Pass Plus Explained: Cost, Insurance Savings and Is It Worth It? (2026)
Pass Plus is a government-backed driving course for new drivers, created by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). It is a minimum of six hours of practical training across six real-world modules, with no test at the end. In 2026 it typically costs around £150 to £200. It can lower your car insurance with some providers, but not all insurers offer a discount any more, so the biggest benefit for most new drivers is extra confidence and safer driving in tricky conditions. If you have just passed your test in Kent, it is one of the simplest ways to build real-world experience fast.
Written by the Kinetic Driving School team. Every Kinetic instructor is fully qualified and DVSA approved.
What is Pass Plus?
Pass Plus is a practical training course for drivers who have recently passed their test. It was developed by the DVSA to help new drivers gain experience and build confidence in situations that the standard driving test does not always fully cover, like motorways and bad weather.
The course is made up of at least six hours of driving with a qualified, Pass Plus registered approved driving instructor (ADI). There is no exam or pass or fail. As long as you complete all six modules to your instructor’s satisfaction, you earn a Pass Plus certificate.
It is open to any driver, but it is aimed mainly at people in their first year on the road, when accident risk is statistically highest. According to government road safety data, new drivers are far more likely to be involved in a collision in their first months of driving, which is exactly the gap Pass Plus is designed to close.
What does the Pass Plus course cover? The six modules
Pass Plus is built around six modules. You drive in each setting with your instructor, who guides you and gives feedback. Depending on where you live, some modules can be combined or covered through theory if the conditions are not available on the day (for example, you cannot always practise in snow).
| Module | What you practise |
|---|---|
| 1. Town driving | Busy urban roads, complex junctions, bus lanes, cyclists and pedestrians |
| 2. All-weather driving | Handling the car safely in rain, fog, ice and reduced grip |
| 3. Rural roads | Country lanes, bends, blind summits, overtaking and changing surfaces |
| 4. Night driving | Driving in the dark, judging distance, using lights and dealing with dazzle |
| 5. Dual carriageways | Higher speeds, joining and leaving, lane discipline and observation |
| 6. Motorways | Joining, merging, safe gaps, lane use and motorway etiquette |
The motorway module is one of the most valuable parts of the course. Learner drivers can now take motorway lessons with an ADI before their test, but many never do, so Pass Plus is often a new driver’s first proper motorway experience with professional support beside them.
How much does Pass Plus cost in 2026?
There is no single fixed price for Pass Plus because instructors set their own rates. As a guide, in 2026 you can expect to pay around £150 to £200 for the full course. That reflects the six-hour minimum at a typical instructor hourly rate.
A few things affect the final cost:
- Your instructor’s hourly rate, which varies by area and car type (automatic lessons usually cost slightly more than manual).
- How long you take. Six hours is the minimum, but if you want more time on a module, that adds to the cost.
- Local council grants. Some councils have historically subsidised Pass Plus for young drivers, so it is always worth checking whether yours offers anything.
At Kinetic, Pass Plus is charged at our standard lesson rate, so the easiest way to get an exact figure for your area is to check our pricing page or call the team for a quick quote. You can also see full details on our Pass Plus course page.
Does Pass Plus reduce car insurance?
This is the question almost every new driver asks, so here is the honest answer. Pass Plus can reduce your insurance, but it depends entirely on your insurer. When the scheme launched it was widely recognised and many big insurers offered a discount, often in the region of 10 to 20 percent off your first year. Today, fewer insurers offer a Pass Plus discount, and some have replaced it with telematics or black box policies instead.
Because of that, the golden rule is simple: check before you book. Ask your insurer or a few comparison quotes whether they recognise Pass Plus and what discount applies. For some drivers the saving comfortably covers the cost of the course. For others, a black box policy may save more. There is no harm in doing both.
Even where there is no direct discount, the extra experience can still help you become a lower-risk driver over time, which is what brings premiums down in the long run.
Is Pass Plus worth it?
For most newly qualified drivers, Pass Plus is worth doing, but the value depends on your situation. Here is a straight comparison to help you decide.
| Pass Plus is a strong choice if… | You might wait or skip it if… |
|---|---|
| You feel nervous on motorways, in the dark or in bad weather | You already drive long distances confidently in all conditions |
| Your insurer offers a Pass Plus discount that offsets the cost | Your insurer only rewards a black box or telematics policy |
| You passed quickly or via an intensive course and want more road time | You have had lots of private practice since passing |
| You want a recognised certificate to show experience | Cost is your single biggest concern right now |
One group that benefits the most is drivers who passed through an intensive driving course. Passing fast is a great achievement, but it can mean less varied road experience, so Pass Plus is a smart way to top that up safely.
What is a Pass Plus certificate?
A Pass Plus certificate is the proof that you have completed all six modules. Your instructor submits your completed training to the DVSA, and the certificate is then issued to you. You keep this certificate and can show it to insurers when you get a quote or renew, which is how any available discount is applied.
It is worth keeping the certificate safe, as it is your only evidence that you finished the course.
How to book Pass Plus in Kent
If you have recently passed and you are based in Kent or Medway, booking Pass Plus is straightforward. You will need a qualified, DVSA approved instructor who is registered to deliver the scheme, which is exactly what Kinetic provides across the county, from Maidstone and Rochester to Canterbury, Dartford and Gravesend.
Our instructors plan the six modules around real local roads, including nearby dual carriageways and motorway links, so your training reflects the driving you will actually do. To get started, take a look at our Pass Plus page, or contact the Kinetic team to book and ask any questions.
New to Kinetic and still choosing where to train? Our guide to choosing the best driving school in Kent walks you through what to look for. And if you have not passed yet, see what to expect on your first driving lesson.
Ready to build your confidence after passing? Book your Pass Plus course with Kinetic today or call 0333 772 9603.
Frequently asked questions about Pass Plus
How long does Pass Plus take?
The course is a minimum of six hours of driving. Most people complete it across one or two sessions, often within a week or two, fitted around your schedule.
Is there a test at the end of Pass Plus?
No. There is no exam and you cannot fail. Your instructor assesses you continuously through the six modules, and you receive your certificate once they are all completed to standard.
How much does Pass Plus reduce insurance?
Where a discount is offered it has historically been around 10 to 20 percent in the first year, but fewer insurers offer it now. Always confirm with your specific insurer before booking, as savings vary and some reward telematics policies instead.
Can I do Pass Plus in an automatic car?
Yes. Pass Plus can be taken in a manual or automatic car. If you passed in an automatic, you complete the course in an automatic too.
How soon after passing should I do Pass Plus?
There is no deadline, but doing it within your first year is ideal. That is when extra experience has the most impact on your safety and when insurance discounts, where available, are most useful.
Is Pass Plus still available in 2026?
Yes. Pass Plus remains a DVSA scheme and is still delivered by registered instructors across the UK, including Kinetic in Kent.
