It is important when you begin learning to drive that you are fully aware of your role and responsibilities as well as the general rules of the road.
Learner drivers are governed by slightly different rules and are advised to stay within the following guidelines to ensure they drive within the limits of the law and are able to enjoy the whole learning process.
Minimum age
Learner drivers must hold a provisional driving licence. By law you must be at least 17 years old and are able to apply for a provisional licence up to 3 months in advance of your 17th birthday.
You must pass your theory test before you will be permitted to complete the actual driving examination.
It is prudent that people learn to drive with approved driving schools or instructors but this is not mandatory.
Ensure the car is in a roadworthy condition?
It is a legal requirement for all vehicles driven on UK roads to have a valid MOT certificate. These are issued for a period of 12 months but do not necessarily mean the car is in a roadworthy condition at the time you are driving it so always ensure you check to make sure that all lights, brakes, mirrors and indicators are fully functioning.
Insurance and Tax
A further legal requirement is that all vehicles driven on UK roads display a valid Road Fund Licence and the driver is insured to actually drive the vehicle.
If the vehicle is not displaying valid Road Fund Licence, the vehicle should not be driven on our public highways. The tax can be obtained by the owner of the vehicle on production of a valid insurance certificate, MOT Certificate, Road Fund Tax reminder or evidence of ownership (usually the V5 logbook) and can be purchased at many Post Offices or direct from DVLA.
Displaying L Plates
You must display ‘L’ plates so that fully licensed drivers are aware that you are a learner driver. ‘L’ plates can be fixed to the front and rear bumpers of your vehicle or can be purchased with magnetic plates which can be removed if the car is being used by a fully licensed driver.
Accompanying Drivers
You are not permitted to drive the vehicle on a public highway without being accompanied by another driver who must hold a full licence which permits them to drive the type of vehicle you are driving. They must be at least 21 years old and have held their full licence for at least 3 years.
Motorway Driving
Provisional licence holders are not permitted by law to drive on motorways even if accompanied by a person holding a full licence.
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| Visit www.pro-tax.co.uk |