Useful legal information for motorists

Motoring information

This page provides you with some interesting general information about motoring in the UK, summarised by The Claims Connection legal team - UK based road accident compensation claims service.

Medical requirements:

You must tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if you have ever had, or currently suffer from a medical condition or disability that may affect your driving. The list of conditions that can apply to this rule is extremely lengthy and can be viewed here at the DVLA official site. The Secretary of State has appointed a number of Advisory Panels to provide expert advice on the medical standards required for safe driving. There are separate Panels covering the major medical conditions/disorders. The Panels consist of experts in their medical field and meet on a regular basis and will review the standards in the light of medical research and advancements in medical science.

Legal minimum ages for driving or riding a motor vehicle:

Mopeds with an engine capacity not exceeding 50cc and a maximum design speed not exceeding 50km/h - MIN AGE 16 years Any size motorcycle with or without a sidecar - MIN AGE 21 years Motor tricycles / quadricycles, 3 or 4 wheeled vehicles with an unladen weight not exceeding 550kg - MIN AGE 17 Years Motor vehicles with a MAM not exceeding 3500kg having not more than 8 passenger seats with a trailer up to 750kg. Combinations of towing vehicles in category B and a trailer, where the MAM of the combination does not exceed 3500kg and the MAM of the trailer does not exceed the unladen mass of the towing vehicle - MIN AGE 17 Years

Useful tips for purchasing a vehicle in the UK:

Advertising / Viewing - Be wary of any ads quoting a mobile phone only. Try and view the vehicle during daylight hours. Ensure that you have a test drive and that the seller of the vehicle is conversant / familiar with the controls and able to provide a clear history. If they are not - this might indicate a problem. Documentation - Never buy a vehicle without the Vehicle Registration Document being supplied. Do not accept any excuses for the sellers inability to supply this vital document. Be certain the seller has the right to conduct the sale Final checks - Have the vehicle inspected by an engineer or qualified professional. Make any checks on the previous history of the vehicle (HPI Check)    

UK Accident claim and personal injury compensation specialists - call 0800 0322210

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