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Essential documents: what you need to know The licences, insurance and paperwork the law requires before you drive. Read the key points below, then take the short quiz to check it has stuck. Every point is grounded in the Highway Code .
Key points: essential documents To drive on the road, a car needs valid insurance, vehicle tax, and an MOT once it is three years old. The minimum age to drive a car is normally 17, and learners must display L plates (D plates in Wales) front and rear. A theory test pass is valid for two years; you must pass the practical within that time. A supervising driver must be at least 21 and have held a full licence for that category for three years. Third-party insurance is the legal minimum and covers injury to others and damage to their property, not your own car. Under the New Drivers Act, getting 6 or more penalty points within two years of passing revokes your licence. Now test yourself on essential documents 8 questions on this topic, with the answer and the cited rule shown the moment you choose. If you miss any, the points above are where to look.
Practice quiz
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Each question shows the correct answer and the Highway Code rule the moment you choose.
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Learn another topic Alertness Alertness Observation, anticipation, concentration and avoiding distractions at the wheel. Learn this topic Attitude Attitude Following distances, courtesy, priority and how to behave around other road users. Learn this topic Safety and your vehicle Safety and your vehicle Vehicle condition, tyres, lights, fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Learn this topic Safety margins Safety margins Stopping distances, the two-second rule and driving in rain, ice and fog. Learn this topic Hazard awareness Hazard awareness Spotting developing hazards, plus the effects of alcohol, tiredness and medicines. Learn this topic Vulnerable road users Vulnerable road users Pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and the 2022 hierarchy of road users. Learn this topic Other types of vehicle Other types of vehicle Lorries, buses, motorcycles, trams and how to share the road with them safely. Learn this topic Vehicle handling Vehicle handling Control in different weather, road surfaces, gradients and at night. Learn this topic Motorway rules M Motorway rules Lane discipline, speed limits, the hard shoulder and smart-motorway signals. Learn this topic Rules of the road Rules of the road Speed limits, parking, junctions, roundabouts and right of way. Learn this topic Road and traffic signs Road and traffic signs Sign shapes and colours, road markings and what each one tells you to do. Learn this topic Incidents, accidents and emergencies Incidents and emergencies What to do at the scene, first aid basics and breakdown procedure. Learn this topic Vehicle loading Vehicle loading Loads, roof racks, towing and keeping the vehicle stable and legal. Learn this topic Original revision notes and practice questions covering the same topics as the official DVSA theory test. Not the real exam questions, and not affiliated with or endorsed by the DVSA. Based on The Highway Code and Know Your Traffic Signs under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Always check the current Highway Code on gov.uk.