Your Legal Obligations As A UK Driver
Copyright (c) 2011 Robert Gray
This article looks at your obligations as a UK driver - whether you drive a vehicle or a motor cycle - and addresses important issues such as vehicle tax, insurance, when to renew your licence and how to avoid being prosecuted for falling foul of your obligations as a UK driver.
You.
To obtain a provisional - and latterly a full - drivers licence in the UK you must be of minimum age for the particular kind of vehicle you are wishing to drive. For scooters/small motorcycles and cars this is usually 16 years of age and 17 years of age respectively. The licence you hold must be appropriate to the type of vehicle you drive. For example, larger vehicles and HGVs will require your licence to specifically cover you to drive these type of vehicles. It may be that due to changes in your lifestyle and/or job you will be required to change your licence to reflect a higher category of vehicle. In order to obtain a UK drivers license - either full or provisional - you must also satisfy the minimum eye sight standards as set out by the DVLA. Certain health problems, such as epilepsy or heart conditions, may affect your driving ability and you are obliged to inform the DVLA of such conditions. In the case of epilepsy, you will be required to surrender your licence from the date of the attack but may apply to renew it if you are free from any further attacks for one year. If you do not inform the DVLA of any relevant medical conditions, you may run the risk of invalidating your driver's licence, which is a serious offence. When you reach the age of 70 you will automatically need to apply for your licence to be renewed.
Your vehicle.
You must register your vehicle with the DVLA so that they have an accurate record of who owns the vehicle and where it is kept. You are legally required to advise the DVLA of any changes, such as change of name, address or ownership. Your vehicle must be road worthy and must have a valid MOT certificate at all times. You should also ensure that you vehicle displays a valid road tax disc at all times. Driving without an MOT certificate or a current tax disc is against the law. It is important that you take out motor insurance relevant to the type of vehicle you are driving and the type of journeys you make in your vehicle, i.e. business or domestic. Driving without a valid certificate of motor insurance is also an offence and you may be liable to prosecution if caught.
In summary, there are many steps you need to take when acquiring a UK driving licence and becoming the owner of a motor vehicle or motorcycle. Make sure you are fully aware of your obligations and legal responsibilities to stay within the law.
About the Author
Need help fighting speeding tickets? See http://www.grayhooperholt.co.uk/driving-offences/fighting-speeding-tickets.html.
Need to know about Mobile Phone Driving Offences: http://www.grayhooperholt.co.uk/driving-offences/mobile-phone-offences.html?
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