Documents and the law

By the end of this topic you can

• You can check that you hold the right licence and are properly supervised.
• You can confirm the car is insured for you, taxed and has a valid MOT if it needs one.
• You can explain what the V5C log book is for.
• You can display L plates correctly and know when they are needed.

What you need to know and understand

• You need a provisional licence to have lessons or practise, and most people can start learning at 17.
• A learner must be supervised by someone over 21 who has held a full licence for that type of car for at least 3 years.
• You must display L plates on the front and back of the car. In Wales you can use D plates, L plates or both.
• You must have at least third-party insurance that covers you to drive the car.
• Cars need their first MOT by the third anniversary of registration, then every year. Driving without a valid MOT can mean a fine of up to 1,000 pounds.
• Vehicle tax must be paid for any vehicle used or kept on a public road. Off-road vehicles that are not taxed need a SORN.
• If the police ask, you must show your licence, insurance certificate and MOT certificate. If you do not have them, you may be asked to take them to a police station within 7 days.
• If you get 6 or more penalty points within 2 years of passing your test, your licence is revoked.

The driver's side: licence, supervision and plates

Your provisional licence must be valid and the details, such as your address, must be up to date. Your supervising driver must be over 21 and have held a full licence for the type of car for at least 3 years. If you are learning in a manual car, they need a manual licence.

Supervisors must not use a hand-held phone while supervising you. Practising on a motorway is only allowed with an approved driving instructor in a car fitted with dual controls, not with family or friends. Driving without proper supervision can lead to a fine of up to 1,000 pounds and up to 6 penalty points on your provisional licence.

The car's side: insurance, tax, MOT and V5C

• Insurance: if you practise in your own car you need learner insurance. In someone else's car you must be added to their policy or have your own learner policy.
• No insurance: a 300 pound fixed penalty and 6 points, or an unlimited fine and possible ban if it goes to court. The police can also seize the car.
• Vehicle tax: check it is taxed before driving. Tax does not pass to a new owner when a car is sold.
• MOT: due by the third anniversary of first registration, then yearly. You may drive to a pre-booked MOT test or to a garage for repairs.
• V5C (log book): shows who the registered keeper is. Tell DVLA when you buy or sell a car or change your address.

After you pass

Once you pass, your insurance must cover you to drive unsupervised, so tell your insurer. For the first 2 years you are on probation: 6 or more points and your licence is revoked. You would then need a new provisional licence and must pass both the theory and practical tests again. Any unexpired points on your provisional licence carry over when you pass and count towards the 6.

Using a hand-held phone while driving carries 6 points, so a single offence is enough to lose a new licence.

Common mistakes

• Assuming you are covered on a parent's policy. Check with the insurer that you are named as a learner.
• Forgetting L plates on the back, or having them fall off. Check both plates before every drive.
• Practising with a supervisor who is under 21 or has only just passed. Check their age and how long they have held a full licence.
• Thinking tax carries over when a car is bought. The new keeper must tax it before driving.

Test yourself: Documents and the law

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Car Documents UK
• Learner Driver Insurance
• Minimum Learning Period for Learner Drivers