Pass Plus isn’t some secret test or flashy badge you stick on your car—it’s a training course for new drivers who’ve just passed their regular driving test in the UK. Wondering why everyone goes on about it? Because the standard driving test can only fit in so much, and real-world driving throws a lot more your way. Roundabouts at rush hour, dark country roads, fast-moving motorways—those can catch anyone off guard.
If you’re nervous about driving outside of your usual routes, or if the thought of driving on slick winter roads keeps you up at night, Pass Plus can really help. The course fills in the gaps: things like driving at night, handling rush hour traffic, and even how to tackle city centres without a meltdown. And here’s a handy bonus—some insurance companies cut your premium if you’ve got Pass Plus under your belt. That means real money saved, not just a fancy certificate for your wall.
- What is the Pass Plus Course?
- Benefits of Getting an Advanced License
- What Does Pass Plus Cover?
- Is Pass Plus Worth It in 2025?
What is the Pass Plus Course?
Pass Plus is an extra training course for new drivers in the UK. It’s not another driving test—the goal is to help you get better at dealing with stuff that’s not usually covered in regular lessons. Think of it as the next step after getting your full license, especially if you want more confidence or real-world practice behind the wheel.
This course usually takes at least six hours and is taught by an approved driving instructor. There’s no exam at the end, which takes a lot of the stress out of it. Instead, your instructor checks you off for each section when you’ve shown you can handle it safely. You get a certificate at the end, which might just save you some cash on your car insurance.
Pass Plus lessons focus on things like:
- Driving in all sorts of weather—rain, fog, icy roads
- Night-time driving (with limited streetlights or in busy areas)
- Handling motorways (including joining and leaving at speed)
- City centre driving, which can be a nightmare for beginners
- Rural roads, where animals or farm vehicles pop up anywhere
- Dealing with rush hour and busy conditions
The most important point? Advanced driving license isn’t a separate license type. Pass Plus just gives you extra training so you're better prepared for everything UK roads can throw at you. You book the course through a local instructor or driving school—just be sure to ask if they’re officially approved for Pass Plus. It’s open to anyone with a full UK car license, but it’s aimed at new drivers in their first year after passing.
Benefits of Getting an Advanced License
Keen on becoming a safer, more skilled driver? Getting the advanced driving license through Pass Plus comes with some real-world wins that go beyond just ticking a box.
First up, you build confidence in tougher driving situations—think busy city streets, rainy weather, or those hair-raising motorway journeys. Loads of people admit they avoid certain roads after passing the test. Pass Plus is all about breaking that cycle.
The UK government launched Pass Plus because new drivers are statistically more likely to have an accident in their first year. The extra training is aimed at lowering those odds. A study by RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) found Pass Plus graduates felt better prepared to deal with hazards and were less likely to panic in new conditions.
Insurance perks are worth shouting about too. Some insurers offer discounts—sometimes up to 20% for drivers who’ve completed Pass Plus. Sure, not every company will hand over a saving, but it’s definitely worth checking when you’re shopping for cover.
The course also means you get professional feedback on your actual driving, not just the stuff you needed to scrape past the driving test. This isn’t just about passing; it’s about keeping yourself (and everyone else) safer on the roads long-term.
- Can make motorway and night driving feel much less intimidating
- Cuts the risk of accidents for new drivers—especially in the first year
- May help you save big on your car insurance
- Delivers one-on-one advice from a professional instructor, tailored to you and your habits
If you’re serious about feeling in control behind the wheel, Pass Plus gives you the skills you didn’t get before—and it could make a real difference the first time you hit an unfamiliar road or find yourself driving home in bad weather.
What Does Pass Plus Cover?
The Pass Plus course isn’t about falling back into textbook learning. It’s hands-on, out on real roads, focusing on situations that the basic driving test barely touches. The course is made up of six practical modules. You won’t get marked with a pen and paper—the aim is to reach a decent standard in each part with your instructor’s guidance.
- Town Driving: Deals with busy streets, tight turns, tricky junctions, and impatient drivers. Your instructor helps you handle everything from city centre chaos to one-way systems.
- All-weather Driving: Rain, fog, ice, or glare from the sun—bad weather throws up loads of extra hazards. You’ll get tips on how to keep calm and react safely when conditions go wild.
- Rural Roads: These aren’t just slower country lanes. Expect blind bends, tractors, and the occasional wildlife darting across. Pass Plus gets you prepared for the surprises country driving brings.
- Night Driving: If darkness makes you uneasy, you’ll learn how to deal with glare, spot hazards, and judge distances when visibility is low. This is a big confidence booster for new drivers.
- Dual Carriageways: Faster roads need faster reactions. Learn how to safely switch lanes, enter and leave at speed, and deal with heavy vehicles and more confident drivers around you.
- Motorway Driving: The basic test doesn’t cover the motorway at all. Pass Plus sorts that, teaching you everything from lane discipline to joining busy traffic at high speeds and coping with the constant lane changes.
Your Pass Plus usually takes about six hours in total, split as needed. Not every hour will be spent driving—if weather or traffic doesn’t cooperate, some bits might be theory-based, but the focus is on practical training wherever possible.
| Module | Main Focus | Unique Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Town Driving | Urban traffic, junctions | One-way systems |
| All-weather Driving | Wet, icy, or foggy roads | Poor grip, reduced visibility |
| Rural Roads | Country lanes, blind bends | Unexpected hazards (animals, farm equipment) |
| Night Driving | Low visibility, glare | Judging distances at night |
| Dual Carriageways | High speed, lane changes | Dealing with heavy lorries and fast merging |
| Motorway Driving | Multi-lane, high traffic | Joining, leaving, and overtaking safely |
Unlike some other certificates, Pass Plus doesn’t require a separate test. Your instructor decides if you’ve met the required standard for each module. You just need to focus on nailing the real-life scenarios, not worrying about a final exam.
The advanced driving license angle comes from real experience—by the end, you’re more prepared for nearly anything the road throws at you. Most drivers say they feel much more confident, especially on the motorway for the first time.
Is Pass Plus Worth It in 2025?
This year, new drivers in the UK are thinking hard about whether the Pass Plus scheme is actually worth their time, effort, and cash. Let’s get right to it—while you don’t need Pass Plus to keep your licence, loads of people still sign up every year for some good reasons.
Insurance savings used to be the big hook, but it’s no secret insurers have tightened up on discounts. Here’s a rough idea of what you might get in 2025 if you show your certificate:
| Insurer | Potential Discount After Pass Plus |
|---|---|
| Admiral | £50–£150 |
| Direct Line | No discount (as of June 2025) |
| Aviva | Up to £120 |
| LV= | No discount |
So, the financial perks depend on your insurer. Some may give nothing; others might reward you, especially if you’re a very new or young driver. Still, the real value is what you pick up from extra lessons. According to a 2024 Department for Transport survey, over 70% of Pass Plus graduates felt more confident driving in tricky situations—especially on motorways and rural roads.
The course costs between £150 and £210, depending on where you live. Compare that with the cost of even a minor bump on a motorway, and it puts things in perspective. Pass Plus is also a solid backup if you didn’t get much experience with night driving or bad weather before passing your test.
- If you drive a lot in new places, Pass Plus gives you practice and lowers the chance of rookie mistakes.
- If you’re hunting for every possible insurance discount, check your insurer’s rules first—don’t just assume you’ll save money.
- If you struggle with motorway driving nerves, Pass Plus is probably more valuable than any official discount.
Bottom line? The advanced driving license experience is a safety net. In 2025, you’re not guaranteed big insurance savings, but you are set up for safer, more confident driving in real life.