I AM an approved driving instructor working in Gloucestershire and I would like to comment on your recent "Learn to drive" article. It has several factual errors.

The article states that a written or online theory test is required.  There is no written test.  This is a computerised test.

The "three point turn" is now called a "turn in the road" to avoid putting pressure on pupils to complete the manoeuvre in three; the emergency stop is only given to about one in four candidates.

There is no mention of show and tell questions. These are designed to test the understanding on the points to check regularly for safety reasons. 

 

The description of Pass Plus in your article was completely inaccurate.

Pass Plus is not just about driving in different weather conditions: it covers the following topics in depth – town driving, all-weather driving, out-of-town and rural roads, night driving, dual carriageways and motorways. 

The rules for Pass Plus in England and Wales are different and the description of Pass Plus in your article is only applicable to those drivers in Wales with a Welsh postcode. 

In Wales a three or four hour classroom session is provided and then the driver is allocated a driving instructor who follows the Pass Plus syllabus for six hours of tuition. 

This system has been agreed by the Welsh Assembly and is, I believe, subsidised by them but must still meet the basic Pass Plus criteria as laid out by the Driving Standards Agency. 

In England the driver is able to choose their own authorised Pass Plus instructor, and it is important to highlight that not all driving instructors are signed up to do this and then he/she has to complete a minimum of six hours that cover the topics listed above, more if they do not meet the standards. In England there is no subsidy. 

One of the advantages of completing Pass Plus is that it can potentially reduce the costs of car insurance.

– Brian Hughes, ADI.