[Nick]

Have you ever thought about getting some more advanced driving lessons after passing your driving test? The government's Pass Plus scheme looks to fill the gap for those new drivers that perhaps don't feely fully prepared for all that the road network has in store for them! Has anyone here actually done it?

I seem to remember hearing about it, or something similar, when I passed my test many moons ago. I'm not sure I know anyone personally that actually did the program, although I know a few that perhaps should! 😛

This guide explains what's involved - I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Article: What is Pass Plus and Is It Worth It? Source - RAC

[olduser]

Yes and No.

Yes, if someone has just passed their test, and 'knows' they can drive.

No, if someone has passed their test, and is worried about driving, they will learn very cautiously at their own pace, and what they learn will stick.

The problem is, with someone in the car instructing, the pupil can, and do's stop having to solve the problems.

A much better thought is to incorporate the Pass Plus into the driving test.

Passing the driving test should result in an Intermediate licence, allowing them to drive with the vehicle having a P plate (or whatever) for a set time (say 1 year?), possibly have a logbook as well, and limits on passengers.

The intention being, other drivers might make allowance for them, and avoiding the car full of mates egging the driver on or the driver thinking he is impressing the girlfriend and visa versa.

[Nick]

Sounds a bit like the recently touted "Graduated Driving Licences" that were being considered and recently ruled out by Lilian Greenwood, the Future of Roads Minister.

[Rolebama]

Was it Spain or Italy that had a roof colour requirement with regards to when you were allowed on the road? I seem to remember they were talking about including experience levels in the paint scheme as well. Don't know if it ever got off the ground, but boot and bonnet colours seemed a good idea to me at the time.

[Drivingforfun]

Originally Posted by olduser

Yes, if someone has just passed their test, and 'knows' they can drive.

No, if someone has passed their test, and is worried about driving, they will learn very cautiously at their own pace, and what they learn will stick.

Interesting perception. It sounds a bit like something I heard about the ideal biker - they said there's 2 ways of reacting to nearly coming off the bike

1. "oh god, that was awful, I'm going to take every corner at 5mph from now on"

2. "that was epic! What a rush! Let's do it again!"

They said the ideal attitude is something in the middle!

[TC1474]

Pass plus pretends to be an intermediate advanced qualification, but the reality is that it is just an extension of the standard required to pass the L test.

I have examined about 40 pass plus candidates at advanced level. All of them were told that they would breeze it and pass without any issues. All of them failed.

Pass plus was intended as a way of allowing instructors to make more money.

If a newly qualified driver really wants to learn how to drive, then enrol in their local RoSPA or IAM group.

Costs a lot less money, has real world benefits, and they can enjoy the social aspects as well.

[olduser]

Originally Posted by Nick

Sounds a bit like the recently touted "Graduated Driving Licences" that were being considered and recently ruled out by Lilian Greenwood, the Future of Roads Minister.

I suppose a few more dead reduces the future pension costs!