Driving

Even if you have a licence for driving a car, you might still need to complete a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course before riding a moped or a motorcycle in the UK. On successful completion of the course you will get a training certificate (DL196) which is valid for two years. You will need to show your certificate to the examiner when you take your practical test. If you have any queries about CBT phone the Driving Standards Agency on 0300 200 1122 and ask for the CBT Section or see 'Riding a motorcycle, moped or motor tricycle'.

Someone who applies for a UK driving licence must show that they have immigration permission to be in the UK for at least six months, unless they have a driving licence from an EEA country or other designated country.  The designated countries are as follows:

For driving in England, Scotland and Wales: 
Andorra, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada*, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands*, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea*, Singapore, South Africa**, Switzerland and Zimbabwe.

For driving in Northern Ireland:
Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Provinces & Territories of Canada*, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands*, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea*, Singapore, South Africa**, Switzerland and Zimbabwe.

*Some restrictions on what you can drive apply

**Format of licence is relevant

If you cease to be lawfully resident in the UK, for example if you become an overstayer, the DVLA can revoke your driving licence.

In any UK immigration application you are required to declare criminal convictions, including road traffic offences. If you have been disqualified from driving then you will need to declare this.

Although you are not required to declare any fixed penalty notices (which were not issued by a court), be aware that if you fail to pay, this could result in a more serious punishment, which may have to be declared. If you have received multiple fixed penalty notices then this could also be treated seriously by the Home Office when considering your immigration application. You are advised to seek legal advice from an immigration specialist if you think any of these matters may affect you.

In addition to having current valid road tax, insurance and a driving licence, you must:

• drive on the left-hand side of the road and overtake on the right-hand side;
• wear a crash-helmet if you are riding a motor cycle or a moped;
• wear a seat belt if you are the driver or front seat passengers; rear seat passengers must wear seat belts where they are fitted;
• not drive whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• observe speed limits: 30 or 40 mph (miles per hour) in built-up areas but some zones in towns and cities have lower limits, 70 mph on motorways and 60 mph on all other roads unless a different limit is displayed (e.g. 50);
• observe the minimum age requirements. Generally, these are 17 years for cars and motorcycles, 18 years for medium sized vehicles.

Further information about what you can drive and your legal obligations as a driver can be found on the DVLA and DVANI websites.

Essential reading for anyone planning to drive in the UK is The Highway Code, both in terms of road safety and because many of its rules are in fact legal requirements. The Highway Code costs around £2.50 from most bookshops.  The Know your traffic signs guide is also essential reading if you are not familiar with the meaning of UK road signs.

You must ensure that road tax for your car is paid before you drive it. You can obtain a tax disc by applying online or collecting an application form from any Post Office.

You will need your V5C registration certificate (logbook), certificate of insurance and a current test certificate of roadworthiness (MoT), if the vehicle is over three years old. The MoT test is available at most garages, but make sure that the garage is an approved MoT centre (it will display a sign which says this).

There are a number of motoring organisations in the UK that offer a range of services to the motorist, including breakdown assistance and recovery, insurance and route planning. They tend to charge a membership fee and make additional charges for the particular services you may wish to buy. You may find that NUS (National Union of Students) members get special rates from some motoring organisations. Examples of motoring organisations:

• The RAC
• The AA
• Green Flag