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Driving and vehicles

Study note

There are clear rules about driving in the UK. To drive a car or motorcycle you must be at least 17 years old. You also need to hold a driving licence, which you get after passing a driving test that has both a theory part and a practical part. You cannot legally drive on public roads without a licence.

Vehicles must be kept legal as well as the driver. A car must be taxed and insured, and driving without insurance is a serious offence. In addition, a car that is more than three years old must pass a yearly test called the MOT, which checks that the vehicle is roadworthy and safe to use. For the test, remember the age of 17 to drive a car, the need for a licence, and the annual MOT for cars over three years old.

Memory tip: Drive at 17 with a licence; cars need tax, insurance and (if over 3 years) an annual MOT.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 2

What is the minimum age to drive a car in the UK?

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Show all questions and answers for Driving and vehicles(2 questions with explanations)

Driving and vehicles: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What is the minimum age to drive a car in the UK?

    • 18
    • 21
    • 16
    • 17

    Correct answer: 17

    You must be at least 17 to drive a car in the UK.

  2. 2. A car over three years old must pass which yearly test?

    • The MOT test
    • A jury test
    • The driving theory test
    • The TV licence check

    Correct answer: The MOT test

    Cars over three years old must pass an annual MOT test to confirm they are roadworthy.

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