Legal Obligations of Drivers and Keepers of Vehicles

Driving Instructors can tailor a driving course that will help you cope with all of the following. Your driving instructor can help you with this.

There are duties and obligations you must meet before driving or keeping a vehicle on the road. You must also tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of any changes to your personal or vehicle details.

Before you drive or ride

To drive or ride a vehicle or motorcycle you must:

• hold the appropriate driving licence for the vehicle being driven
• meet driver minimum age requirements
• meet the legal eyesight standards

As a learner driver you must:

• be supervised by a qualified driver (not if riding a motorcycle)
• display L plates
• if possible have driving lessons with a Qualified Driving Instructor

Before taking a vehicle on the road

The vehicle must:

• be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
• have a valid vehicle tax disc
• hold a current test certificate (if this is required)

You must:

• have the minimum of third party insurance which covers your use of the vehicle
• Registering a vehicle
• Tax your vehicle
• MOT

Tell DVLA of changes

You must tell the DVLA if you:

• change your address and or name
• make any alterations to your vehicle
• sell your vehicle
• develop or have a medical condition

Driving larger vehicles or buses

There are higher eyesight and medical standards for driving larger vehicles. You must also notify the DVLA if you have convictions relating to your driving conduct or if you have convictions not relating to driving if you are the holder of a passenger carrying vehicle.

Alcohol and drugs

Do not drink and drive as it will seriously affect your judgement and abilities. You MUST NOT drive with a breath alcohol level higher than 35 microgrammes/100 millilitres of breath or a blood alcohol level of more than 80 milligrammes/100 millilitres of blood. Alcohol will

• give a false sense of confidence
• reduce co-ordination and slow down reactions
• affect judgement of speed, distance and risk
• reduce your driving ability, even if you’re below the legal limit
• take time to leave your body; you may be unfit to drive in the evening after drinking at lunchtime, or in the morning after drinking the previous evening

The best solution is not to drink at all when planning to drive because any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive safely. If you are going to drink, arrange another means of transport.

You MUST NOT drive under the influence of drugs or medicine. Check the instructions or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Using illegal drugs is highly dangerous. Never take them if you intend to drive; the effects are unpredictable, but can be even more severe than alcohol and may result in fatal or serious road crashes.