Driving
Driving and the Law| Age | What can I drive? |
|---|---|
| 14 | An electronically powered cycle. |
| 16 | A moped up to 50cc, a mowing machine or a small tractor. |
| 17 | A car, motorcycle, a large tractor or a van up to 3.5 tons. |
| 18 | A van or lorry up to 7.5 tons. |
| 21 | All other vehicles (although car and minibus hire firms may ask for drivers to be at least 21, 23 or 25). |
- Before driving any vehicle, you must have a provisional or full licence.
- As a learner, you must display red L-plates and be supervised by someone who has held a licence for a minimum of 3 years and who is at least 21.
- Learner drivers cannot ride or drive on a motorway.
- You cannot book the practical driving test until you have passed the theory test – you have 2 years to pass the practical test after you have taken the theory.
- After passing your practical driving test, you need to display green L-plates for 6 months.
- It is illegal to drive a vehicle without an MOT certificate, car insurance and a tax disc.
- If you get 6 penalty points on your licence in the first 2 years after passing your test, you will automatically lose your licence.
Firstly you'll need to get a provisional licence from the Driving Vehicle Licence Agency (DVLA). You can get the application form (D1) from post offices, you can ask for a D1 form to be sent to you, or you can apply online. Do not drive until your licence arrives, and sign it as soon as you get it. It currently costs £50 to get a licence.
A provisional car licence is valid until you are 70, but a provisional motorbike licence is only valid for 2 years. Check out the DVLA website for more information on applying for a licence, plus loads more driving information, or ring their Driver Enquiries line on 0300 790 6801.
It is best to take driving lessons with a qualified instructor. The instructor will know exactly what's needed to get you through your test. The test is in 2 parts – theory and practical. The theory test is made up of 35 multiple-choice questions and a video hazard perception test. Find out more about the tests and book them online on the Directgov (Learners and New Drivers and Riders) website.
The practical part of the test includes a 10 minute independent driving and riding section. You will be required to drive independently by either following traffic signs, a series of directions, or a combination of both. For more details on this part of the test, please refer to the information on the Directgov (Independent driving) website.
Insurance, Tax and MOTAs well as having to buy your car or motorbike, you need to put aside cash for the insurance, tax and MOT.
If you drive, you must be insured. Shop around for the best deal or try out a price comparison site like confused.com, comparethemarket.com or Money Supermarket.
Your car or motorbike must have a valid tax disc at all times, unless you have informed the DVLA that it is off the road. A tax disc for a car lasts either 6 months (£71.50-£118.25 for cars registered before 2001 based on engine size, and £52.25-£253.00 for cars registered after 2001 based on fuel type and CO2 emissions) or a year (£130-£215 for pre-2001 cars, and £20-£460 for post-2001 cars).
Since April 2010, there is a 'first year rate' which applies to anyone buying a new car. From the second tax disc onwards, the standard rate of vehicle tax applies. Based on fuel type and CO2 emissions, this could range from £63.25 - £90.75 for 6 months, or £115 - £1,000 for a full year.
For a motorcycle, it ranges from £16-£74 for a year. Tax discs can be bought at main post offices or you can buy tax discs online.
Like tax, MOT certificates last a year and all cars and motorbikes over 3 years old need to have one. It's a way of proving that your vehicle is safe to be on the road. You would need to take your car to an MOT approved garage for the test but repairs, if required, do not need to be carried out at the same place. MOTs cost about £55 for cars and £30 for motorbikes.
Related Links
Travel Links
