The council is promoting an enhanced Pass Plus scheme designed to develop young drivers' skills and confidence, with the ultimate goal of reducing road casualties. The Pass Plus course is delivered by an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) after a driver has passed their standard driving test. It includes a minimum of six hours of additional training, covering various driving scenarios such as rural roads, night-time driving, adverse weather conditions, and higher-speed routes.
This training is intended to help newly-qualified drivers build confidence, gain experience in unfamiliar driving conditions, improve their hazard awareness and decision-making abilities, and foster safer driving habits. Importantly, there is no formal test at the conclusion of the Pass Plus course.
To incentivise participation, the council is now offering a £150 contribution towards the cost of the training. This initiative is part of the council's broader road safety strategy, which aims to decrease the number of fatalities and serious injuries on local roads.
Councillor Peter Thornton, Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT, commented on the scheme: "Young drivers are disproportionately represented in road traffic collisions during their first years of driving as they build experience behind the wheel. Pass Plus helps newly-qualified drivers build confidence, develop their skills and gain experience in a wider range of driving conditions. We are delighted to be able to support eligible young drivers through this scheme and help make our roads safer for everyone."
Eligibility for the £150 subsidy is open to young drivers residing in Westmorland and Furness who are between 17 and 24 years old and have passed their practical driving test within the last 12 months.
