check before booking
Our Honest Verdict
Pass Plus is good but not essential. If you’re a nervous new driver who hasn’t driven on motorways or at night, the course provides valuable experience in a safe, supported environment.
However, if you’re purely doing it for insurance savings, check with your insurer first. The discount may not justify the cost. You could get similar benefits from taking a few extra post-test lessons with an instructor to build confidence on specific roads.
If you’re interested in ongoing development, consider booking a few refresher lessons with us instead — we can tailor sessions to exactly what you need, whether that’s motorway driving, night driving, or navigating Coventry’s busier routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pass Plus?
Pass Plus is a DVSA-designed course for newly qualified drivers, taken with an approved instructor. It covers 6 modules: town driving, all-weather driving, out-of-town, night driving, dual carriageways, and motorways. It takes around 6 hours with no test at the end.
How much does Pass Plus cost?
Typically between £150 and £300, plus a DVSA registration fee of around £10–£15. Some local councils offer subsidies — it’s worth checking with Coventry City Council.
Does Pass Plus reduce insurance costs?
Some insurers offer discounts for Pass Plus holders, but the discounts have reduced in recent years. Typically you might save 5–10% with participating insurers. Shop around and compare — the discount doesn’t always offset the course cost.
Just Passed? Congratulations!
Whether you choose Pass Plus or refresher lessons, we’re here to keep building your confidence on the road.
Get in TouchOr call us: 07780 707120