Understanding Driving in the UK
In the UK, there are specific rules you must follow if you want to drive a car, motorcycle, or moped. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand these rules.
Minimum Age to Drive
- Car or Motorcycle: You must be at least 17 years old.
- Moped: You can ride a moped if you are at least 16 years old.
- Large Vehicles: There are special age requirements and tests for driving larger vehicles.
Getting a Driving License
To drive legally, you need a driving license. Here’s how to get one:
- Apply for a Provisional Driving License: This is the first step. You can apply online or via post.
- Find a Driving Instructor: Take lessons with a qualified instructor to prepare for your tests.
- Pass the Tests:
- Driving Theory Test: This includes two parts:
- Multiple Choice Questions: Tests your knowledge of road rules.
- Hazard Perception Test: Tests your ability to spot hazards while driving.
- Practical Driving Test: This is where you demonstrate your driving skills on the road.
- Driving Theory Test: This includes two parts:
Using Your Driving License
- You can use your UK driving license until you are 70 years old. After that, the license is valid for three years at a time.
- In Northern Ireland, new drivers must display an ‘R’ plate (for restricted driver) for one year after passing their test.
Driving with Foreign Licenses
- If your license is from the European Union (EU), Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway, you can drive in the UK as long as your license is valid.
- If your license is from any other country, you can use it for up to 12 months. After that, you must get a full UK driving license.
Vehicle Requirements
If you live in the UK, your vehicle must meet these requirements:
- Registration: Your car or motorcycle must be registered at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
- Road Tax: You must pay an annual road tax and display the tax disc on your windscreen.
- Motor Insurance: It is illegal to drive without insurance.
- MOT Test: If your vehicle is over three years old, you must have a Ministry of Transport (MOT) test every year. You need a valid MOT certificate if your vehicle is older than three years.
You can find more information on vehicle tax and MOT requirements at www.gov.uk.
Questions
Easy Level Questions
- What is the minimum age to drive a car in the UK?
- A) 16
- B) 17
- C) 18
- D) 19
- How old do you have to be to ride a moped?
- A) 14
- B) 15
- C) 16
- D) 17
- What do you need to drive legally in the UK?
- A) A bicycle
- B) A driving license
- C) A passport
- D) A bank card
- What is the first step to getting a driving license?
- A) Taking the practical test
- B) Finding a job
- C) Applying for a provisional license
- D) Buying a car
- How many parts are there in the driving theory test?
- A) One
- B) Two
- C) Three
- D) Four
- At what age can you use your driving license until?
- A) 60
- B) 65
- C) 70
- D) 75
- What must new drivers display in Northern Ireland?
- A) A yellow plate
- B) An ‘R’ plate
- C) A green plate
- D) A red plate
- If you are 19, can you drive a motorcycle?
- A) Yes
- B) No
- C) Only with a permit
- D) Only in the countryside
- How long can you drive in the UK with a foreign license from the EU?
- A) 1 month
- B) 6 months
- C) 12 months
- D) 2 years
- What must you have to drive a car?
- A) A car key
- B) A driving license
- C) A fuel card
- D) A parking permit
- What is required to register your vehicle in the UK?
- A) A birth certificate
- B) A driver’s license
- C) A DVLA registration
- D) A car insurance policy
- What does MOT stand for?
- A) Ministry of Transport
- B) Motor Operation Test
- C) Motor Tax
- D) Maintenance of Transport
- What happens if you drive without insurance?
- A) You get a warning
- B) It’s a criminal offence
- C) You pay a small fine
- D) Nothing
- What must be displayed on your windscreen?
- A) A sticker
- B) A tax disc
- C) A driving license
- D) A vehicle registration
- What is the age limit for driving licenses in the UK?
- A) 60
- B) 65
- C) 70
- D) 75
- How often must a vehicle over three years old take an MOT test?
- A) Every month
- B) Every year
- C) Every two years
- D) Every five years
- What is the minimum age to apply for a provisional driving license?
- A) 15
- B) 16
- C) 17
- D) 18
- What must you do every year for a vehicle over three years old?
- A) Buy a new car
- B) Change the oil
- C) Take it for an MOT test
- D) Pay for insurance
- What does the ‘R’ plate indicate?
- A) Restricted driver
- B) Ready to drive
- C) Roadworthy
- D) Registered vehicle
- What must you have before driving on public roads?
- A) A map
- B) A car
- C) Valid motor insurance
- D) A friend
Medium Level Questions
- What is the process for obtaining a full driving license?
- A) Apply for a car and drive
- B) Pass a theory test and a driving test
- C) Buy a driving school
- D) Take a bus
- If you hold a driving license from Norway, how long can you drive in the UK?
- A) 3 months
- B) 6 months
- C) 12 months
- D) 2 years
- What is the purpose of the hazard perception test?
- A) To test your knowledge of road signs
- B) To check your ability to react to hazards
- C) To assess your parking skills
- D) To evaluate your speed
- After passing the driving practical test, how long must a new driver display the ‘R’ plate in Northern Ireland?
- A) 6 months
- B) 1 year
- C) 2 years
- D) Indefinitely
- What type of vehicle requires an MOT test after three years?
- A) Brand new vehicles
- B) Electric vehicles
- C) Vehicles over three years old
- D) All vehicles
- How long is a full UK driving license valid for after the age of 70?
- A) 1 year
- B) 2 years
- C) 3 years
- D) 5 years
- What is one consequence of driving without a valid driving license?
- A) A warning
- B) A fine
- C) License suspension
- D) Criminal charges
- Which of these is NOT required to drive in the UK?
- A) Valid driving license
- B) Road tax disc
- C) National ID card
- D) Motor insurance
- What is the first thing you should do after getting a provisional driving license?
- A) Buy a car
- B) Take a driving lesson
- C) Go for a road trip
- D) Take the theory test
- If your vehicle is not registered at the DVLA, what could happen?
- A) You can still drive
- B) You may face legal penalties
- C) No consequences
- D) You can register later
- What must be shown on your windscreen to prove you have paid road tax?
- A) A driving license
- B) A tax disc
- C) An MOT certificate
- D) An insurance policy
- How can you continue to drive in the UK after using a foreign license for 12 months?
- A) You must leave the UK
- B) You must apply for a UK driving license
- C) You can drive without a license
- D) You can pay a fee
- What happens if you fail your driving practical test?
- A) You cannot drive for 5 years
- B) You can retake the test
- C) You must apply for a new provisional license
- D) You get a refund
- What is the minimum age to apply for a motorcycle license?
- A) 15
- B) 16
- C) 17
- D) 18
- If you are a resident in the UK, what must you do with your vehicle?
- A) Pay for petrol
- B) Register it at the DVLA
- C) Use it only on weekends
- D) Keep it parked
- What is a serious criminal offence related to driving?
- A) Not using your turn signals
- B) Driving without insurance
- C) Driving too slow
- D) Parking incorrectly
- What must you do every year if your vehicle is more than three years old?
- A) Change the tires
- B) Take it for an MOT test
- C) Clean it
- D) Get a new color
- What is the purpose of road tax?
- A) To pay for petrol
- B) To maintain roads
- C) To pay for parking
- D) To buy new cars
- If you are caught driving without a valid MOT certificate, what could happen?
- A) You get a warning
- B) You may face penalties
- C) Nothing will happen
- D) You get a prize
- What type of license do you need to drive a bus?
- A) A standard car license
- B) A motorcycle license
- C) A special bus license
- D) No license is needed
Hard Level Questions
- What are the components of the driving theory test?
- A) Only multiple choice questions
- B) Only hazard perception
- C) Multiple choice and hazard perception
- D) Driving skills test only
- After turning 70, how often must you renew your driving license?
- A) Every year
- B) Every two years
- C) Every three years
- D) Every five years
- What are the penalties for driving without valid motor insurance?
- A) A small fine
- B) Points on your license
- C) It’s a criminal offence
- D) All of the above
- In Northern Ireland, how long must a restricted driver display the ‘R’ plate?
- A) 6 months
- B) 1 year
- C) 2 years
- D) 3 years
- What is required to convert your foreign license into a UK license after 12 months?
- A) You must take the driving tests
- B) You do not need to do anything
- C) You can keep your foreign license
- D) You must get a job
- Which of the following is NOT a requirement for registering your vehicle?
- A) Proof of address
- B) A photo ID
- C) Payment of road tax
- D) Vehicle insurance
- What does the DVLA stand for?
- A) Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority
- B) Department of Vehicle Licensing Agency
- C) Driver and Vehicle Legal Association
- D) Department of Vehicle Laws Agency
- What is the purpose of the hazard perception part of the theory test?
- A) To test speed
- B) To test knowledge of road signs
- C) To assess your reaction to dangers
- D) To check your navigation ability
- If your vehicle is over three years old, what must you have?
- A) A tax disc
- B) An MOT certificate
- C) Comprehensive insurance
- D) All of the above
- When can you take the practical driving test?
- A) After applying for a provisional license
- B) After passing the theory test
- C) After getting a job
- D) After buying a car
- How often must you pay road tax?
- A) Monthly
- B) Annually
- C) Bi-annually
- D) Every five years
- What happens if you drive a vehicle without a valid MOT?
- A) You may be fined
- B) You can drive anyway
- C) You get a warning
- D) You must leave the country
- What documentation must you keep while driving?
- A) Your passport
- B) Your car registration
- C) Your driving license and insurance
- D) Your school ID
- Why is it important to display the tax disc on your vehicle?
- A) To show your car’s color
- B) To prove road tax has been paid
- C) To indicate the model of the vehicle
- D) To attract attention
- How can you check if your vehicle needs an MOT?
- A) By checking the manual
- B) By asking your friends
- C) By looking at the DVLA website
- D) By guessing
- What is one of the main reasons for having motor insurance?
- A) To drive faster
- B) To cover accidents and damages
- C) To get discounts on petrol
- D) To pay for repairs
- If you are caught driving without a license, what is one consequence?
- A) You may be allowed to drive anyway
- B) You could face legal action
- C) You will receive a trophy
- D) You may get a job
- What is a provisional driving license?
- A) A full driving license
- B) A temporary license for learners
- C) A license for motorcycles only
- D) A license that never expires
- What must you do if your vehicle’s insurance is about to expire?
- A) Nothing, just keep driving
- B) Renew your insurance
- C) Sell your vehicle
- D) Apply for a new license
- What is the role of the DVLA?
- A) To sell vehicles
- B) To provide driving lessons
- C) To register drivers and vehicles
- D) To issue parking tickets
Answers and Explanations
Easy Level Answers
- B) 17
- C) 16
- B) A driving license
- C) Applying for a provisional license
- B) Two
- C) 70
- B) An ‘R’ plate
- A) Yes
- C) 12 months
- B) A driving license
- C) A DVLA registration
- A) Ministry of Transport
- B) It’s a criminal offence
- B) A tax disc
- C) 70
- B) Every year
- B) 16
- B) Take it for an MOT test
- A) Restricted driver
- B) A driving license
Medium Level Answers
- B) Pass a theory test and a driving test
- C) 12 months
- B) To check your ability to react to hazards
- B) 1 year
- C) Vehicles over three years old
- C) Every three years
- D) Criminal charges
- C) National ID card
- B) Take a driving lesson
- B) You may face legal penalties
- B) A tax disc
- B) You must apply for a UK driving license
- B) You can retake the test
- B) 16
- B) Register it at the DVLA
- B) Driving without insurance
- B) Take it for an MOT test
- B) To maintain roads
- B) You may face penalties
- C) A special bus license
Hard Level Answers
- C) Multiple choice and hazard perception
- C) Every three years
- D) All of the above
- B) 1 year
- A) You must take the driving tests
- B) A driver’s license
- A) Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority
- C) To assess your reaction to dangers
- D) All of the above
- B) After passing the theory test
- B) Annually
- A) You may be fined
- C) Your driving license and insurance
- B) To prove road tax has been paid
