INTRODUCING PASS PLUS

THE PROBLEM
Newly qualified drivers are much more vulnerable than they realise.  Statistics show that new drivers are more likely to have an accident within there first two years of driving than at any other time in their driving career. For example two young people under 25 die every day in crashes in Great Britain in their first year of driving, one driver in five is involved in a crash

It's not just about age- newly qualified drivers are a higher than average risk whatever their age. Most drivers become safer by driving more miles and by experiencing a wider variety of driving situations. However, it is not enough just to let new drivers learn by experience.

TOO OFTEN THEY LEARN THE HARD WAY. DRIVING IS A LIFE SKILL
While many life skills are learned by trial and error, the consequences of error on the road may be catastrophic.

THE SOLUTION
Pass plus offers new drivers professional instruction, helping them to again quality driving experience safely become a more skilful driver develop a positive driving style which is both enjoyable and safe reduce their risk of being involved in an accident.

The Fife pass plus initiative encouraged local new drivers to take part in the scheme from 1999 to 2002. "...in 1998- prior to the Fife pass plus initiative-17-20 year old drivers were involved in 3.15% of crashes in Fife. They were to blame for 69.3% of these and accounted for 7.9% of total injuries for that year In 2002, 17-20 year old drivers were involved in 2.75%of the crashes.  They were to blame for 41.8% of these and now accounted for 5% of total injuries for this year.

A reduction of only0.4% in total collisions for the 7-20 age group, but an excellent 27.5% reduction in blameworthy crashes.  Also there has been a significant reduction, of 2.9%, in total injuries. Altogether, this would appear to show that the Fife pass plus initiative has been a worthwhile project.  Inexperience will always bring the young driver into the statistics as regards involvement in road crashes, but this fairly significant reduction in blameworthy crashes is a heartening sign for road safety.

WHAT IS PASS PLUS
Pass plus is a voluntary scheme that offers benefits to NEWLY QUALIFIED CAR DRIVERS- safer driving and discounted motor insurance INSTRUCTORS opportunity to help newly qualified drivers develop their skills and knowledge INSURERS- fewer claims and less expenditure THE GENERAL PUBLIC- safer roads.

The key elements are a syllabus designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) with input from the driving instruction industry a structured, competence-based training programme delivered by suitably graded Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs).

Discounts available from participating insurance companies the support of the driving instruction and insurance industries. Pass plus is a six-module training syllabus designed by DSA to develop the skills and knowledge of newly qualified drivers and broaden their driving experience.

CONTENTS
Driving in town
Driving in all weathers
Driving on rural roads
Driving at night
Driving on dual carriageways
Driving on motorways

Modules will not all take the same amount of time to cover, but each course must consist of a minimum of six hours training, five and a half of which  must be practical in-car driving sessions. This does not necessarily mean six sessions- the number of sessions required will depend on the ability and progress of the individual pupil.

The aim of pass plus is to enable the new driver to develop their existing skills acquire the new skills and knowledge that make up positive driving further develop anticipation skills, plan for and deal with hazards safely understand how to reduce their risk of having a crash maintain a courteous and considerate attitude to other road users.

If a new driver feels nervous driving on their own, pass plus can also help to boost their confidence. Pass plus offers new drivers financial incentives to develop the skills for safer driving.

SUCCESS AND SAVINGS
Drivers who successfully complete the syllabus will be offered a discount on their car insurance premiums by participating insurance companies.