Theory Test: Documents
To learn all about the Documents category, watch the video or read the article below.
The theory test featuring questions from this category is at the bottom of the page.
Topics Include
- Licenses – knowing what type of driving licenses you need.
- Insurance – car insurance cover types and what you need to drive legally.
- MOT Certificate – know the legal requirements for vehicle testing and what the test covers.
- Vehicle Excise Duty (tax disc)
- Vehicle Registration Document/Certificate
Car Insurance
- You must have a valid insurance cover that covers you for at least third party liability.
- Third Party Car Insurance covers – injury to another person, damage to someone’s property, damage to other vehicles. This is the minimum level of insurance you need to drive on public roads.
- Third Party Fire and Theft Car Insurance covers the above plus damage to your vehicle through fire and theft.
- A cover note is a document issued before you receive your insurance certificate.
- You cannot obtain a tax disc without having valid car insurance.
- The maximum specified fine for driving without insurance is £5000.
MoT Certificate
- A MOT certificate is valid for one year after the date it was issued.
- All cars over three years old need a MOT certificate. The only time you can drive a three year old car without an MOT certificate is when driving to an MOT test centre for an appointment.
- An MOT test checks your car is roadworthy, that all parts work properly and the car is safe to drive, and that it keeps to the legal limits for exhaust emissions.
- If you drive a car without an MOT certificate you will invalidate your insurance.
Vehicle Excise Duty (tax disc)
Before obtaining a tax disc your car must have:
- Valid insurance
- An MOT certificate
A Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) is valid for 12 months. It is a notification to tell the DVLA that a vehicle is not being used on the road and so doesn’t need a tax disc for the 12 month period.
Vehicle Registration Certificate
Vehicle Registration Certificate
- This lists all the important details about the vehicle and the registered keeper of the vehicle.
- The registered vehicle keeper is legally responsible for ensuring that a Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C) is kept up to date.
- You must update your Vehicle Registration Certificate when you move house.
Contact the licensing authority when:
- You change your vehicle
- You change your name
- Your permanent address changes
- Your health affects your driving
- Your eyesight does not meet a set standard
Other Facts to Know
- To supervise a learner driver you must be 21 years of age and have held a full licence for more than 3 years.
- If you get six penalty points on your licence within two years of passing your practical driving test your driving licence will be revoked. You will have to take and pass the theory and practical tests again.
- You must tell the DVLA if your health is likely to affect your driving or if your eyesight doesn’t meet the required standard.
- If a police officer ask to see your documents but you don’t have them with you, you must take them to a police station within 7 days.
- If your vehicle is unused or off the road it must have either a SORN declaration or valid insurance.
- The Pass Plus scheme is to help new drivers improve their basic driving skills. Taking it can reduce the cost of car insurance.