Licensing, Insurance, Offences and Penalties
This domain tests the paperwork and legal consequences side of driving: what licence you need, what insurance is compulsory, which documents you must produce and what happens when you break the law.
Licensing
A provisional (learner) licence allows supervised driving only, with L plates displayed and a qualified licensed driver beside you. The full Category B licence covers light motor vehicles used privately. Licences are issued and renewed through NTSA and are valid for a fixed period, currently three years, after which they must be renewed. Carry your licence whenever driving; driving outside your licensed category, or on an expired licence, is an offence.
Insurance
Third-party insurance is compulsory for every vehicle used on a road. It covers death, injury and property damage you cause to others - it does not repair your own car. Comprehensive cover adds damage to your own vehicle and theft, usually with an excess. Carry the certificate of insurance or be able to produce it; driving uninsured carries fines, impoundment and possible disqualification.
Documents to produce
Driving licence, certificate of insurance, vehicle registration and current vehicle licence. Keep them valid and legible; police may require production at a checkpoint.
Offences and penalties
Careless driving, dangerous driving, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving without a licence or insurance, failing to stop or report a crash, and using a hand-held phone all attract fines, imprisonment, disqualification and vehicle impoundment. Penalties escalate with repeat offences.
Worked example
At a checkpoint you are asked for your documents and realise your insurance expired three days ago. The lawful position is that you were driving uninsured: the vehicle may be impounded, you face a fine and your insurer will not indemnify you for any damage caused. The correct habit is to diarise renewal dates a month ahead.
Traps
Believing third-party cover repairs your own vehicle; assuming any licence lets you drive any vehicle; and treating a photocopy of a document as sufficient production.