Legal Responsibilities
Aims
To know your legal responsibilities as a driver
Objectives
To understand what you have to do to be legal to drive
To know what you have to do to keep your car legal
To be able to drive legally
Your Test
Your legal responsibilities are mostly covered in the theory test, but there are a few important things to remember for your practical test.
Driving Licence: You must bring your licence. Check you have it at least a week before & store it somewhere safe to avoid last-minute stress. Replacements can take up to a week.
Theory Test Certificate: This is rarely checked, but it can be. Bring it just in case.
Licence Checks: The examiner will inspect your licence, match your photo and signature & verify it with an ultraviolet light.
Eyesight Check: You’ll be asked to identify your car, then read a number plate from a distance. You get 3 chances—the final one may be measured.
Glasses/Contact Lenses: If you need them to read the plate, you must wear them for the entire test. An 01 code will be added to your licence. Driving without them in future can lead to a £100 on-the-spot fine or up to £1,000 in court.
The examiner will also observe your eye movements and may notice if you're wearing contact lenses.
Introduction
This will consist of three parts:
- You the driver
- Your car
- Your driving
You the Driver
Your Driving Licence
Before learning to drive, you must apply for a provisional licence, either online or by post. Forms are available at post offices or from the DVLA. You'll need ID and to pay a fee—check online for full details.
When Learning to Drive
You must be supervised by someone over 21 years old who has held a full licence for at least 3 years. They must stay alert and follow the same rules as a driver—no phone use or alcohol.
Your Health
You must be medically fit to drive & fully in control of the vehicle. Certain conditions or changes in health must be reported to the DVLA. Always check with a doctor or pharmacist that any medication is safe for driving—even over-the-counter ones. Illnesses like colds or sprains can affect your driving ability.
Your Eyesight
You must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you must wear them while driving. You’ll be tested on this before your practical test.
Driving While Tired
Tiredness affects your reaction time, decision-making, and concentration. Avoid driving when you're feeling drowsy especially between 2 AM and 7 AM. Take 15-minute breaks every 2 hours on long journeys.
Alcohol and Drugs
Alcohol and drugs seriously impair driving and carry severe penalties, including fines, bans, or prison. Even small amounts can affect your ability. Some legal or prescription drugs can cause drowsiness—check before driving. Effects of certain substances can last up to 72 hours.
Your Car
Vehicle Condition
Before driving, you must ensure your vehicle is:
- Roadworthy
- Properly insured
- Taxed (Vehicle Excise Duty)
- MOT certified (if over 3 years old)
What Makes a Vehicle Roadworthy?
To be legal and safe to drive, the following must be in good working order:
- Brakes, including the handbrake
- Tyres, with legal tread depth and no damage
- Lights & indicators
- Exhaust, with no excessive noise
- Mirrors – correctly fitted & undamaged
- Equipment, like the speedometer & wipers
MOT
Cars over 3 years old need a valid MOT certificate (unless exempt). This annual test checks safety, roadworthiness, & environmental standards. It must be carried out at a DVSA-approved test centre.
Insurance
You must have valid motor insurance before driving. Driving without it can lead to fines, court action, or your vehicle being clamped or seized.
Insurance can be arranged online or through a broker.
Check the level of cover and your excess.
Always confirm you're insured if driving someone else's vehicle.
You must be able to show your insurance certificate if requested by police or after an incident.
Vehicle Tax (Excise Duty)
Vehicle tax is not transferred when a car is sold. You must tax the car before driving it, which can be done online, by phone, or by post.
If you sell, scrap, export, or transfer ownership of a vehicle, you must inform the DVLA, or you may remain liable for the tax.
Your Driving
Traffic Rules & Safety
You must know and follow the Highway Code—it’s tested in the theory test & essential for safe driving. Always keep up to date with the latest version.
You must obey:
- Traffic signs, signals, and road markings
- Instructions from police, traffic wardens, or authorised persons
- Traffic lights and pedestrian crossings
Drive responsibly—never drive dangerously or without due care. There is no automatic right of way—give way if it helps avoid a collision.
Mobile Phones
It’s illegal to use a handheld phone or device while driving. Even hands-free can distract you. Turn off your phone to avoid temptation. If you need to make a call, stop in a safe place and turn off the engine first. Supervising drivers must also follow this law.
Accidents (Now Called Incidents)
If involved in an incident:
- Stop immediately
- Turn on hazard lights & switch off the engine
- Call 999 if anyone is injured
- Exchange details (name, address, registration number). If you can't at the time, report it to the police within 24 hours
- If someone is injured, show your insurance certificate at the scene or to police later
If driving past an incident, don’t slow down unnecessarily—follow signs and police instructions.
Recap
Recap:
Everyone is subject to the same rules and laws when driving. This helps to keep everyone safe. This is because we all know what to expect.
At the end of this session you should know:
- What legal documents you need to have for driving
- How your health and condition can affect your safe driving and what the legal consequences might be
- What legal documents you need for your car and what it needs to be legal
- What you need to do so you can drive legally