Ashley Neal Driving Instruction Limited

PASS PLUS

PASS PLUS is a training scheme for new drivers. It's much more than just a few extra lessons. This specially designed course by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), with the help of insurers and the driving instruction industry, helps you

* you will be taught how to deal with a wide range of road and traffic situations, many of which you probably won't have faced before

build on your existing skills and knowledge

* it can take years to become a skilled driver. PASS PLUS helps get you there by speeding up the learning process under expert tuition

reduce your risk of being in a road crash

* the course will help boost your awareness of all kinds of hazards and help you learn how to anticipate, plan for and deal with them safely

save money on car insurance premiums.

* naturally, you will have to pay for the course. Fees for the PASS PLUS course will vary depending on where you live and the instructor or driving school you choose. Bear in mind too that it will take a minimum of six hours, all of which need to be taken after passing your test. If more sessions are needed for you to successfully complete the course, this may add to the cost.

When you have successfully completed the course, you are advised to check available discounts offered by the insurance companies taking part in the scheme. The amount you save will depend on the company you choose, you may even save more than you paid for the course.

boost your confidence

if you feel nervous driving on your own, the PASS PLUS training can help you become more confident on the roads

give peace of mind to your loved ones

PASS PLUS consists of six practical modules which cover driving in town, in all weathers, on rural roads, at night, on dual carriageways and on motorways. You can take it at any time within the first 12 month of passing your test.

There is no test at the end of it - your driving will be continually assessed and you must successfully complete all the modules in the course to an achieved or exceeded standard:

achieved - successfully reached the standard required for each of the competencies

exceeded - exceeded the required standard for each of the competencies

When you have successfully completed the course, you are advised to check available discounts offered by the insurance companies taking part in the scheme. The amount you save will depend on the company you choose, you may even save more than you paid for the course.

PASS PLUS MODULES

In Town:

Passed your test but nervous of rush hour traffic? Learn how to cope with town driving by taking expert advice. Scared of rush hour traffic? Learn how to cope with town driving by taking expert advice at some of the busiest times of day. This module begins with an introduction to the course and concentrates on: Observation, Judgement and awareness, Eye contact, Consideration for vulnerable road users, Being cautious but not over cautious, and Keeping space around your car .

In all weather:

The first flurry of snow or the first blanket of fog can get you into a real fix. Learn how to deal with the perils of winter before you risk pranging your car.

This module is a theory session, put into practice in other modules if the opportunity arises.

It covers safe driving in; Rain, sleet and snow

Mist and fog, and

Bright sunshine

And it looks at making sure you see and can be seen, deciding what speed to drive at and applying the rules in practice.

The module also covers skidding The causes and how to avoid it

Correcting slow speed skids, and Braking on poor surfaces.

Out of Town:

Country roads can hide their own kinds of hazards. Are you ready to mix it with wildlife and farm vehicles? This module is a practical session looking at the main differences between town driving and country driving. Observing the road ahead

Making progress safely

Bends, hills and uneven roads

Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and

Safe overtaking.

It places special emphasis on awareness and consideration for;

Pedestrians and horse riders

Sharp bends

The use of your horn

Farm entrances

Slow moving vehicles or animals, and

Mud on roads

At night:

How to read the road in the dark. There are some useful tips on how to deal with dusk onwards. This is also a practical session which covers

The importance of the correct use of headlights

Adjusting to the dark

Driving at dusk and dawn

Judging speed and distance

The correct use of lights

Dealing with dazzle

Looking for pedestrians, and

Being prepared for cyclists.

On dual carriageways:

You need eyes in the back of your head. Don't race, but don't be a slow coach or you will incur the wrath of other drivers.

This practical module takes place on two or three lane carriageways and covers;

Joining and leaving, including right turns from dual carriageways

Effective observation

The use of mirrors

Blind spots and scanning the road

Judgement and planning

Overtaking, and

Lane discipline

On Motorways:

It places greater demands on the driver's skills, observation, anticipation, planning and concentration.

This will be a practical session if there is a motorway nearby. If not, it will be covered in theory but you should plan to drive on a motorway as soon as possible after the course to gain experience.

The topics covered include;

Joining and leaving a motorway

Planning a journey in advance

Safe speeds in different circumstances

Effective observation and anticipation

Signs, signals and markings

Lane discipline

Courtesy to other road users

Motorway fatigue - the importance of taking a break, and What to do if you breakdown.