The Driving standards Agency recommends that all new drivers take the Pass
Plus course designed by the DSA to build upon existing skills and knowledge.
Megadrive offers courses for new drivers.
The course is a minimum of six hours and is by continuous assessment. It covers
driving both in and out of town, all weather driving, night driving, dual
carriageways and motorways.
In Town:
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observation, judgement and awareness
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eye contact
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consideration for vulnerable road users
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being cautious but not over cautious, and
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keeping space around your car
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In all weather:
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rain
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sleet, snow and ice
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mist and fog, and
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bright sunshine
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| You will also look at skids
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what causes them
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how to prevent them
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correcting slow-speed skids
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braking on poor surfaces, and
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aquaplaning
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Out of Town:
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observing the road ahead
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making progress safely
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bends, hills, uneven roads and dead ground
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keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and
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safe overtaking
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| There is a particular emphasis on awareness and consideration for
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pedestrians, horse riders and animals in the road
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farm entrances
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slow moving vehicles
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| Appropriate use of the horn, coping with mud and debris on the road
and how to use passing places are also covered.
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Night Driving
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the importance of the correct use of headlights
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adjusting to the dark
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judging speed and distance
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the correct use of lights and keeping them clean
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dealing with dazzle
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road users who can be hard to see, and
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parking issues
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Dual carriageways:
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effective observation, using your mirrors and checking blind spots
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judgement and planning ahead
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the need for a safe separation distance
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joining and leaving a dual carriageway
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overtaking and lane discipline, and
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the correct use of speed
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Motorway driving:
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planning journeys in advance
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joining and leaving a motorway, using slip roads
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safe speeds in different circumstances
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effective observation all around your vehicle
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signs, signals and markings
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overtaking and lane discipline
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courtesy to other road users
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motorway fatigue
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breakdown procedures
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use of lights, including hazard warning lights
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debris on the carriageway
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crosswinds.
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Information supplied by DSA 2005 at www.DSA.co.uk