Vehicle documents in the theory test: MOT, vehicle tax, insurance and V5C

To drive a car on the road you need a valid driving licence, at least third-party insurance, vehicle tax paid and, once the car is old enough, a valid MOT. The Highway Code sets this out in Annex 3, and the theory test can ask about each document.

The documents at a glance

Document	What the official sources say
Driving licence	Must be valid for the category of vehicle you are driving; tell DVLA if you change your name or address
MOT certificate	Needed by the third anniversary of registration, then every year
Insurance	Must have at least third-party cover to use a vehicle on the road
Vehicle tax (VED)	Must be paid on all motor vehicles used or kept on public roads
Registration certificate (V5C)	Describes the vehicle and gives the registered keeper's details
SORN	Needed if you keep a vehicle off the road, untaxed

Source: Highway Code Annex 3, motor vehicle documentation, unless stated.

MOT

Annex 3 says cars and motorcycles must normally pass an MOT test three years from the date of first registration and every year after that. You must not drive without an MOT certificate when the vehicle should have one. The exception is driving to a pre-arranged test appointment, or to a garage for repairs needed for the test. Driving an unroadworthy vehicle may invalidate your insurance.

Gov.uk adds that an MOT lasts a year, that you must get one by the third anniversary of registration or the anniversary of the last MOT if the vehicle is over 3 years old, and that you can be fined up to £1,000 for driving without a valid MOT (gov.uk: getting an MOT). You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date. Some vehicles need testing at one year old.

Vehicles first registered over 40 years ago are exempt from the MOT from 20 May 2018, unless substantially changed in the previous 30 years, according to Annex 3.

Insurance

You must have a valid insurance policy to use a motor vehicle on the road, and it must at least cover injury or damage to a third party. Annex 3 describes three kinds of cover:

• Third-party: the minimum required by law. It covers people you might injure or whose property you might damage, but not damage to your own vehicle or injury to yourself.
• Third-party, fire and theft: as above, plus theft of or fire damage to your vehicle.
• Comprehensive: also covers damage to your own vehicle, up to its market value, and personal injury to yourself.

Annex 3 also says uninsured drivers can be detected by roadside cameras, and an offender's vehicle can be seized and crushed. Gov.uk says third party insurance is the legal minimum (gov.uk: vehicle insurance).

Vehicle tax and SORN

Vehicle Excise Duty must be paid on all motor vehicles used or kept on public roads. If you are the keeper and want to keep a vehicle untaxed and off the public road, you must declare SORN, the Statutory Off-Road Notification. It is an offence not to do so. Gov.uk explains when you need one and says you can face a fine of up to £2,500 if you drive a SORN vehicle on a public road other than to a pre-booked MOT or testing appointment (gov.uk: when you need to make a SORN).

Registration certificate (V5C)

The registration certificate describes the vehicle and gives details of the registered keeper. Annex 3 says you must notify DVLA as soon as possible when you buy or sell a motor vehicle, or if you change your name or address. If the V5C is lost, stolen or damaged, gov.uk explains how to get a replacement (gov.uk: get a vehicle log book (V5C)).

Producing documents

If a police officer asks, you must be able to produce your driving licence, a valid insurance certificate and, if appropriate, a valid MOT certificate. If you cannot, you may be asked to take them to a police station within seven days.

How the theory test asks about it

Questions typically ask what the minimum insurance is, when a car first needs an MOT, and what you must do when you sell a vehicle. Read the wording for "must" and "normally". The learner requirements in the same annex (L plates, supervision) are covered in our guide to lessons before the theory test. After a crash, reporting duties are in accidents and first aid.

Practise

Try the vehicle documentation questions in a practice test, and read the Highway Code rules. The free theorytest.ai diagnostic finds your weak topics. theorytest.ai is independent and is not affiliated with the DVSA or DVLA.

Frequently asked questions

When does a car need its first MOT?

By the third anniversary of its registration, according to gov.uk and Annex 3.

What is the minimum insurance to drive?

Third-party insurance, which covers injury or damage to others but not your own vehicle.

What is SORN?

A notification to DVLA that a vehicle is not being used on the road, required if you keep it untaxed.

What is a V5C?

The vehicle registration certificate, also called the log book, which gives the registered keeper's details.

What must you show if the police ask?

Your driving licence, a valid insurance certificate and, if appropriate, a valid MOT certificate.