Category: United Kingdom

Photo: Boys in Bristol Photography / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

On the car driving test in Great Britain you do one reversing or parking exercise: a parallel park, a bay park, or pulling up on the right and reversing about 2 car lengths. Some candidates are also asked to do an emergency stop, which DVSA now sets on about 1 in 7 tests. This guide covers what each manoeuvre involves, what the examiner marks, and the mistakes that turn into faults.

Key facts

• How many: one manoeuvre per test, chosen by the examiner.
• Options: parallel park at the side of the road; bay park (drive in and reverse out, or reverse in and drive out); pull up on the right, reverse about 2 car lengths and rejoin traffic.
• Emergency stop: about 1 in 7 tests since 24 November 2025 (it was about 1 in 3 before).
• What is marked: control and observation. Accuracy matters, but a careful, well-observed manoeuvre beats a quick one.
• No surprises allowed: you won’t know which manoeuvre you get until the examiner asks.

Which manoeuvre will I get?

DVSA’s examiner guidance says examiners choose, and should use each manoeuvre equally over time. So practise all of them to the same standard. Bay parks are normally done in a car park, often at the test centre at the start or end of the test.

Manoeuvre	What you do	Typical faults
Parallel park	Reverse into a space at the side of the road, behind one parked car or between two. Finish within about 2 car lengths and parallel to the kerb.	Hitting or mounting the kerb, ending up far from the kerb or at an angle, missing a cyclist or pedestrian approaching
Reverse bay park	Reverse into a bay (usually your choice of bay), then drive out	Several shunts to correct position, finishing over the lines, not looking all round
Forward bay park	Drive forwards into a bay, then reverse out	Poor observation when reversing out into the car park aisle
Pull up on the right	Pull up on the right side of the road when safe, reverse about 2 car lengths, then rejoin traffic	Misjudging oncoming traffic as you cross, relying only on mirrors, touching the kerb, parking too far from it

What does the examiner look for?

DVSA’s own guide to understanding your test result lists two skills for every manoeuvre:

• Control: slow, steady speed using clutch control (or brake control in an automatic). Having to reposition the car a lot because of poor control is marked.
• Observation: effective all-round checks before and during the manoeuvre, and reacting properly to anyone who comes near. Stop and wait if someone approaches.

One small correction is fine. Hitting the kerb, finishing outside the bay or ignoring a pedestrian behind you are where marks go.

How to do a parallel park

1. Check mirrors, signal if it helps others, and stop alongside the target car, about a door’s width away.
2. Select reverse. Look all round, including both blind spots.
3. Reverse slowly. When your instructor’s reference point lines up, steer towards the kerb.
4. Keep looking around while you move, not just in the mirrors.
5. As the car straightens, steer back to bring the front in.
6. Stop parallel and close to the kerb, within about 2 car lengths of the car in front.

About reference points: a reference point (“steer when the kerb reaches this part of the mirror”) only works for one car from one seat position. Seat height, the car’s size and length, a sloping road and how much steering is already on all change it. If you switch cars, or copy a point from a video, check it again with your instructor somewhere quiet. Treat it as a guide to position, never as proof that the space around you is clear. If a pedestrian or car comes into the area mid-manoeuvre, stop and wait rather than carrying on with the steering sequence, and watch the front of the car swing out as well as the back.

How to do a bay park

Reversing in

1. Pick your bay and position the car so you have room to swing in.
2. Full observation all round, then reverse slowly.
3. Steer into the bay using the lines in your side mirrors as a guide, checking all round as you go.
4. Straighten up and stop with the car central and inside the lines.
5. Drive out, checking for pedestrians and moving cars.

Driving in forwards

Driving in is easier. The hard part is reversing out into the aisle, where your view is limited. Creep back slowly and keep checking both ways and behind.

How to pull up on the right and reverse

1. When asked, check mirrors, signal right and wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic.
2. Cross and stop reasonably close to the right-hand kerb.
3. Look all round, then reverse slowly in a straight line for about 2 car lengths. Look over your shoulder, not only in the mirrors.
4. Stop, then rejoin the road on the left when safe. Check your blind spots: traffic can come from both directions.

Off the test, remember Highway Code Rule 248: you must not park on a road at night facing against the traffic flow unless you are in a recognised parking space. See parking rules in the Highway Code.

The emergency stop (controlled stop)

From 24 November 2025, DVSA reduced the emergency stop to about 1 in 7 tests. If you get one, the examiner will tell you what the signal will be.

• Assessed: how quickly you react, and whether you stay in control.
• Do: brake firmly and progressively, keep both hands on the wheel, and press the clutch just before you stop.
• Don’t: lock the wheels and skid. This matters most in cars without ABS.
• Afterwards: handbrake, neutral, then full checks including both blind spots before moving off. Missing the rear check after an emergency stop is one of the examples in DVSA’s top fault “not moving off safely”.

Practising it: do your first emergency stops with your instructor in a quiet place they have chosen, and only once they have told you the signal. Never try a surprise hard stop with traffic behind. Find out whether your practice car has ABS and read what the handbook says it feels like, because the pedal can feel or sound different when it works. ABS helps you keep steering, but it does not add grip or guarantee a shorter stop. The best emergency-stop skill is still needing it less: good observation, sensible speed and a safe gap.

Stopping distances are covered in stopping distances explained.

Common questions

Do you still have to reverse around a corner or turn in the road?

Not in Great Britain. They are not among the three options on the GB car test. Northern Ireland’s DVA test still includes reversing around a corner and turning in the road. See learning to drive in Northern Ireland.

Can I choose which manoeuvre I do?

No. The examiner chooses. For a reverse bay park they normally let you pick the bay.

Can I use the parking camera or sensors?

GOV.UK says you can take the test in a car with parking sensors and cameras. DVSA’s advice is to treat them as an aid only: you are still marked on looking all round yourself, so don’t rely on a screen.

Can I correct a manoeuvre if it goes wrong?

Yes. A small correction is fine. It is repeated repositioning because of poor control, or doing it without looking, that gets marked.

Is touching the kerb an automatic fail?

Not automatically. A light touch may be a driving fault. Mounting the kerb, or hitting it hard, is more likely to be serious. The examiner judges it on the circumstances.

Why did DVSA cut emergency stops?

DVSA made permanent changes from 24 November 2025 after a trial, which also cut the number of stops in the test from 4 to 3. DVSA said there was no change to the manoeuvre requirements.

Related: top reasons people fail the driving test, driving test faults explained, reversing in the Highway Code. Main guide: Learning to drive in Great Britain.

Sources

• DVSA, “Driving test: cars: What happens during the test” (gov.uk)
• DVSA, “Understanding your driving test result: car driving test” (gov.uk)
• DVSA, “Carrying out driving tests: examiner guidance, 1. Car driving test and extended car driving test” (gov.uk)
• DVSA, “Making adjustments to the driving test” (despatch.blog.gov.uk)
• DVSA, “Top 10 reasons for failing the driving test in Great Britain” (gov.uk)
• DVA, “About the practical test for cars” (nidirect.gov.uk)
• DVSA, “Driving test: cars: Using your own car for your test” (gov.uk)
• DVSA, “Manoeuvres (skills 17 to 20)”, Ready to Pass? (readytopass.campaign.gov.uk)
• Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Waiting and parking (238 to 252)” (gov.uk)

Photo: Lina Kivaka / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

The most common reason people fail the car driving test in Great Britain is not making effective observations at junctions. DVSA’s latest list covers tests in England, Scotland and Wales between April 2024 and March 2025. This guide takes each of the 10 reasons in turn: what the examiner sees, and what to practise so it doesn’t happen to you.

Key facts

• Source: DVSA, “Top 10 reasons for failing the driving test in Great Britain”, updated 14 August 2025.
• Period covered: April 2024 to March 2025.
• Number 1 and 2: junction observations, then mirrors when changing direction.
• How you fail: one serious or dangerous fault, or more than 15 driving faults. See driving test faults explained.
• DVSA’s advice: if you regularly make these mistakes in lessons or practice, you are not ready for your test yet.

The DVSA top 10 at a glance

Rank	Reason	How the examiner records it
1	Not making effective observations at junctions	Junctions: observations
2	Not using mirrors correctly when changing direction	Mirrors: change direction
3	Not moving off safely	Moving off: safety
4	Incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions	Junctions: turning right
5	Not responding appropriately to traffic lights	Response to signals: traffic lights
6	Not having proper control of the steering	Control: steering
7	Not responding correctly to road markings	Response to signals: road markings
8	Not responding correctly to traffic signs	Response to signals: traffic signs
9	Poor positioning on the road during normal driving	Positioning: normal driving
10	Not driving at a safe and reasonable speed	Use of speed

1. Not making effective observations at junctions

What the examiner sees: pulling out in front of approaching traffic, misjudging how fast something is coming, looking too late, or not looking properly at crossroads and when joining from a slip road.

Fix it: slow down early enough that you have time to look. Look right, left and right again, and keep looking as you creep forward if the view is blocked. If you are not sure the gap is big enough, wait. More on emerging at road junctions explained.

2. Not using mirrors correctly when changing direction

What the examiner sees: no mirror check before leaving a roundabout or changing lanes, so another driver has to slow down or swerve.

Fix it: mirrors before you signal, turn or change speed, every time. Then act on what you saw. A glance you don’t react to still counts as a fault. See mirror, signal, manoeuvre.

3. Not moving off safely

What the examiner sees: moving off into the path of traffic, skipping the blind-spot check, or not checking behind after an emergency stop.

Fix it: mirrors and the right shoulder blind spot every time you pull away: from the kerb, on a hill, from behind a parked car and after the emergency stop. Check again just before you actually move.

4. Incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions

What the examiner sees: the wrong lane at a roundabout, waiting too far left so traffic behind can’t pass on your left, or blocking following traffic.

Fix it: when turning right, position as close to the centre of the road as is safe. Read the lane markings and signs early so you are in the right lane before you need to be.

5. Not responding appropriately to traffic lights

What the examiner sees: going through a red light, stopping beyond the advanced stop line for cyclists, not moving off on green when it is clear, or driving into a junction that is blocked.

Fix it: stop at the first white line, not in the cycle box. On green, check the junction is clear before going. Know your traffic light sequence so amber doesn’t surprise you.

6. Not having proper control of the steering

What the examiner sees: not steering enough on left turns or bends, swinging wide on right turns, mounting the pavement when pulling up, and steering late around parked cars.

Fix it: get your speed right before the turn so steering is smooth, look where you want to go, and practise pulling up close to the kerb without touching it.

7. Not responding correctly to road markings

What the examiner sees: following a lane arrow the wrong way, straddling lanes on roundabouts, crossing solid white lines without good reason, entering a box junction when the exit is not clear, and driving over the centre of a mini roundabout.

Fix it: read the arrows painted in each lane well before the junction. Brush up on road markings and mini roundabouts.

8. Not responding correctly to traffic signs

What the examiner sees: passing the wrong side of a keep left sign, ignoring stop or no entry signs, driving in a bus lane when it is in use, choosing the wrong roundabout lane, and reacting late to a change in speed limit.

Fix it: scan far ahead for signs, not just at the road in front. Independent driving often follows signs, so this matters even more there. See UK road signs explained.

9. Poor positioning on the road during normal driving

What the examiner sees: driving too close to the kerb or to the centre line, staying in the right lane of a dual carriageway for no reason, or going straight across a roundabout instead of following its curve.

Fix it: keep to the middle of your lane, return to the left lane after overtaking, and only change lanes when you need to. See lane discipline.

10. Not driving at a safe and reasonable speed

What the examiner sees: going over the limit (including temporary limits at roadworks), not slowing down in busy areas or bad weather, and taking bends too fast.

Fix it: drive at a speed where you can stop well within the distance you can see to be clear. See UK speed limits.

A quick self-test before you book

Ask your instructor or supervisor to watch for these during a mock test drive. You are close to ready when they can tick every line:

• Every junction: slowed early, looked properly, no one had to brake for you.
• Every change of direction or speed: mirrors first.
• Every move off: mirrors plus blind spot.
• Right turns: positioned near the centre line, right lane on roundabouts.
• Lights, signs and markings: obeyed without prompting.
• Steering: no clipped kerbs, no wide swings.
• Speed: within limits, adjusted for conditions, not hesitant.

If you have just failed: what to practise next

Start with what actually happened, not with a verdict on yourself. “I missed the cyclist check on two left turns” is something you can practise; “I am a bad driver” is not.

1. Use your test report. Go through the faults the examiner marked and the explanation they gave, ideally with your instructor.
2. Find the cause. Ask whether the fault came from observation, speed, position, priority, control or planning. A lane-change fault caused by planning too late needs earlier planning, not just more lane changes.
3. Set one clear goal for the next lesson, practise it somewhere suitable, then build it back into mixed driving.
4. Look for consistency. You are ready to rebook when you can do it repeatedly without prompts, using the self-test above.

A tidy manoeuvre does not cancel out a junction problem, and one bad manoeuvre does not mean relearning everything.

Common questions

What is the number one reason for failing the driving test?

Not making effective observations at junctions. It has been top of DVSA’s list for the latest period, April 2024 to March 2025.

Does one mistake from the list mean an automatic fail?

Only if the examiner marks it as a serious or dangerous fault. A minor slip that puts no one at risk is a driving fault, and you can have up to 15. Repeating the same driving fault can turn it into a serious fault.

Are reverse parking mistakes still in the top 10?

Not in the April 2024 to March 2025 list. Older DVSA lists included control during reverse parking. Manoeuvres are still assessed, so see driving test manoeuvres.

Is taking a wrong turning a fault?

No. DVSA says a wrong turn is not a fault, and the examiner will help you get back on the route. Just don’t make an unsafe late lane change to correct it.

Does this list apply in Northern Ireland?

No. This is DVSA data for Great Britain only. Northern Ireland tests are run by DVA. See learning to drive in Northern Ireland.

Where can I find the full DVSA data?

DVSA publishes a yearly data set of the top 10 faults for car tests on GOV.UK, under “Car driving tests with zero faults and top 10 faults data”.

Back to the main guide: Learning to drive in Great Britain. Booking soon? Read the 2026 booking rules.

Sources

• DVSA, “Top 10 reasons for failing the driving test in Great Britain” (gov.uk)
• DVSA, “Car driving tests with zero faults and top 10 faults data” (gov.uk)
• DVSA, “Driving test: cars: What happens during the test” (gov.uk)
• DVSA, “Understanding your driving test result: car driving test” (gov.uk)

Photo: Sinitta Leunen / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

On the car driving test in Great Britain you pass with no more than 15 driving faults (minors) and no serious or dangerous faults (majors). One serious or dangerous fault is enough to fail, however well the rest of the drive goes. This guide explains how DVSA defines each type of fault, how minors can turn into a serious fault, what happens after a pass or a fail, and how appeals work.

Key facts

• Pass mark: up to 15 driving faults and 0 serious or dangerous faults.
• Driving time: around 35 minutes, including 20 to 35 minutes of independent driving.
• Instant fail before you drive: failing the number plate eyesight check ends the test.
• After a fail: rebook and pay again, with a date at least 10 working days away.
• Wrong turning: not a fault. The examiner will help you get back on route.

The three types of driving test fault

Fault	DVSA definition	Effect on result
Driving fault (minor)	Not potentially dangerous. But if you keep making the same fault, it could become a serious fault.	Up to 15 allowed
Serious fault (major)	Something potentially dangerous	Fail
Dangerous fault (major)	Involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property	Fail

How can minors become a serious fault?

DVSA’s definition is the key: a driving fault repeated often enough “could become a serious fault”. So 15 is a ceiling, not a target. A habit that keeps showing up, such as missing the same mirror check over and over, can be marked as serious even if your total is well under 15.

Scenarios: how the same mistake can be marked differently

What happens	Likely type	Why
You move off without a final blind-spot check, but the road is empty	Driving fault	No one was put at risk
You move off without a blind-spot check and a cyclist has to brake	Serious or dangerous	Potential or actual danger to another road user
You take a wrong turn while following road signs	Not a fault	DVSA does not fault wrong turnings

These are illustrations of the definitions, not official marking rules. The examiner judges each fault on the circumstances.

What happens during the test

1. Eyesight check: read a number plate at 20 metres (20.5 metres for an old-style plate). Fail it and the test ends. See driving eyesight rules.
2. ‘Tell me’ question before you drive, and a ‘show me’ question while driving. See show me, tell me questions.
3. General driving in various road and traffic conditions (no motorways), including pulling over, pulling out from behind a parked vehicle, a hill start and possibly an emergency stop.
4. Independent driving for 20 to 35 minutes, following a sat nav, traffic signs or both. See independent driving on the test.
5. One reversing exercise: parallel park, bay park, or pull up on the right and reverse about 2 car lengths. See driving test manoeuvres.

If you make a mistake, carry on. It might not affect your result if it is not serious. The examiner only stops the test if they think your driving is a danger to other road users.

If you pass

• The examiner tells you any faults you made and gives you a pass certificate.
• You can have your full licence sent automatically by handing over your provisional licence. Otherwise, apply within 2 years of passing.
• You can drive straight away, but you need insurance that covers you to drive unsupervised.
• Contact DVLA if your full licence hasn’t arrived 3 weeks after you applied.
• For your first 2 years, 6 penalty points cancels your licence. See the New Drivers Act.

If you fail

• The examiner tells you what faults you made. Note them down while they are fresh.
• Book another test and pay again. The date must be at least 10 working days away.
• Remember the 2026 booking rules: only you can book, and you have only 2 changes per booking. See driving test booking rules 2026.

The most common faults are covered in the top reasons people fail the driving test.

Can you appeal a driving test result?

Only if you can prove the examiner did not follow the law. Your result cannot be changed, but you might get a refund or a free retest.

• First, complain to DVSA with your proof.
• If DVSA disagrees, you may be able to appeal to a court: within 6 months in England and Wales, or within 21 days in Scotland.
• If a court appeal fails, you might have to pay significant legal costs.

See also when a driving test is cancelled or goes wrong.

Common questions

How many minors can you get on a driving test?

Up to 15 driving faults, with no serious or dangerous faults.

Can you fail with only a few minors?

Yes, if the same fault is repeated enough to be marked as serious, or if you also get one serious or dangerous fault.

Will the examiner stop the test if I make a serious fault?

Not usually. They only stop the test if your driving is a danger to other road users. Keep driving your best.

Can my instructor sit in?

Yes. The examiner will ask if you want someone, usually your instructor, in the back. They must be over 16 and can’t take part.

Are the rules the same for automatic cars?

Yes. The test is the same for manual and automatic cars.

Related: the practical driving test guide, what to bring on test day and the car driving test in GB and NI. Back to the main guide: Learning to Drive in Great Britain.

Sources

• GOV.UK, “Driving test: cars: Driving test faults and your result” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Driving test: cars: What happens during the test” (gov.uk)
• Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, “Changes to driving test booking rules in 2026” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Learn to drive a car: step by step” (gov.uk)

Photo: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

Since spring 2026, three new DVSA rules apply to car driving tests in England, Scotland and Wales. You can make only 2 changes to a booking (from 31 March 2026). Only the learner can book or manage their own test (from 12 May 2026). You can move a test only to one of the 3 nearest test centres (from 9 June 2026). Cancellation-finder apps and websites are also banned. This guide explains each rule, what counts as a change, and how to avoid wasting your changes.

The 2026 rules at a glance

Rule	Old rule	New rule	Since
Changes allowed per booking	Up to 6	Only 2	31 March 2026
Who can book your test	You or your instructor	Only you	12 May 2026
Who can manage your test	You or your instructor	Only you	12 May 2026
Unofficial services that scan for tests	Allowed	Not allowed	12 May 2026
Where you can move your test	Any test centre	Only the 3 nearest centres	9 June 2026

The rules apply only to car tests, not to other test types. Northern Ireland has separate guidance: see booking the DVA practical test.

Who can book a driving test in 2026?

Only you, the learner, on GOV.UK. It is against the law for anyone else to book, change, swap or cancel a car driving test for you, including your driving instructor and third-party services. When you book, you confirm that you are the learner taking the test and agree to the terms and conditions.

Before you book

• Agree with your instructor that you are ready.
• Get their driving instructor reference number and enter it, so the system checks they are available.
• Book only at a centre you intend to use, because you can move only to nearby centres later.
• Choose a date you realistically expect to be ready by.

You must have passed your theory test first. The practical test costs £62 to £75 (as of November 2026). See booking your theory test.

What counts as a change?

Uses one of your 2 changes	Does not count
Changing the date or time	Updating your address or contact details
Changing the test centre	Adding or removing your instructor’s reference number
Swapping your appointment with another learner	Any change DVSA makes, for example for bad weather

• Changing several things at once, such as the date and centre together, counts as one change.
• If DVSA changes your test, you are reset to 2 changes. From 19 June 2026 you can use those reset changes online.
• If you had used all your changes under the old rules, you got 2 more from 31 March 2026.

Used both changes? Your options

You have to cancel and book a new test. You get a full refund if you cancel at least 10 full working days before the test date. DVSA advises using your limited changes only when your circumstances genuinely change.

If something goes wrong on the day, see when a driving test is cancelled or goes wrong.

What does “nearby test centre” mean?

When you change centre, you can move only to:

• any of the 3 test centres nearest to where your test is currently booked, or
• the test centre you first booked at on that booking.

Worked example (from DVSA’s guidance)

1. You book at Chesterfield. Its 3 nearest centres are Sheffield (Handsworth), Ashfield and Sheffield (Middlewood Road).
2. First change: you move to Sheffield (Handsworth).
3. Second change: you can move to the 3 nearest centres to Sheffield (Handsworth), which are Rotherham, Sheffield (Middlewood Road) and Worksop. Or you can go back to Chesterfield.

You can check which centres are nearest to each other on GOV.UK.

Booked before 9 June 2026?

The rule uses where your test was booked on 9 June 2026, not where you first booked. If you had already moved your test somewhere else before then, you can’t move back to the original centre.

Cancellation-finder apps are banned

You must not use unofficial services that scan the booking system for appointments, including cancellation-finder websites and apps. DVSA monitors the booking service. If you break the terms, it can:

• suspend your online access, so you can book and manage only by phone
• cancel your booking

Can a parent help me book?

Yes. A friend, family member or support worker can help, but you must be with them while they do. Do as many steps as you can yourself, and use an email address and phone number that belong to you or that you can easily access.

What changed for driving instructors?

• Instructors can no longer book or manage car tests for pupils.
• Tests they booked before the change still go ahead. They must give pupils the test reference numbers so pupils can manage their own tests.
• Instructors set their availability in the system, so a booking with their reference number checks they are free.

Common questions

How many times can I change my driving test in 2026?

Twice per booking. After that, you have to cancel and rebook.

Does changing the date and centre together use both changes?

No. It counts as one change.

Can my instructor still move my test?

No. Since 12 May 2026, only you can book, change, swap or cancel your car test.

What if DVSA cancels my test because of the weather?

It does not count against you, and you are reset to 2 changes.

Can I move my test to a centre in another city?

Only if it is one of the 3 centres nearest to where your test is booked. Otherwise, cancel and book a new test there.

Can I swap tests with another learner?

Yes, swapping with a learner who already has a test booked is allowed, but it uses one of your changes.

If I fail, how soon can I rebook?

You must choose a date at least 10 working days away. See driving test faults and your result.

Related: what to bring on test day and the practical test guide. Back to the main guide: Learning to Drive in Great Britain.

Sources

• Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, “Changes to driving test booking rules in 2026” (last updated 19 June 2026) (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Learn to drive a car: step by step” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Driving test: cars: Driving test faults and your result” (gov.uk)

Photo: Antoni Shkraba / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

To drive in Great Britain you must be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres, about the length of 5 parked cars. You must also have a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) on the Snellen scale using both eyes together, and an adequate field of vision. Glasses or contact lenses are allowed if you need them. Your practical driving test starts with this number plate check, and if you fail it, the test ends and your licence is revoked. This guide explains the standard, the test-day check, and when you must tell DVLA.

Key facts

• Number plate: 20 metres for a new-style plate, 20.5 metres for an old-style plate (on the driving test).
• Acuity: at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) on the Snellen scale, both eyes together (or the one eye if you have sight in only one).
• Field of vision: must be adequate. An optician can test it.
• Glasses or lenses: if you need them to meet the standard, you must wear them every time you drive.
• Fail the test-day check: the test stops, you fail, DVLA is told and your licence is revoked.

The three parts of the eyesight standard

Requirement	What it means	Who checks it
Read a number plate at 20 metres	With glasses or lenses if you use them for driving	Your examiner, at the start of the practical test
Visual acuity of decimal 0.5 (6/12)	Measured on the Snellen letter chart, both eyes together	An optician
Adequate field of vision	How wide an area you can see	An optician

Meeting the number plate distance alone does not prove you meet the acuity and field standards. If you are unsure, see an optician.

How the eyesight check works on the driving test

1. Before you drive, the examiner points to a parked vehicle.
2. You read its number plate aloud: from 20 metres for a new-style plate, or 20.5 metres for an old-style plate.
3. New-style plates start with 2 letters followed by 2 numbers, such as AB51 ABC.
4. Wear your glasses or lenses if you drive in them.

What happens if you fail the eyesight check?

• You fail the driving test and it does not continue.
• DVLA is told and your licence is revoked.
• When you reapply, DVLA will ask you to take an eyesight test with DVSA at a driving test centre.
• Even if you pass that, you must still pass the standard eyesight check at your next practical test.

Eyesight is one of the checks covered in the top reasons people fail the driving test.

Practise at the right distance

Measure 20 metres, about 5 parked car lengths, and try reading plates before your test. You can also use the on-screen tools: driving eyesight practice and the approaching car challenge. If you struggle, book an eye test before your driving test, not after.

Do you need to tell DVLA about your eyesight?

You must tell DVLA if you have any eyesight problem that affects both eyes, or your remaining eye if you have only one.

You do not need to tell DVLA about:

• being short-sighted or long-sighted
• being colour blind
• surgery to correct short sight, if you can meet the standard afterwards

Check specific conditions in the A to Z of medical conditions on GOV.UK. If you report a condition affecting your vision, DVLA may refer you to one of its contracted opticians for a free test. You can send results from another optician instead, if they include an Esterman visual field test, but you will pay for it and DVLA does not guarantee to accept it. More on medical reporting: fitness to drive and telling the DVLA.

Glasses and code 01 on your licence

If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet the standard, you must wear them every time you drive. Code 01 on the back of a licence means eyesight correction. See licence categories and codes.

Penalties for driving below the standard

• You could be prosecuted if you drive without meeting the standards of vision for driving.
• Code MS70, driving with uncorrected defective eyesight: 3 penalty points.
• Code MS80, refusing to submit to an eyesight test: 3 penalty points.

For new drivers, 3 points is half the 6-point limit in the first 2 years. See the New Drivers Act.

Lorry and bus drivers: a higher standard

Lorry and bus drivers need acuity of at least 0.8 (6/7.5) in the best eye and at least 0.1 (6/60) in the other. They also need a horizontal field of at least 160 degrees, and must tell DVLA about any problem affecting either eye.

Common questions

How far away do you have to read a number plate for the driving test?

20 metres for a new-style plate and 20.5 metres for an old-style plate.

Can I wear glasses for the eyesight check?

Yes. If you need them to meet the standard, you must wear them whenever you drive.

What does 6/12 mean?

It is the minimum visual acuity for car drivers on the Snellen chart, written as decimal 0.5. An optician can measure it for you.

Does colour blindness stop me driving?

No. You don’t need to tell DVLA about colour blindness.

Do I get a second go if I misread the plate?

The official guidance says only that you must correctly read a number plate, and that failing ends the test. Practise beforehand rather than rely on a retry.

Is the eyesight standard the same in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland licensing is run by the DVA. Check nidirect for its rules.

Related: what to bring to your driving test and the practical driving test guide. Back to the main guide: Learning to Drive in Great Britain.

Sources

• GOV.UK, “Driving eyesight rules” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Driving test: cars: What happens during the test” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Driving licence codes” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Penalty points (endorsements): Endorsement codes and penalty points” (gov.uk)

Photo: Mike Bird / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

The car test you are preparing for is the category B test, and passing it decides exactly what you can drive. A category B licence in Great Britain lets you drive vehicles with up to 8 passenger seats and a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 3,500 kg, or 4,250 kg for electric and hydrogen vehicles. You can also tow a trailer of up to 3,500 kg, as long as the car and trailer together don’t exceed 7,000 kg. This guide shows what your car test pass covers, how the test car can restrict it, which vehicles need a further test, and the codes that may appear on your licence afterwards.

What a category B pass lets you drive

If you passed your car test on or after 1 January 1997:

• Cars and vans with up to 8 passenger seats.
• MAM up to 3,500 kg for petrol and diesel vehicles, including hybrids.
• MAM up to 4,250 kg for electric or hydrogen (zero-emission) vehicles. An extra 750 kg is allowed only for equipment for disabled passengers.
• A trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM, with a combined MAM of no more than 7,000 kg.
• Motor tricycles over 15 kW, if you are over 21.

A vehicle’s MAM is normally shown on a plate or sticker on the vehicle and in the owner’s manual. Towing in detail: towing a trailer or caravan on a car licence.

Passed before 1 January 1997?

You can usually drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250 kg MAM, and a minibus with a trailer over 750 kg. Check your driving licence information online to see your exact entitlements.

How your test car limits the licence

If you take your test in an automatic, you can drive category B vehicles, but only automatics. See automatic licence restrictions.

Which vehicles need a different test

Anything outside category B means a separate test for that category. The full list:

Category	What you can drive
AM	Mopeds: 2 or 3 wheels, design speed over 25 km/h (15.5 mph) up to 45 km/h (28 mph). Also light quad bikes.
P	2-wheeled vehicles, design speed over 45 km/h up to 50 km/h (31 mph), up to 50cc if petrol.
Q	2 or 3 wheels without pedals, up to 50cc, design speed no more than 25 km/h. Includes trial e-scooters.
A1	Light motorbikes up to 125cc and 11 kW. Motor tricycles up to 15 kW.
A2	Motorbikes up to 35 kW.
A	Any motorbike. Motor tricycles over 15 kW.
B1	4-wheeled vehicles up to 400 kg unladen (550 kg for goods vehicles).
B	Cars: see above.
BE	A 3,500 kg vehicle with a trailer. Trailer size depends on your BE ‘valid from’ date: any size if before 19 January 2013, up to 3,500 kg if on or after that date.
C1	Vehicles 3,500 to 7,500 kg, with a trailer up to 750 kg.
C1E	C1 with a trailer over 750 kg, combined up to 12,000 kg.
C	Vehicles over 3,500 kg, with a trailer up to 750 kg.
CE	C with a trailer over 750 kg.
D1	Minibuses: up to 16 passenger seats, up to 8 metres long, trailer up to 750 kg.
D1E	D1 with a trailer over 750 kg, combined up to 12,000 kg.
D	Any bus with more than 8 passenger seats, trailer up to 750 kg.
DE	D with a trailer over 750 kg.
f, G, H, k, l, M, n	Agricultural tractor, road roller, tracked vehicles, mowing machine or pedestrian-controlled vehicle, electrically propelled vehicle, trolley vehicles, exempt from duty.

You don’t need a driving licence for electric bikes, mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs.

When you can take each test: minimum ages (Highway Code Annex 2)

Category	Minimum age
AM (moped)	16
A1	17
A2	19
A	21 through progressive access (after 2 years on A2), or 24 through direct access
Tricycles over 15 kW	21

For cars, most people can start learning to drive, and take the category B test, at 17.

Motorcycle tests: CBT, theory and modules 1 and 2

• Learner riders MUST complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) before riding on the road.
• After CBT, you can ride a motorcycle up to 125cc and 11 kW, or a moped, unaccompanied with L plates (D or L plates in Wales) for up to 2 years.
• To get a full licence, you must pass the motorcycle theory test and the module 1 and module 2 practical tests.
• No pillion passengers and no trailers until you pass.
• Car drivers: if you passed your car test before 1 February 2001, you can ride a moped without L plates. If you passed after that date, you MUST complete CBT before riding a moped on the road; once you have both CBT and the car pass (CBT done no more than 2 years before the car test, or any time after it), GOV.UK says you can ride a moped up to 50cc without L plates or a moped test.

Sharing the road with riders: Rules 83 to 88 and Rule 211.

Codes your test can put on your licence

The codes printed on the back of your licence show conditions you must meet. Two link directly to test day: 01 if you need glasses or contact lenses to pass the eyesight check, and 78 if you pass in an automatic. The ones new drivers see most:

Code	Meaning
01	Eyesight correction, for example glasses or contact lenses
78	Restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission
96	Allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer where the trailer weighs at least 750 kg and the combination is between 3,500 and 4,250 kg
101	Not for hire or reward
118	Start date is for earliest entitlement

Common questions

Can I drive a minibus on a car licence?

Only a vehicle with up to 8 passenger seats counts as category B. More than 8 passenger seats needs D1 or D, unless your pre-1997 entitlements cover it. Check your driving licence information on GOV.UK.

Can I drive a 3.5 tonne van?

Yes, if its MAM is no more than 3,500 kg, or 4,250 kg for an electric or hydrogen van.

Can I ride a 125cc motorbike on my car licence?

Not as a full licence holder. A car licence does not include category A1, so you would ride as a learner, and learner riders MUST complete CBT first.

Are Northern Ireland categories the same?

Driving licence categories are different in Northern Ireland. Check nidirect.

Can I drive an e-scooter?

Trial e-scooters come under category Q. Check the trial rules for your area before riding one.

Can I ride a mini moto or off-road bike on the road?

No. Highway Code Rules 157 and 158 say mini motos, motorised scooters (go peds) and off-road-only motorcycles, trikes and quad bikes do not meet road vehicle standards, so they MUST NOT be used on roads, pavements, footpaths or bridleways, and off-road machines MUST NOT use cycle paths either. Any motor vehicle used on the road MUST meet legal standards and be registered, taxed and insured, and even then it MUST NOT be ridden on the pavement.

How do I check what I can drive?

Use the View your driving licence information service on GOV.UK. It lists your categories, codes and any points.

Looking for lessons or an instructor? Our sister site Compare Driving Instructors covers lesson prices and choosing an instructor.

Related: provisional licence rules, driving eyesight rules and car documents. Back to the main guide: Learning to Drive in Great Britain.

Sources

• GOV.UK, “Driving licence categories” (gov.uk)
• Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Annex 2. Motorcycle licence requirements” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Towing with a car” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Driving licence codes” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Learn to drive a car: step by step” (gov.uk)

Photo: Gustavo Fring / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

Passing your driving test does not put you in the clear. Under the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995, your licence is cancelled (revoked) if you reach 6 or more penalty points within 2 years of passing your first driving test in Great Britain, and points you picked up on your provisional licence count too. Lose it, and you are back to square one: a new provisional licence and both the theory and practical tests again. This guide explains what the rule means while you are still learning, on test day and through your first two years, and how to avoid ever sitting the tests twice.

The rule in five points

• The limit: 6 points within 2 years of passing your first test (experienced drivers get a ban at 12 points within 3 years).
• Provisional points count: unexpired points on your provisional licence carry over to your full licence.
• Revocation is automatic. It still applies if you accept a fixed penalty rather than going to court.
• Getting your licence back: apply and pay for a new provisional licence, then pass the theory and practical tests again.
• No second probation: passing a test for another category, such as a lorry, does not start a new 2-year period.

How few offences undo a test pass

Offence	Points	Enough on its own?
Holding and using a phone while driving	6	Yes
Driving without insurance	6 to 8	Yes
Failing to stop or report an accident	5 to 10	Often
Speeding (fixed penalty)	3	Two offences are enough
Ignoring a red traffic light	3	Two offences, or one plus a speeding ticket
Careless driving	3 to 9	Possibly

Points and codes are explained in penalty points and endorsement codes.

Does the 2-year period apply to your test?

The rules apply for 2 years after you pass your first driving test, if you passed it in:

• Great Britain or Northern Ireland
• the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands or Gibraltar
• an EU or EEA country

They also apply if you exchanged a foreign licence for a British one and then passed a further driving test in Great Britain. If you already hold a full licence for one type of vehicle from one of the countries listed above, passing a test for another type does not put you back under the rules.

Before you pass: why learner points matter

Alex gets 3 points for speeding while learning, with a supervisor in the car. Alex passes the test a few months later. Those 3 points carry over. Any further offence carrying 3 or more points within 2 years of passing takes Alex to 6, and the licence is cancelled.

The lesson for learners: drive to test standard on every practice drive, not just on test day. A phone offence counts for supervisors too. The law on holding a phone applies to anyone supervising a learner. See phones and sat navs: the law.

Revoked: retaking both tests

1. DVLA cancels your full licence. You cannot drive unsupervised.
2. Apply and pay for a new provisional licence.
3. Drive only as a learner: supervised, with L plates.
4. Pass the theory test again, including hazard perception.
5. Pass the practical driving test again, to the same standard: no more than 15 driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults.

If you passed but hadn’t sent off for your full licence yet: you must still retake both tests, but you can use your current provisional licence to take them.

Revocation is different from a ban. A court ban (for example for drink-driving) is separate and can be added on top.

Your first two years: the safety code for new drivers (Highway Code Annex 8)

The Highway Code says as many as one new driver in five has some kind of collision in their first year. Annex 8 gives this advice for the first 12 months:

• Avoid driving between midnight and 6 am unless it’s really necessary. It is a high-risk time for new drivers.
• You are responsible for your passengers. Don’t let them distract you or push you into taking risks.
• Never show off or compete with other drivers.
• Don’t drive after any alcohol or drugs. Check the labels on over-the-counter medicines.
• Make sure everyone wears a seat belt for the whole journey.
• Keep your speed down, especially on bends, where many serious collisions happen because a driver loses control.
• Get plenty of solo experience before driving a high-powered car.
• Never drive uninsured.

Annex 8 also suggests further training such as Pass Plus, which could reduce your insurance costs.

Common questions

Does the 2 years start on test day or when my licence arrives?

It runs from the date you pass your first driving test.

Do points from before my test count?

Yes. Unexpired provisional licence points carry over and count towards the 6.

Can I avoid revocation by paying a fixed penalty?

No. The Highway Code says the rule applies even if you pay by fixed penalty.

Does it matter if I pass a lorry or motorcycle test later?

No. There is no new 2-year period when you pass a test for another category of vehicle.

After I re-pass, do I get another 2-year probation?

The official guidance doesn’t say so. Check with DVLA if this affects you.

Does Northern Ireland have the same rule?

Tests passed in Northern Ireland are covered by the rule described here. Northern Ireland also has its own new-driver rules and R plates. See the Northern Ireland guide.

Looking for lessons or an instructor? Our sister site Compare Driving Instructors covers lesson prices and choosing an instructor.

Related: carrying passengers after passing, driving at night as a new driver, why young drivers crash more and car documents and insurance. Back to the main guide: Learning to Drive in Great Britain.

Sources

• GOV.UK, “Penalty points (endorsements): New drivers” (gov.uk)
• Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Annex 5. Penalties” (gov.uk)
• Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Annex 8. Safety code for new drivers” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Penalty points (endorsements): Endorsement codes and penalty points” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Using a phone, sat nav or other device when driving” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Speeding penalties” (gov.uk)

Photo: Max W / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

In Great Britain, a motoring conviction can put penalty points on your driving record, from 1 to 11 depending on the offence. The points are recorded with an endorsement code such as SP30 for speeding or CU80 for using a phone. Reach 12 points within 3 years and you can be banned for at least 6 months. For drivers in their first 2 years after passing, the limit is 6 points. This guide covers fixed penalty amounts, the most common codes, how long points last and when a ban becomes automatic.

Key facts

• Points range from 1 to 11 per offence.
• 12 or more points within 3 years: disqualification for at least 6 months (“totting up”, code TT99).
• New drivers: 6 or more points within 2 years of passing and your licence is cancelled.
• Endorsements stay on your record for 4 or 11 years, depending on the offence.
• Dangerous driving and drink-driving carry a compulsory ban of at least 12 months.

Common fixed penalties (as of November 2026)

Offence	Fixed penalty	Points	Code
Speeding (minimum penalty)	£100	3	SP30 (SP50 on a motorway)
Holding and using a phone or other device while driving	£200	6	CU80
Driving a car you are not insured to drive	£300	6	IN10

Speeding: you may be offered a speed awareness course instead of the fine and points, if the police think it is appropriate and you haven’t been on one in the past 3 years. If you plead not guilty and lose in court, the fine is usually a percentage of your weekly income, up to £1,000 (£2,500 on a motorway).

Fixed penalties for other offences vary, so check the amount on the notice you receive.

Maximum court penalties (Highway Code Annex 5)

Offence	Maximum penalty	Points
Dangerous driving	2 years’ prison, unlimited fine, compulsory ban	3 to 11
Careless and inconsiderate driving	Unlimited fine, possible ban	3 to 9
Drink or drug driving, or failing to provide a specimen	6 months’ prison, unlimited fine, compulsory ban	3 to 11
Failing to stop after, or report, an accident	6 months’ prison, unlimited fine, possible ban	5 to 10
Driving while disqualified	6 months’ prison (12 in Scotland), unlimited fine, possible ban	6
Driving without insurance	Unlimited fine, possible ban	6 to 8
Using a hand-held mobile phone	£1,000 fine, possible ban	6
Speeding	£1,000 fine (£2,500 on motorways), possible ban	3 to 6, or 3 by fixed penalty
Traffic light offences	£1,000 fine, possible ban	3
Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence	£1,000 fine, possible ban	3 to 6
Failing to identify the driver of a vehicle	£1,000 fine, possible ban	6
No MOT certificate	£1,000 fine	None
Seat belt offences	£500 fine	None

Endorsement codes learners should know

Code	Offence	Points
AC10 / AC20	Failing to stop after an accident / failing to give details or report within 24 hours	5 to 10
CD10	Driving without due care and attention	3 to 9
CU10 / CU30 / CU40	Defective brakes / tyres / steering	3
CU50	Danger from load or passengers	3
CU80	Breach of requirements as to control of the vehicle, such as using a mobile phone	3 to 6
DD40	Dangerous driving	3 to 11
DR10	Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol above the limit	3 to 11
DG10	Driving or attempting to drive with a drug level above the specified limit	3 to 11
IN10	Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks	6 to 8
LC20	Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence	3 to 6
MS70	Driving with uncorrected defective eyesight	3
MS90	Failing to give information about the identity of the driver	6
MW10	Breaking motorway regulations (not speed limits)	3
PC20	Pedestrian crossing offence with a moving vehicle	3
SP30	Exceeding the statutory speed limit on a public road	3 to 6
TS10 / TS20 / TS30	Ignoring traffic lights / double white lines / a stop sign	3

Code variants: a 0 changed to 2 means you aided or abetted the offence (LC20 becomes LC22). Changed to 4 means you caused or permitted it (LC24). Changed to 6 means you encouraged it (DD46). The points are the same. That matters for supervisors: helping a learner break the law can put points on your licence too.

How long do penalty points stay on your licence?

Type of offence	Stays on record	Counts towards totting up
Most offences (speeding, phone, careless driving, insurance)	4 years from the offence date	First 3 years
Dangerous driving (DD40, DD60, DD80) or any offence resulting in a ban	4 years from conviction	First 3 years
Drink or drug driving (DR10, DR20, DR30, DR31, DR61, DR80) and causing death while under the influence (CD40, CD50, CD60, CD70)	11 years from conviction	First 10 years

Insurers and employers may be able to see a 4-year endorsement for the whole 4 years, and an 11-year endorsement for its first 5 years (30 months if you were under 18). You can view your points on your driving licence record on GOV.UK.

Totting up: when you get banned

• 12 or more points within 3 years: 6-month ban.
• Second ban within 3 years: 12 months.
• Third ban within 3 years: 2 years.
• For any offence with points, a court can also ban you for whatever period it thinks fit, usually a week to a few months.
• Dangerous driving and drink-driving carry a compulsory ban of at least 12 months. A second drink-drive offence within 10 years means at least 3 years.
• Banned for 56 days or more? You must apply for a new licence before driving again, and the court may order a retest or extended test.

Worked example: how quickly a new driver loses their licence

Sam passed six months ago. A speed camera catches Sam speeding: £100 and 3 points. Four months later, Sam gets another speeding fixed penalty: 3 more points. That makes 6 points within 2 years of passing, so the licence is cancelled. Paying by fixed penalty makes no difference. Sam must apply for a new provisional licence and pass both the theory and practical tests again. One phone offence (6 points) would have done the same. See the New Drivers Act.

Common questions

How many points can you have before a ban?

12 within 3 years for experienced drivers. If you passed within the last 2 years, 6 points cancels your licence.

Can learners get points?

Yes. Points on a provisional licence that have not expired carry over to your full licence and count towards the new-driver limit of 6.

When can I do a speed awareness course instead of taking points?

Only if the police offer it. They must decide it suits the offence, and you must not have been on a course in the past 3 years. If you take the course, it replaces the £100 fixed penalty and 3 points.

Do I have to tell my insurer about points?

Insurers can find out about a 4-year endorsement at any point while it is on your record. Annex 5 warns that insurance is likely to rise considerably after a conviction for a serious driving offence.

What is code TT99?

It shows a ban for totting up 12 or more points within 3 years. It stays on your record for 4 years from conviction.

Are codes different in Northern Ireland?

Yes, Northern Ireland has its own endorsement codes and processes. A ban in Great Britain also applies in Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

Related: UK speed limits, phones and sat navs: the law, drink and drug driving limits, car documents and insurance and the road user and the law. Back to the main guide: Learning to Drive in Great Britain.

Sources

• Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Annex 5. Penalties” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Penalty points (endorsements)” (Overview, Endorsement codes and penalty points, How long endorsements stay on your driving record, New drivers) (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Speeding penalties” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Using a phone, sat nav or other device when driving” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Vehicle insurance: Driving without insurance” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Driving disqualifications” (gov.uk)

Photo: Sergey Meshkov / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

To drive a car legally in Great Britain you need four things in place: the right driving licence, at least third-party insurance that covers you, vehicle tax, and a current MOT if the car is over three years old. The car must also be registered with DVLA, with the V5C logbook in the keeper’s name. This guide explains each document, the penalties for missing one, and the points a new driver can least afford. It is based on Annex 3 of the Highway Code and DVLA and DVSA guidance on GOV.UK.

Car documents checklist

Document	Who needs it	Penalty if missing (as of November 2026)
Driving licence for the right category	Every driver	Code LC20: 3 to 6 points
Insurance (third party minimum)	Every driver, for the car they are driving	£300 fixed penalty and 6 points, or in court an unlimited fine and possible ban
MOT certificate	Cars from the third anniversary of registration	Fine of up to £1,000
Vehicle tax (VED)	Every car used or kept on a public road, even if it is exempt	Offence; the car cannot be taxed without a valid MOT
V5C registration certificate (logbook)	The registered keeper	Must tell DVLA about a sale, purchase, or name or address change

Insurance: what is the legal minimum?

You MUST have an insurance policy that at least covers injury or damage to a third party while you use the car (Annex 3). Check the policy covers you in that car before you drive it. If the car is insured but you are not, you can still be penalised.

Type of cover	What it covers
Third party	The legal minimum. Covers anyone you injure or whose property you damage. Does not cover your own car or your own injuries.
Third party, fire and theft	As above, plus your car if it is stolen or damaged by fire.
Comprehensive	As above, plus damage to your own car up to its market value and personal injury to you.

Penalties for no insurance

• Police can give a fixed penalty of £300 and 6 points (code IN10 carries 6 to 8 points).
• In court: an unlimited fine and disqualification.
• Police can seize the car and, in some cases, destroy it. Roadside cameras can detect uninsured cars.
• New drivers: 6 points within two years of passing cancels your licence, so one no-insurance offence is enough. See the New Drivers Act.

Continuous insurance enforcement

A registered keeper must keep the car insured unless it has been declared off the road (SORN). If an uninsured car is not SORN, the keeper can get a £100 fine, have the car clamped, impounded or destroyed, and face a court fine of up to £1,000. You can check whether a car is insured on askMID.

Watch for fake policies sold to young drivers: how ghost brokers work. For costs, see why insurance costs so much after passing.

When does a car need its first MOT?

• By the third anniversary of its registration, then every year after that. Some vehicles need testing at one year old.
• An MOT lasts a year. You can take it up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date. For example, if it runs out on 15 May, the earliest test date that keeps the renewal date is 16 April.
• Cars made or first registered over 40 years ago are exempt, unless they have been substantially changed in the last 30 years.

If the MOT has run out

You cannot drive or park the car on the road. The only exceptions are driving it to a pre-arranged MOT test, or to or from somewhere for repairs. The fine is up to £1,000. Driving an unroadworthy car may also invalidate your insurance. You can check a car’s MOT history and expiry date online on GOV.UK.

Vehicle tax (VED) and SORN

• Vehicle Excise Duty MUST be paid on every vehicle used or kept on a public road. You must tax it even if nothing is due because it is exempt.
• Tax does not transfer when you buy a car. You must tax it before you drive it, or declare it off the road.
• You cannot renew tax if the MOT has expired. MOT records can take up to 2 days to update after a pass.
• Tax online with the reference from a DVLA reminder, the V5C in your name, or the green ‘new keeper’ slip. You can also tax by phone or at a Post Office.
• SORN: if you keep an untaxed car off the road, you MUST declare SORN. It is an offence not to. A SORN car must not be used on the road.

The V5C logbook explained

The V5C (registration certificate) describes the vehicle and names its registered keeper. Annex 3 says you MUST tell DVLA as soon as possible when you:

• buy or sell a car (the seller tells DVLA, and the buyer keeps the green new keeper slip)
• change your name or address

Tell DVLA too if you modify the car. GOV.UK lists a new logbook at £25 (as of November 2026), for example if you bought a car without one (form V62) or lost the original. More on modifications: modifying your first car.

Do you have to carry your documents?

No. But if a police officer asks, you MUST be able to produce your driving licence, a valid insurance certificate and, if needed, a valid MOT certificate. If you don’t have them with you, you may be asked to take them to a police station within 7 days.

Learner drivers: extra requirements

• A valid provisional licence.
• A supervisor aged at least 21 who has held a full licence for that type of car (manual or automatic) for at least three years.
• L plates (D or L plates in Wales), visible from the front and back.
• Insurance that covers a learner in that car.

Full rules: supervising a learner driver.

Common questions

Can I drive a new car home from the seller before taxing it?

No. Tax does not transfer with the car. Tax it online using the green new keeper slip before you drive away.

Can I drive to my MOT if it has expired?

Yes, but only to a pre-arranged test appointment, or to or from a garage for repairs.

Is third party insurance enough?

It is the legal minimum. It does not pay for damage to your own car or your own injuries.

Do I need an MOT for a brand new car?

Not until the third anniversary of its registration, unless it is a type that must be tested at one year.

Does Northern Ireland work the same way?

No. MOTs, insurance checks and taxing at a Post Office have different rules and processes in Northern Ireland. Check nidirect.

What happens if I drive a SORN car?

A SORN car must not be used on the road. It needs tax and insurance first, plus an MOT if it is due one.

Related: penalty points and endorsement codes, basic car maintenance, licence categories and the documents theory topic. Back to the main guide: Learning to Drive in Great Britain.

Sources

• Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Annex 3. Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements” (gov.uk)
• Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Annex 5. Penalties” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Getting an MOT: When to get an MOT” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Tax your vehicle” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Register your vehicle as off the road (SORN)” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Vehicle insurance” (Overview, Uninsured vehicles, Driving without insurance) (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Legal obligations of drivers and riders” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Tell DVLA you’ve sold, transferred or bought a vehicle” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Get a vehicle log book (V5C)” and “Vehicle registration” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Penalty points (endorsements): Endorsement codes and penalty points” (gov.uk)

Photo: Mike Bird / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

After a collision in Great Britain, stop safely and deal with any danger or injuries first. The law says you must stop, give your details to anyone with reasonable grounds to ask for them, and report it to the police within 24 hours if you did not give your details at the scene. The duty applies when a vehicle on a road or other public place is involved in an accident that injures anyone other than you, or damages another vehicle, one of the listed animals, or property on or next to the road. It can apply even if your car did not touch anything. Damage only to your own car or trailer does not trigger it. This checklist covers what to do at the scene, what to exchange and when the 24-hour police report applies. It is based on Highway Code Rules 281 to 287 and section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Key facts

• You MUST stop if the accident injures anyone other than you, or damages another vehicle, a listed animal, or property on or next to the road (Rule 286, section 170).
• You MUST give your name and address, the vehicle owner’s name and address, and the registration number to anyone with reasonable grounds for requiring them.
• Didn’t give your details at the scene? Report the collision to the police as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any case within 24 hours.
• Someone injured and you couldn’t show insurance? Report to the police within 24 hours and produce your insurance certificate within seven days of the accident, at the police station you named when you reported (Rule 287).
• Tell your insurer even if you are not planning to claim.
• Failing to stop or report carries 5 to 10 penalty points, an unlimited fine and up to 6 months in prison.

What to do at the scene: step by step

Rule 283 sets out what to do if you are involved in a collision or stop to help.

1. Stop, in a place of relative safety if possible.
2. Put your hazard warning lights on.
3. Put on high-visibility clothing if you have it.
4. Ask drivers to switch off their engines, and ask everyone to stop smoking.
5. Call 999 and give the exact location and details of any casualties. Use an emergency phone, a mobile, or your car’s SOS button if it has one.
6. Move uninjured people away from the vehicles to a safer place.
7. Do not move injured people from their vehicles unless they are in immediate danger.
8. Do not remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless it is essential and you are trained to do so.
9. Be prepared to give first aid. See what Annex 7 of the Highway Code advises.
10. Stay at the scene until the emergency services arrive, if you called them.
11. Exchange details (see below).

What details must you exchange after a car accident?

Under Rule 286 and section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, give these to anyone with reasonable grounds for requiring them, such as the other driver, the owner of damaged property or a police officer:

You must give	Notes
Your name and address	Always.
The vehicle owner’s name and address	If the car is not yours, for example a parent’s car or a lesson car.
The vehicle registration number	Always.
Your insurance certificate	If someone else is injured, to a police officer or anyone with reasonable grounds to ask. If you can’t produce it then, see the 24-hour rule below.

The law sets this minimum. It also makes sense to note the other driver’s details, their registration, the time and place, and any witnesses, because your insurer will ask for them.

When must you report an accident to the police within 24 hours?

You must report the collision to the police if either of these applies:

• you did not give your name and address at the time, for example because nobody was there when you hit a parked car or a wall; or
• another person was injured and you did not produce your insurance certificate at the time.

Report it as soon as reasonably practicable and in any case within 24 hours. If someone was injured and you did not show your insurance, you can produce the certificate within seven days of the accident at the police station you named when you reported. That does not give you longer than 24 hours to report.

Section 170 says the report must be made at a police station or to a police officer. Leaving a note on a windscreen does not replace the police report.

Which animals count?

Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 defines “animal” for this duty as a horse, cattle, ass, mule, sheep, pig, goat or dog, other than one carried in or on your own vehicle or trailer. If you hit one of these, you must stop and give your details, or report it to the police within 24 hours. Cats and wild animals such as deer are not on the list, so hitting one does not on its own trigger the duty. The duty still applies if the same collision injures a person or damages another vehicle or property on or next to the road. Stop safely if you can and deal with any danger to other traffic.

For driving near animals, see Highway Code rules on herded animals and livestock.

Scenario: you clip a parked car and nobody is around

You must stop. There is nobody to give your details to, so you must report the collision to the police within 24 hours. Driving off, even after leaving a note, risks a failing-to-report offence (code AC20) with 5 to 10 penalty points. For a new driver, 6 points within two years of passing means losing your licence. See the New Drivers Act.

Incidents involving dangerous goods

Vehicles carrying dangerous goods in packages show plain orange reflective plates. Tankers show hazard warning plates (see vehicle markings and hazard plates). If one is involved in an incident (Rule 285):

• follow Rule 283, switch off engines and do not smoke
• keep well away from the vehicle and do not try to rescue casualties, because you could become one
• call 999 and describe the labels and markings on the vehicle
• do not use a mobile phone close to a vehicle carrying flammable loads

Passing an incident you are not involved in

• If you see flashing lights from emergency or incident support vehicles ahead, slow down and be ready to change lanes or stop (Rule 281).
• You MUST follow directions from police or traffic officers about passing an incident.
• Don’t slow down unnecessarily to look, for example at a crash on the other side of a dual carriageway. Watch the road ahead (Rule 282).

Penalties for failing to stop or report

Code	Offence	Penalty points
AC10	Failing to stop after an accident	5 to 10
AC20	Failing to give particulars or report an accident within 24 hours	5 to 10
AC30	Undefined accident offences	4 to 9

The Highway Code penalty table lists a maximum of 6 months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and discretionary disqualification. AC codes stay on your record for 4 years from the date of the offence. More in penalty points and endorsement codes.

After the scene: insurance

• You must report the collision to your insurance company even if you don’t plan to claim.
• If the other driver was uninsured, tell the police. Your insurer can advise you, and you may be able to get compensation as the victim of an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.
• Even if a collision was not your fault, insurers may still hold you liable (Highway Code Annex 3).

Common questions

Do I have to call the police after every accident?

No. If nobody is hurt and you exchange details at the scene, there is no legal duty to report. You must report within 24 hours if you didn’t give your details, or if someone was injured and you didn’t show your insurance certificate. Rule 283 says to call 999 with the location and details of any casualties.

Does the 24-hour rule apply in a car park?

Section 170 covers accidents on a road or other public place. Annex 4 of the Highway Code explains that “road” can include many car parks and driveways the public can use, so assume the duty applies.

What if I hit a cat?

Cats are not on the section 170 list, so hitting a cat does not on its own create a duty to report. You must still stop and report if the same collision injures someone or damages another vehicle or property. Stop safely if you can and check whether the animal or debris is a danger to other traffic.

I’m a learner. Who gives details, me or my supervisor?

The duty falls on the driver, which is you. Give your own name and address and the owner’s details if the car isn’t yours.

Should I admit fault at the scene?

The law only requires you to give the details listed above. Report the facts to your insurer and let them deal with liability.

Can I get points for not reporting even if the damage was minor?

Yes. Failing to stop or report carries 5 to 10 points whatever the amount of damage. A new driver loses their licence at 6 or more points within two years of passing, so 6 to 10 points would do it on their own, and 5 points leaves no room for any other offence.

Related: what to do if your car breaks down, the road user and the law (Annex 4), car documents and insurance and the incidents, accidents and emergencies theory topic. Back to the main guide: Learning to Drive in Great Britain. Northern Ireland has its own Highway Code, so check nidirect if you drive there.

Sources

• Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Breakdowns and incidents (275 to 287)” (gov.uk)
• Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Annex 4. The road user and the law” (gov.uk)
• Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Annex 5. Penalties” (gov.uk)
• Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Annex 3. Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements” (gov.uk)
• Department for Transport, “Reporting road accidents to the police: consultation” (December 2016), quoting Road Traffic Act 1988 section 170 (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)
• legislation.gov.uk, “Road Traffic Act 1988, Section 170” (legislation.gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Vehicle insurance: If you’re in an accident” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Penalty points (endorsements): Endorsement codes and penalty points” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Penalty points (endorsements): New drivers” (gov.uk)