Pass Plus is an additional course that new drivers who have passed their Practical Driving Test can participate in. It is supposed to fill in some of the gaps that can occur in a new drivers skill set and helps them to adjust to different ways of driving.
Pass Plus covers:
- Town Driving
- Country Driving
- Bad Weather Driving
- Night Driving
- Duel Carriageways
- Motorways
The last two of these seem the most appealing to my pupils, and I would have to agree that they are the most significant additions as the pupil is very likely to have experienced the other things whilst taking lessons. Many pupils who take Pass Plus cite the need to understand Motorways as their key motivation for taking the course.
There is another key reason: A reduction in insurance fees. Some insurance companies have understood that a driver who has undertaken the course is less likely to be involved in an accident and will adjust their premiums accordingly. However, the amount of reduction has been going down as has the number of insurers who have agreed to take part in the scheme. This means the Pass Plus has begun to be seen as an expensive (£120-150) luxury.
I would suggest a different, more practical approach is needed based around how we use our roads and motor vehicles. Below are some ideas of how I would change the Pass Plus scheme.
- Motorways are undoubtedly an essential part of everyday life for many commuters, so an understanding of how they work and how we use them is imperative.
- An understanding of using route maps and Sat Navs is also required. What they do, how to get the best out of them and what are their weaknesses!
- How to get from home to school/work/shops! There is a simple but inevitable need to be able to do this.
- Basic maintenance: How to fill the car with the CORRECT fuel for instance. A practical guide to keeping your car on the road (touched on through the Show Me / Tell Me questions).
- How to use car parks! Do I pick up a ticket & pay now or when I get back? An understanding of how every car park's flow is different!
- How to buy a new/used car. What to look for etc.
The above ideas are just a selection of far more practical things that a new driver should know and often will have to encounter through costly trial and error.
What do you think?
Maybe you have other suggestions. Please let me know by contacting me on 07906 302910 or by email gt_drivingschool@yahoo.co.uk or visit my website at http://www.gtdrivingschool.net
