There's a lot more to driving than just passing your test and buying a car. Before you can legally drive on public roads you must have ...
		A valid insurance certificate covering you for 3rd party liability
		A valid Vehicle Excise Duty disc (tax disc)
		An MOT Certificate (if your vehicle is more than three years old)

These are just the basic requirements. It is also your legal responsibility to ensure that your car is roadworthy and safe to drive. Unless your car was bought from a reputable car dealer you would be well advised to have it checked by a garage or a qualified vehicle mechanic as soon as you can.

INSURANCE
It is illegal and irresponsible to drive without insurance. If caught you could face prosecution and a fine of up to £5000. You can arrange vehicle insurance cover with an insurance company, a broker or some motor dealers. The cost of motor insurance varies depending on your age, the type of car being insured, intended use, power and capacity of engine and whether you have had any driving convictions or accidents. Buy the best insurance you can afford as it often works out cheaper in the long run. There are three main types of motor insurance as follows:     Third Party Insurance Third party is the cheapest insurance cover and is the legal minimum. It means that if involved in an accident, you will be covered against claims from anyone you may injure and damages to property belonging to anyone else. It does not cover damage to your vehicle or injury to yourself.

	Third Party Fire and Theft This insurance is the same as Third Party but also includes cover against theft of your vehicle and damage by fire.
	Comprehensive Insurance This is the most expensive and the best insurance cover you can have. It covers damage to other persons injured, property belonging to anyone else, fire and theft. It also covers damage to your vehicle, replacement parts for your vehicle if damaged in an accident and personal injury to yourself.

ROAD TAX OR VEHICLE EXCISE DUTY
	Road tax must be paid either yearly or half-yearly and the valid tax disc must be clearly displayed on your vehicle. A tax disc cannot be transferred to another vehicle. You can obtain a Vehicle Excise Duty Application form from any Post Office. Most Post Offices will deal with your application, and on payment, issue you with a tax disc.

When you apply for a tax disc you will have to provide:
	A completed application form
	A valid certificate of insurance
	An MOT certificate if your vehicle is over three years old
	The appropriate payment

VEHICLE TEST CERTIFICATE (MOT)
The MOT test applies to all vehicles which are three or more years old. The purpose of the MOT test is to check your vehicle's safety and environmental systems, to ensure they meet the required standards. The MOT can be carried out at any Vehicle Testing Station. An MOT certificate lasts for one year and you can have your car tested up to one month before the current certificate runs out.
If your car fails the MOT you must arrange to have the repairs carried out as soon as possible. You cannot use your vehicle until it has been re-tested and passed, except when ...

	Driving it away from the testing station after failing an MOT test
	Driving to have the repairs done
	Driving to an MOT test appointment that has been booked in advance

Remember that an MOT is not a guarantee that your car is roadworthy. It just means that it reached the required standards for the certificate. It is your responsibility to maintain your car and have it checked regularly.