Laws & Documents

The paperwork and laws that let you drive legally — licence, insurance, MOT, V5C, tax, and rules on alcohol and drugs.

Driving without the right documents is a serious offence and can mean fines, points, a ban, or your car being seized.

• Driving someone else's car without checking you're insured on it.
• Forgetting an MOT is due — the car becomes illegal the day it expires.
• Thinking 'one drink' is safe — even a small amount affects judgment.

• You must tell the DVLA about any medical condition that may affect your driving.
• New drivers (within 2 years of passing) lose their licence at 6 penalty points.
• The drink-drive limit in England, Wales and NI is 35 µg per 100 ml of breath; in Scotland it is lower (22 µg).
• An MOT is required from the car's 3rd birthday and every year after.

• Buying a used car — the seller gives you the green slip of the V5C; you keep it until the new V5C arrives.
• Going to a party — plan a lift, taxi or stay over. Even the morning after, you may still be over the limit.

• Drink-drive limit (Eng/Wal/NI): 35 µg/100 ml breath. Scotland: 22 µg.
• MOT required from the car's 3rd birthday, then yearly.
• Handheld phone: 6 points + £200 fine.