How Much Does Pass Plus Lower Car Insurance in the UK?

Learning to drive is a major milestone and, like many milestones, it often comes with an unwelcome reality check: high insurance premiums. Newly qualified drivers are statistically more likely to make a claim than experienced motorists, so insurers typically charge more during your first few years on the road. Because of this, many new drivers look for ways to make insurance more affordable. One popular method is the Pass Plus scheme.

Pass Plus is a government-backed initiative designed to build confidence, increase competence and encourage safer driving habits beyond the standard driving test. It is not a legal requirement and doesn't affect your driving licence in any way. But, in some cases, it can cut your car insurance costs.

Here, we will explain how Pass Plus impacts insurance premiums, what it involves, its benefits and limitations, and whether it's still worth doing.

In This Guide:

What is the Pass Plus scheme?
Does Pass Plus reduce insurance?
The pros and cons of the Pass Plus scheme
What is covered in a Pass Plus course?
How to get started with Pass Plus
Is Pass Plus still worth it for new drivers?
FAQs about Pass Plus

What is the Pass Plus scheme?

Pass Plus is an optional practical training course developed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). It is specifically aimed at drivers who have recently passed their driving test, although you can take it at any time, and with any level of driving experience.

Unlike a traditional driving test, Pass Plus does not have a pass or fail grade, nor does it involve a formal examination. Instead, drivers complete six practical training modules under the supervision of an approved instructor. Once you've completed all modules, you will receive a Pass Plus certificate.

Unlike 'normal' driving lessons, Pass Plus lessons focus on building your competence and confidence in different driving environments. Your assessor will put you through a range of high-risk conditions that you may not have encountered in lessons with your driving instructor. Typically, these include night driving, poor weather, motorway travel and rural roads

Does Pass Plus reduce insurance?

So, how much does Pass Plus reduce insurance? Well, it varies. There is no fixed Pass Plus insurance discount, and sometimes you may not get any premium reduction at all.

If you do get a discount, the reduction amount depends on a range of factors, including:

Your insurer’s commercial policy on Pass Plus discounts
Your age and experience level
Vehicle type and insurance group
Home postcode and local claims history
Annual mileage
Whether the policy is telematics-based or standard

Insurance companies that do recognise Pass Plus tend to apply reductions within a vast range. These days, getting significant discounts is rare, as insurers are putting more emphasis on driving history, telematics, and no-claims data than on advanced driving qualifications.

Some insurers don't recognise the scheme at all, so it's a good idea to check potential insurers' Pass Plus discount policy when comparing quotes

The pros and cons of the Pass Plus scheme

The Pass Plus scheme has a range of benefits and drawbacks. Let's start with the pros:

Pros

Pass Plus gives new drivers a structured experience in high-risk environments under professional supervision. It's excellent for improving real-world driving skills in ways that aren't necessarily covered during initial driving lessons.
It builds confidence on motorways, rural routes, night roads and adverse weather, which can otherwise be stressful experiences for newly qualified drivers.
Unlike many advanced driving courses, there is no test pressure. This means that nervous drivers can focus entirely on practical learning.
Some local councils subsidise the scheme cost, which could make it an affordable option (especially when combined with potential insurance savings).

Cons

Now, let's go into the potential drawbacks of the scheme:

Insurance discounts are not guaranteed, and some insurers offer no Pass Plus discount at all.
The cost of the course can outweigh insurance savings.
It does not reduce the cost of add-ons like excess fees, named driver pricing, legal cover, or breakdown protection.
Drivers who choose telematics or black box insurance might see less benefit, as these policies are priced based on ongoing driving data rather than post-test qualifications.

What is covered in a Pass Plus course?

If you're not sure whether or not to take a Pass Plus course, it can help to understand what's covered and how. Here's what you can expect when you sign up:

All-weather driving

Drivers learn to respond to reduced visibility, longer braking distances, increased risk of aquaplaning, low sun glare, fog, ice, heavy rain, and strong crosswinds. The aim is to practise smooth control, early planning and appropriate speed reductions.

Town driving

This module focuses on high-density traffic environments, complex junctions, bus lanes, taxis, cyclists, parked vehicle hazards, unpredictable pedestrians, traffic lights, filters, roundabouts, lane discipline and situational awareness in areas with frequent stop-start movement.

Driving on rural roads

Rural roads are full of hidden bends, limited visibility, single-track passing points, livestock, mud, debris, unmarked junctions and poor road surfaces. Trainees learn to balance caution with momentum, positioning, signalling, and to anticipate hazards.

Night driving

This module covers dipped vs full-beam judgement, reducing headlight dazzle, speed moderation, fatigue awareness, reduced depth perception, and the challenge of spotting vulnerable road users in low-light conditions.

Driving on dual carriageways

This covers safe joining, lane selection, overtaking discipline, mirror routines, blind-spot checks, merge timing, acceleration matching, and safe exit planning at higher speeds.

Driving on motorways

Not all learner drivers get motorway driving experience from their first driving instructor. This module fills that gap with structured experience in joining slip roads, lane discipline, overtaking judgement, managing large-vehicle turbulence, variable speed limits, exit strategies, and breakdown safety positioning

How to get started with Pass Plus

If you decide that you do want to take a course, you must:

Hold a full UK driving licence
Choose a DVSA-approved Pass Plus instructor
Schedule six training modules
Complete each module to a satisfactory level

You will also need to pay for your course. There is no official set price—what you pay depends on your region and the instructor you choose. Typically, prices range from £150 to £250, and some councils offer discounts to lower the cost

Is Pass Plus still worth it for new drivers?

Even if the savings aspect of the scheme does not convince you, there are other advantages to taking a Pass Plus course. It can make you more confident behind the wheel, improve your safety and the safety of others on the road with you, and generally make you a better driver.

After your course, you're likely to make fewer mistakes, get into fewer accidents, and have a strong foundation for future safe driving. And, ultimately, being a better driver will translate into a lower risk profile and lower insurance premiums in the long term.

For drivers who expect to travel on motorways, live in rural areas, drive after dark, or regularly commute in poor weather, the practical benefits often outweigh the financial considerations.

If you are not sure whether to take a Pass Plus course, consider both the financial and non-financial value. Remember, there are other ways to save money on your insurance—starting with comparing quotes with MoneyExpert's simple car insurance quote comparison tool.

FAQs about Pass Plus

Which insurers recognise Pass Plus?

A selection of UK insurers recognise Pass Plus, though uptake changes periodically. Drivers should always confirm directly with insurers at the point of quote rather than assuming recognition will apply. Check whether your potential insurers recognise the scheme when you're comparing quotes.

Are there any alternatives and additional ways to cut car insurance costs?

Yes. Common strategies include:

Choosing a car in a lower insurance group
Adding an experienced named driver (as long as they are not the main driver by default)
Opting for telematics or black box insurance
Avoiding unnecessary add-ons
Increasing voluntary excess (if you can afford it)
Reducing your annual mileage
Keeping your car on a secure driveway or in a garage
Paying annually instead of monthly when possible

Can you take Pass Plus any time after passing your test?

Yes. Although the scheme is marketed at new drivers, there is no formal deadline. However, insurance discounts (where available) are typically aimed at recently qualified drivers, so waiting several years might reduce any savings you're eligible for.

How long does a Pass Plus discount last?

It varies by insurer. Typically, discounts only last for the first policy year, after which standard pricing criteria apply. The long-term financial benefit comes indirectly through safer driving and maintaining a clean no-claims record.

How Much Does Pass Plus Lower Car Insurance? What UK Drivers Should Know