A quick update and refresher for all the young and newly qualified drivers out there. Whenever I speak to a young driver one of the first things mentioned in the conversation is the high insurance premiums quoted to the under 25’s.
There are obviously some common sense decisions you can make which will lower the price you pay for your new motor policy:
- Get a smaller car - the less powerful the engine on your car, the lower your insurance premium will be!
- Don’t modify your car – often (but not always) modifications made to cars, such as supercharging the engine, will force your insurance premium up!
etc.., etc..
However, one of the most overlooked decisions you could choose to make, but one which might possibly save your life, is to enrol for further driver training after passing your driving test. We have listed below two of the most popular and comprehensive young driver training programs in the UK today:
Institute of Advanced Motorists - DriveCheck
DriveCheck is a short Driving Assessment aimed at everyone who is interested in safer driving but who doesn’t feel they are (yet) ready to take the IAM Advanced Test. DriveCheck applicants are put in touch with their local IAM Group who will in turn arrange a mutually convenient time for the assessment to take place. The normal cost of DriveCheck will be £35.00, but as an introductory offer, the price is discounted to £25.00. Also check out…
The inaugural edition of Words on Wheels, the e-letter produced specifically for you and the other 7000 IAM members under the age of 30. It will bring you:
- News of the IAM’s embryo Young Driver Network (YDN)
- Topical stories of particular relevance to young drivers
- Hints and tips on a whole range of issues concerning cars and driving
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
- Gain valuable driving experience safely
- Build on your existing skills and knowledge
- Reduce your risk of being in a road crash
- Save money on car insurance premiums
- Boost your confidence
- 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:
- – successfully reached the standard required for each of the competencies
- – exceeded the required standard for each of the competencies
In exceptional circumstances, if a module can’t be done on the road it will be covered in a theory session. The highest level you can reach is ‘achieved’ as you’ve not been able to demonstrate the relevant practical skills.