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To drive in the UK you must have a valid EU or EEA licence.
For more information please visit www.dvla.gov.uk or pick up an NF38 leaflet from the Post Office. This gives information on driving in the UK as a visitor or new resident. You can also obtain a copy of the D100 leaflet, which provides information on UK licences.
If you have any queries contact the DVLA or visit the Regional DVLA office.
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If you are visiting the UK and have a valid driving licence then you are allowed to drive in the UK for up to 12 months from the date of entering the UK, provided your licence remains valid.
If you are a resident in the UK and have a valid driving licence then you are allowed to drive in the UK for up to 12 months from the time you became a resident.
To ensure continuous driving entitlement, a provisional GB licence must be obtained and a driving test passed before the 12-month period elapses.
To apply for a provisional driving licence or exchange your licence for a full GB one, you should complete a D1 application form (available from Post Offices) and return it to the DVLA with the correct fee.
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To drive in the UK, you must have a valid motor insurance certificate. It is advisable to gather several quotations for insurance before you decide on the appropriate insurance to purchase, as prices vary from company to company. There are different types of insurance including Third Party, Third Party Fire & Theft and Fully Comprehensive. It is best to discuss the differences between these with the insurance company so you can find the best quote. These quotes can be gathered direct from insurance companies or from insurance brokers who search for the best quotes for you. It is free for them to give you a quote with no obligation for you to purchase the policy. You can find a range of insurance companies in the Yellow Pages under ‘Insurance – Car’ or you may find better deals on the Internet on a search under ‘Insurance Car’ |
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All vehicles on the road over three years old must by law have a valid MOT certificate.
It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to keep their car in roadworthy condition and to organise the annual MOT test.
If your car fails the MOT it is illegal to drive it away from the garage until the faults are corrected.
You can find MOT testing stations in the Yellow Pages or on the Internet under MOT testing stations.
You are allowed to wait while the test takes place - it should take about one hour and cost around £50. |
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It is a legal requirement for all vehicles on the road to have a valid tax disc displayed on the windscreen. Tax discs are purchased for either six or twelve months from major Post Offices or online. You will need to show the following documents when applying for a tax disc:
- V10 application form (obtained from Post Offices or the local DVLA Office)
- Insurance certificate (original only)
- MOT certificate (original only)
- Registration Certificate (V5C). This document is printed by the DVLA and lists the vehicle and keeper details.
You will also need a method of payment – either by Debit Card or Cash.
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If you are keeping your vehicle off the road for a period of time you need to declare SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification).
To declare SORN you need to complete a V890 application form available from Post Offices.
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When you buy a car you must sign the V5C document and submit it to the DVLA to declare that you are the new owner of the vehicle. This document will need to be provided when you collect your new tax disc for your vehicle.
You can receive a fine if you do not notify the DVLA that you have sold your vehicle and are no longer the registered keeper. You will also be liable to pay for any fines or parking tickets the vehicle collects.
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If you bring a foreign car into the UK, it should be fully registered with the authority in the country of origin.
You are able to use the car without registering it in the UK for 6 months in every 12-month period.
If the car is permanently in the UK you must register it.
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It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. If you are caught you could lose your licence, receive an unlimited fine and you may go to prison. It is best not to drink at all if you are driving. The legal alcohol limit for driving in the UK is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. |
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It is illegal to use your handheld mobile phone while driving in the UK. |
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If you are involved in an accident you must stop and give your name, address and insurance details to the other driver(s) involved.
If somebody else caused the accident, it is advisable to ask any witnesses for their contact details.
If anyone is injured you must inform the police and ambulance (if necessary) by dialling 999 immediately.
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All passengers in a vehicle are required by law to wear a seatbelt if one is available. |
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All children under the age of three must use a specially designed car restraint.
It is illegal to place a child in a rear facing seat in the front of the car with an active airbag.
Children aged three and above, until they reach either their 12th birthday or 135cm in height, must use the correct child restraint.
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You must be over 17 years old and hold a valid driving licence to drive on public roads in the UK. |
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In a built-up area - 30mph (48km/h)
On the outskirts of a built-up area - 40mph (64km/h)
On a main road - 60mph (96km/h)
On a motorway - 70 mph (112km/h)
Speed limits may be lower in some places - watch out for signs.
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Every time you drive your car, it is your responsibility to make sure it is roadworthy and the essentials, such as brakes, all lights, tyre pressures, tyre treads, fluids etc are correct and working. If the Police suspect your car is not roadworthy they can stop you and inspect your car. Fines, points on your licence and warnings are given if your car is not roadworthy. Car Tyres: It is against the law to have: - Car tyres with tread worn to below 1.6mm
- A mix of radial and cross-ply tyres
- Over or under-inflated tyres
- Tyres with cuts, lumps, bulges or tears
- The wrong sort of tyre fitted to a vehicle or trailer |
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Transport 
