Driver Obligations, Documents and Penalties
Documents you must carry and keep valid
Every driver must hold a valid driving licence for the category of vehicle driven, and the vehicle must have valid registration, compulsory third-party insurance, and a valid technical inspection. The registration card and proof of insurance should be in the vehicle. Driving without insurance is a serious offence with heavy penalties, and driving while disqualified or without a licence is more serious still.
Fitness to drive
You must not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that impairs you, and you must report medical conditions that affect your ability to drive. The legal blood-alcohol limit is low and novice and professional drivers face stricter rules. Refusing a breath or blood test carries penalties similar to driving over the limit.
Duty after a collision
After any collision involving injury or significant damage, stop, provide assistance, exchange details, and report the incident to the police where required. Leaving the scene of an injury crash is a criminal offence. You must also report collisions involving injury or death to the police without delay.
Penalties and points
Penalties include fines, penalty points, driving bans and, for serious offences, imprisonment. Points accumulate and can lead to loss of licence. Repeat offences carry escalating consequences.
Worked example
A question asks what to do if you are involved in a minor collision with no injuries and the other driver refuses to exchange details. The correct answer is to note the registration and report the incident to the police; you must not simply drive away.
Traps to watch
Questions often blur the difference between insurance (third-party, compulsory) and comprehensive cover (optional). Only the compulsory third-party cover is legally required.