Your Legal Obligations

If you intend to drive, there have certain legal obligations that you and your vehicle must meet before you head out onto the road.

1. You

To drive a vehicle or ride a motorcycle you must:

• meet driver minimum age requirements
  • 16 years for invalid carriages and mopeds
  • 17 years for car and motorcycles
  • 21 years for large vehicles, minibuses and buses
• hold the appropriate driving licence for the vehicle being driven
• have the minimum of third party insurance which covers your use of the vehicle
• meet the legal eyesight standards

If you are a learner driver, you must also:

• display L plates
• be supervised by a qualified driver that is aged 21 or over

You must tell the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) if you:

• change your name or address
• develop a medical condition
• sell your vehicle
• make any alterations to your vehicle

2. Your Vehicle

To take a vehicle out onto the road, it must:

• be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
• hold a current MOT test certificate (if 3 years or older)
• have a valid vehicle tax disc