So you want to buy a Car?

A car will give you immense freedom of movement and your life is transformed. Please be aware that you will need to know the rules of driving in the UK.

This website only gives you an overview and is not the final word on this subject. Please look at the DVLA website for more information. You also need to know the highway code

  1. Are you allowed to drive in the UK?
    • You are allowed to drive on an overseas license for up to one year from the time you enter the UK. You need an international license, which you must get from your home country.
  2. But I have 10 years driving experience and have never had an accident
    • I am sure you are the safest driver on the planet. However if you have an accident, if there is a case, you will need to self report yourself to the GMC particularly if you are found guilty. You may lose your GMC registration
    • If you drive without insurance that is a serious offence and you may not be covered if you misrepresent facts when purchasing insurance
  3. Where can I find more information?
  4. What do I need to consider when buying a car?
    • The Car –
      • You need a safe car that will keep you safe. Driving at 70 miles per hour on the motorway is lethal unless you are in a safe car.
      • You need a car with good history (not stolen, serviced and used well) – may be best to buy from a garage. You might otherwise get a car that is stolen, or has been written off after an accident and you wont know it.
    • Insurance
      • You need to disclose the state of your driving lisence, number of years you have had it and any accidents. You need the  insurance when you have an accident. The insurance company will search for details when you have one. If you had an accident that you have not disclosed, they may not cover you, leaving you thousands of pounds out of pocket
    • MOT – This is a yearly test required for you to ensure the car is roadworthy.
    • Road license £90n – £240 Depending on the car 
  5. Expenses
    1. Car – £5000 – £10000 – Check Parkers Guide
      • Depending on the Age and Brand
      • eg Nissan Micra 5 years old with good service history may cost about £3000,
      • Toyota Prius 10 years old £2000
    2. Insurance £2000 per year for the first year. It becomes cheaper as you have driving experience. Check for insurance quotes if you have decided on a car.
    3. Service £400
    4. MOT £45.00
    5. Road Tax £90 – £240
  6. Obey the rules and observe traffic as you go in the car. The UK is a very safe place to drive because people follow the rules. That means you must follow the rules as well. DO NOT ASSUME conventions
    1. eg flashing light means different things in different countries,
    2. honking the horn is very rare in the UK

Finally owning a car is a pleasure and gives you freedom. Use the freedom responsibly