Has anyone completed the Pass Plus course after passing driving test?

[electra]

I haven't passed my test yet but want to take this when I have. However, my SIL recently did it and she said it cost her £80, whereas BSM informed me it costs £250! All I can think is I'm not paying three times as much if I don't have to!

Any experience?

in lincs my sis in law did it with systematic and it cost £120. do not pay bsm prices.

I think they must be on the fiddle - how does that work then?

Also their driving instructors are self employed - surely BSM must be fleecing them too!

The best person to do it with is the instructor you learn with. Ask your instructor before you ask anyone else. Are you learning with BSM?

It is a (minimum) 6hr course, some instructors charge an extra couple of quid an hour. DP charges £140 I think.

AFAIK all driving instructors are self employed, but the national company DP worked for would take a fixed amount of "franchise fee" each week - so the fact that it is a Pass Plus course is unlikely to make "BSM" any extra money - it is the instructor that will be laughing.

You don't actually pay "Pass Plus" anything. It is just your instructors time and a stamp

Oh I see - I think I would rather not do it with the BSM instructor if I can get it cheaper elsewhere though. Well I will wait to see how long it takes me to pass

I did it after I passed my test. My driving instructor was an approved Pass Plus instructor so I just went with him. I think it cost £125 but my local council have a scheme where if you are a new driver you can apply to them and they will pay 50% of the cost. Not sure if all councils do this but it may be worth checing to find out.

You also save money on your first year car insurance if you have done the pass plus. Not sure if it's all insurance companies or just certain ones but I saved some money on my insurance with Tesco because I'd done the pass plus.

BSM is a rip off IMHO, full stop.

Thanks Linnet - yes that's why I want to do it. My SIL got a really good quote from tescos having completed hers.

SMS - so it would seem.

have you thought of the institute of advanced motoring?

I did my advanced driver training with these people shortly after passing my test. it is open for new and long time drivers.

i really recommend it.

Thanks kiskidee - will look at that

The advanced course is good for improving skills. It is the PassPlus you need for the insurance discounts though. With most insurers it qualifies as a years no claims, so you effectively save year on year.

DP is a driving instructor BTW - so my knowledge comes from 'the inside'