Last updated 11:46, Monday, 20 October 2008

YOUNG Cumbrian drivers wishing to improve their skills can now do so for free.

Additional funding has been made available to cover the whole cost of the Pass Plus+ course from October 1.

Cumbria County Council road safety coordinator Chris Broadbent said: “The county council originally provided a £60 subsidy towards the cost of the course. So when extra funding was found we decided to make the course free for all of the county’s new drivers between the age of 17 and 20 who have passed their test within the past 12 months.”

Pass Plus+ is made up of six practical modules that cover aspects of driving not covered in the main test.

These include bad weather, on rural roads, at night, on dual carriageways and on motorways.

There is no test at the end of it and driving is continually assessed.

Young drivers must successfully complete all the modules in the course to achieve or exceeded the standard.

Candidates also have to attend a road awareness training session run by the fire and rescue service that graphically illustrates the effects of bad driving and what happens when a car is involved in a collision.

Those who successfully complete the course are also eligible of up to 40 per cent discount on insurance.

Full details including a list of authorised driving instructors and insurance companies that offer discounts can be found on the Safer Roads for Cumbria web site at http://www.saferroads4cumbria.org.uk/passplus/passplus.asp