Before driving a motor vehicle in the UK you must have valid motor insurance. If you have your own vehicle you will also need to pay vehicle tax. You can obtain a tax disk, which must be displayed on your windscreen at all times, at main post offices. Any motor vehicle over three years old also needs to have an annual MOT certificate (Ministry of Transport Certificate of roadworthiness). You must also have a valid driving licence for the UK.
There are three different types of insurance policies in the UK:
- Comprehensive (the fullest cover, including damage to your own vehicle)
- Third Party, Fire and Theft (as below, but also including fire damage and theft of your vehicle) or
- Third Party only (the minimum cover, including only damage to other vehicles).
The cost of motor insurance cover varies according to a number of factors, such as your age, how long you have been driving, where you are living, and the age, make and value of your car. Cost will also vary widely between different insurance companies for the same cover, so it is well worth shopping around to get the best deal.
Endsleigh Insurance specialise in motor insurance for students and have a branch on the Frenchay Campus, tel. (0117) 9654875. Your local telephone directory will list the full range of insurance companies across the region. It may also be worth finding out whether your bank or building society has a close link to a particular insurance company and has exclusive offers for their account holders.
The Highway Code, which is available from most UK bookshops and online, contains full details of all UK driving regulations and is essential reading for anyone planning to drive in the UK.
See also 'Do I need a special licence to drive a car or motorbike in the UK?' for more information on driving licences.