1. Registering and Owning a Car

1. The Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C) contains details of:
   1. The vehicle, including make, model, engine size, and year of registration.
   2. The registered keeper.
2. Responsibilities of the Registered Keeper:
   1. Notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if you change:
   2. Your vehicle
   3. Your name
   4. Your permanent address
   5. If you buy a second-hand vehicle, inform DVLA immediately of the keeper change.
3. Vehicle Tax:
   1. Vehicle tax MUST be paid on all motor vehicles used or kept on public roads unless exempt.
   2. If a vehicle is not used on public roads, you must declare a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) to avoid tax.

2. Your Driving Licence

1. A learner MUST have a valid provisional driving licence before driving on public roads.
2. You MUST be able to read a vehicle number plate from 20 metres (66 feet) in good daylight, with glasses or contact lenses if necessary.
3. You MUST inform the licensing authority if:
   1. Your health may affect your driving.
   2. Your eyesight does not meet the required standard.
4. Rules for Learner Drivers:
   1. Learners must be accompanied by someone who:
   2. Is at least 21 years old.
   3. Has held a full driving licence for the category of vehicle being driven for at least 3 years.
5. New Driver’s Act (Probation Period):
   1. Within 2 years of passing your first practical test (car/motorcycle):
   2. Accumulating 6 or more penalty points leads to loss of licence.
   3. You must reapply for a provisional licence and retake theory and practical tests.
   4. Any points on a provisional licence transfer to your new licence.

3. Insurance

1. Minimum legal requirement: Third-party insurance, which covers:
   1. Injury to another person.
   2. Damage to someone else's property.
   3. Damage to other vehicles.
2. Penalties for Driving Without Insurance:
   1. Criminal offence leading to:
   2. Unlimited fine.
   3. Possible disqualification.
   4. Vehicles must either have valid insurance or a SORN.
   5. Failure to comply may result in:
   6. Fixed penalty fine of £100.
   7. Court prosecution with fines up to £1,000.
   8. Vehicle clamping, seizure, or destruction.

Important Insurance Notes:

1. You must produce your insurance certificate when:
2. Taxing your vehicle.
3. Asked by a police officer (if not available, you have 7 days to present it at a police station).
4. Insurance policies may include an excess (e.g., £100, meaning you pay the first £100 of any claim).
5. Insurance is generally cheaper for drivers over 25.
6. Before driving another person’s vehicle, ensure you’re covered by insurance.

4. MOT Test

1. Ensures your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.
2. Required for cars after 3 years (4 in Northern Ireland).
3. Valid for one year.
4. Exceptions:
5. Trailers and caravans don’t need an MOT but must be well-maintained.
6. Exemptions for some vehicles (see gov.uk).

Consequences of No MOT Certificate:

1. You cannot renew vehicle tax.
2. You could be prosecuted.
3. Insurance may be invalid.
4. The only time you can drive without an MOT is when going to or from an MOT centre for a test or repairs.

5. Meeting the Standards

1. You must ensure:
   1. Your driving licence is valid for the category of vehicle.
   2. Your vehicle is registered, and tax is paid.
   3. You have valid insurance.
   4. Your vehicle has a current MOT certificate (if required).
2. You must know and understand:
   1. The importance of a valid driving licence and compliance with restrictions.
   2. That the vehicle must be registered with DVLA.
   3. You must notify DVLA if you:
   4. Change your name or address.
   5. Develop a medical condition affecting your ability to drive.
   6. MOT requirements for road use.