8 minute read – Veygo https://www.veygo.com/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:14:06 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://www.veygo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cropped-Favicon_V1-a-32x32.png 8 minute read – Veygo https://www.veygo.com/ 32 32 The hardest and easiest UK driving test centres in 2025 https://www.veygo.com/learner-driver-insurance/guides/the-hardest-and-easiest-uk-driving-test-centres-in-2025/ https://www.veygo.com/learner-driver-insurance/guides/the-hardest-and-easiest-uk-driving-test-centres-in-2025/#respond Tue, 22 Jul 2025 13:47:36 +0000 https://www.veygo.com/?post_type=learner-article&p=27794 This 2025 driving test centre guide explores the easiest and hardest driving test centres across the UK, alongside useful guidance on how you can best prepare for your driving test.

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Passing your practical driving test is a major milestone, but did you know that your test centre can significantly impact your chances of success? Driving test pass rates in the UK vary widely depending on location, and in 2025, that trend continues to spark conversation among learner drivers. In this guide, we reveal the hardest and easiest driving test centres in the UK and explain why the difference matters to help learners make informed decisions.

What affects driving test pass rates?

Several key factors cause variance in pass rates between test centres:

  • Traffic volume and road complexity – Urban centres often pose more challenges.
  • Test route difficulty – Some routes include multiple roundabouts, steep hills or fast-moving dual carriageways.
  • Instructor quality and learner preparedness – Local driving schools and teaching methods can also influence results.
  • Demographic factors – Areas with younger test candidates may see lower pass rates.

Top 10 easiest driving test centres in the UK (2025)

Based on the latest DVSA statistics, here are the top ten test centres with the highest practical test pass rates:

Rank Test Centre Region Pass Rate
1 Inveraray Scotland 84.9%
2 Ballater Scotland 81.6%
3 Fraserburgh Scotland 78.3%
4 Pwllheli Wales 76.4%
5 Mallaig Scotland 75.7%
6 Llandrindod Wells Wales 74.3%
7 Ballymena Northern Ireland 73.1%
8 Kendal North West England 71.5%
9 Dorchester South West England 70.8%
10 Hexham North East England 69.9%

Common traits of easier test centres:

  • Low traffic volumes.
  • Rural or small-town locations.
  • Fewer complex junctions and multi-lane roundabouts.
  • Calm, slower-paced driving environment.

10 hardest driving test centres in the UK (2025)

These centres have the lowest pass rates, mostly due to complex road layouts, congestion, and urban traffic patterns.

Rank Test centre Region Pass rate
1 Erith London 31.2%
2 Birmingham (The Pavilion) West Midlands 33.5%
3 Belvedere London 34.9%
4 Bradford (Heaton) Yorkshire 35.6%
5 Coventry West Midlands 36.3%
6 Barking London 36.8%
7 Leicester (Cannock Street) East Midlands 37.1%
8 Nottingham (Colwick) East Midlands 38.5%
9 Glasgow (Shieldhall) Scotland 38.7%
10 Swansea Wales 39.2%

Why these centres are so challenging:

  • High volumes of traffic, especially during peak times.
  • Confusing roundabouts, flyovers, and traffic light systems.
  • Bus lanes, cycle lanes and tight urban spaces.
  • Frequent roadworks and diversions.

Should you choose a test centre based on pass rates?

It’s tempting to travel to a high-pass-rate centre to boost your odds, but it’s not always practical or wise:

  • Examiners expect local knowledge: you may struggle if you’re unfamiliar with the roads.
  • Long wait times are common at high-demand centres like Inveraray or Pwllheli.
  • Travel costs and logistics might outweigh any benefits.

Instead, focus on mastering your local test routes and becoming a confident, adaptable driver under all conditions.

Tips to boost your driving test success

  • Practise on real test routes where possible.
  • Take a mock test with a different instructor to simulate pressure.
  • Book a lesson right before your test to get into the zone.
  • Be honest about your weaknesses – roundabouts, parallel parking, or clutch control – and drill them.
  • Stay calm and breathe – most failures come from nerves, not lack of skill.
  • Get plenty of extra private practise with a family member or friend, outside of you driving lessons.

Conclusion: Drive where you know

While some areas in Scotland and Wales boast incredibly high pass rates, and major cities like London, Birmingham, and Glasgow struggle, your best chance lies in knowing your routes and being test-ready.

Make sure you put in the hours to become a confident and safe driver before you take your test. Use Veygo’s flexible learner insurance to get some extra practise with family members of friends.

Whether you’re preparing to book your first driving test or planning a retake, use the article to make informed decisions but always remember that good driving comes from confidence and skill, not just statistics.

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Driving without insurance https://www.veygo.com/guides/driving-without-insurance/ https://www.veygo.com/guides/driving-without-insurance/#respond Mon, 03 Jul 2023 14:03:02 +0000 https://www.veygo.com/?p=16643 It’s illegal to drive without insurance – and an extremely serious offence to do so. It’s also not uncommon for those with insurance to still be penalised for having the wrong details on their policy so, mistakes can also be costly.

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It’s illegal to drive without insurance – and an extremely serious offence to do so.

It’s also not uncommon for those with insurance to still be penalised for having the wrong details on their policy therefore mistakes can also be costly.

What are the penalties for driving without insurance?

The punishment for driving without insurance is a fixed penalty notice of £300. How many points you’ll incur will depend on the severity of the offence, but it’s usually between 6-8 points.

More severe instances of driving with no insurance – like repeat offences or those in conjunction with other offences like the vehicle having no MOT or not producing a valid driving licence – result in higher penalties.

Should the case reach a criminal court, penalties escalate. Offenders face an unlimited fine and can be disqualified from driving for a minimum of 28 days.

What is the maximum fine for driving without insurance?

There is no maximum fine for driving without insurance.

While the minimum fine for the offence is £300, if the case goes to a criminal court, there’s no upper limit to how high the fine can be.

How can the police tell if you’re driving without insurance?

The police can tell if you’re driving without insurance through number plate recognition.

Police vehicles are often equipped with ANPR cameras that read number plates and tell the officer if the car has valid insurance, MOT and vehicle tax.

If the police stop you on the roadside, they will often perform basic roadside checks. This involves taking a breath sample if they suspect drunk driving and conducting manual insurance checks.

So, just because you’re not caught on camera, doesn’t mean you aren’t still at risk.

Will driving without insurance result in a criminal record?

Driving without insurance is not punishable with prison time – so it won’t flag up as an offence on a criminal record.

However, it is an extremely serious offence and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Those found guilty of the offence still face potentially unlimited fines and driving bans, as well as additional fallout such as higher insurance premiums.

What to do if you’re hit by an uninsured driver

If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, contact your insurance company and the police immediately.

The unfortunate reality of being hit by an uninsured driver is that it’s the ones that abide by the law that are most affected.

If the accident was your fault, an uninsured driver can still claim for damages to their vehicle and personal injury – despite their offence.

If the accident was the fault of the uninsured driver, the entire cost of the claim for both parties is paid for by your insurance.

Luckily, organisations like the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) can help insured drivers claim back some of the money lost when they’ve been hit by an uninsured driver.

Does fully comprehensive insurance cover any car or vehicle you drive?

Fully comprehensive cover alone doesn’t cover you to drive any vehicle other than the one named on your policy.

However, those with fully comprehensive car insurance can opt to add ‘Driving Other Cars (DOC)’ cover to their policy. This lets them drive other roadworthy vehicles when they aren’t the named driver on the primary policy.

When don’t you need car insurance?

You don’t need to pay insurance on a car you’re not using.

If your car is declared as off the road with a V890 form – otherwise known as a Statutory Off-Road Notice (SORN) – you do not need to pay insurance premiums on that vehicle.

You can own a roadworthy car and not pay monthly or yearly premiums. However, you need to make sure that you are covered if you’re using the car on the road.

Temporary insurance policies are the perfect solution for those looking for a more affordable and flexible pay-as-you-go option as you only pay for what you need.

Don’t take the risk of driving without insurance. Get flexible and affordable temporary car insurance today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are ‘special reasons’ for driving without insurance?

There are no exceptions for driving without insurance. No matter the reason, driving without insurance is punishable by fines, bans and even court action.

If your car or vehicle is parked on the road but you’re not driving it, does it need to be insured?

If you’re going to leave a car parked on the road, it must be insured.

As a minimum, drivers must have third-party, fire and theft protection if their car causes damage to another while left on the road.

Am I able to drive on private land in an uninsured vehicle?

Yes, you can.

If the land cannot be accessed by the public – and you own the land – you don’t need any legal documentation to drive a vehicle on private land. However, as soon as you leave that land, even if it’s just for access or exit, you must have appropriate insurance.

Can I drive an uninsured car or van with my insurance?

If you have DOC cover, you can drive a car that’s not insured by any other party.

However, without DOC cover on your car insurance, you need to take out a new policy and be the named driver of the vehicle.

What happens if I get a court summons for driving without insurance?

If you have received a court summons for driving without a licence, there’s a higher likelihood that you’ll face a penalty more than the standard £300 and the 6 points on your licence.

Can I report someone for driving without insurance?

Yes, you can. In fact, it’s recommended that you do so.

If you suspect that someone is driving without insurance – or you know that they are – you should report it to the police as soon as possible.

Should I drive to an MOT without insurance?

No, you shouldn’t.

While there are exceptions for driving with no MOT – as long as the driver can prove they have an MOT test booked and that they are driving to the garage to have the work done – there are no exemptions for driving without insurance.

There is no link between having a valid MOT test and having insurance. To be able to drive legally, you need both.

Can you test drive a car or van without insurance?

In most instances, you can test drive a vehicle without insurance.

Many reputable garages and dealerships have special insurance policies that cover those that test drive vehicles should they get into accidents.

However, if you’re looking at buying a car or van from a private seller, you’ll still need appropriate cover – even if it’s temporary insurance.

Car insurance without the long-term cost

Looking to test drive a vehicle from a private seller, take a day trip or borrow a friend’s car? Veygo Temporary Car Insurance provides quick and convenient cover to get you on the road with peace of mind – and you only pay for what you need.

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Reversing around a corner & into a side road https://www.veygo.com/learner-driver-insurance/guides/how-to-reversing/ https://www.veygo.com/learner-driver-insurance/guides/how-to-reversing/#respond Wed, 25 Jan 2023 10:57:01 +0000 https://www.veygo.com/?post_type=learner-article&p=15138 While learning to drive you'll notice how comfortable you are with going forward, its easy, you can clearly see where you're going and turning the wheel makes total sense! So, let's try and make that the same with reversing, it doesn't have to be, let's get you reversing like an absolute pro!

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Reversing

When it comes to reversing, it’s considered an advanced driving technique that requires a certain level of skill and experience. It involves driving backwards and allows the driver to navigate through tight spaces and reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. Don’t worry, as daunting as it sounds it can be learned! So, in this article, we will cover the basics of reversing, reversing around a corner, and making a turn in the road while driving.

The basics

First, let’s discuss the basics of reversing. To begin, make sure you are in the clear and have good visibility. When you are ready, take your time and slowly begin to crawl backwards. When reading this we hope you’ve already learned to go forward, so it’ll be the same controls, but for those of you who haven’t started driving check out this guide on controlling the car.

Reversing around a corner

As you become more comfortable with reversing, you can begin to experiment with different speeds and techniques. For example, rather than reversing in just a straight line, you can move onto reversing around a corner.

Reversing around a corner is a bit more challenging. When reversing around a corner, it is important to maintain control of your speed and direction.

To make the turn signal to indicate that you will be reversing. Use your right indicator if you are reversing to the right, and your left indicator if you are reversing to the left. Check your mirrors and look over your shoulder to make sure the area behind you is clear. Slowly begin reversing, turning your steering wheel in the direction of the turn you want to make. Keep your eyes moving, looking back and forth between your mirrors and the corner. Adjust your speed and steering as needed to make the turn smoothly. Once you have completed the turn, check your mirrors and look over your shoulder again to make sure the area behind you is clear before moving forward. Remember to always give way to pedestrians and other vehicles.

Turn in the road

Making a turn in the road while reversing is similar to reversing around a corner. The key difference is that you will be making a turn while moving forward.

Before making a 3-point turn, use your indicator to signal to other drivers that you intend to change direction. Position your vehicle on the left-hand side of the road, as close to the side as possible. Reverse your vehicle until the back of it is level with the front of the oncoming vehicle, or as close as possible. Check your mirrors and over your shoulder to make sure that it is safe to make the turn. Look out for pedestrians, bicycles, and other vehicles. Turn the steering wheel fully to the right, and move forward into the road that you wish to turn into. Position your vehicle on the left-hand side of the road, as close to the side as possible, ready to move forward. Check your mirrors and over your shoulder again to make sure it is safe to continue. Remember to cancel your signal after completing the turn.

Let’s think about it, reversing is something you’re going to pick up along your driving journey, it may not be instant, but with enough practice there’s nothing to worry about. By following the tips discussed in this article, you can learn how to safely and effectively reverse, reverse around a corner, and make a turn in the road while driving. Remember to always practice in a safe and controlled environment, and to work with a qualified instructor if you are unsure about any aspect of reversing.

As mentioned, getting in the practice is key, and here at Veygo we find the best way to practice outside your driving lessons is to grab some of our learner driver insurance and hope in a friend or family member’s car and get practising!

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Students: What to expect in freshers week https://www.veygo.com/temporary-car-insurance/guides/students-freshers-week/ https://www.veygo.com/temporary-car-insurance/guides/students-freshers-week/#respond Wed, 05 Oct 2022 13:10:32 +0000 https://www.veygo.com/?post_type=temp-article&p=13157 It's that time of year, again. Freshers begin university, students return, and you're looking for a quick guide on what to do during this chaotic time!

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So you’ve just got accepted into your uni, you’ve sorted out which halls, or house you’ll be living in and you’ve brought everything you could think to pack with you.

You think you’ve got over the hurdle of sorting uni out, but guess what, there’s more to do… But don’t worry, this part can be considered the fun part, you get to actually move in, not just get dropped to uni and sort your accommodation keys out.

Moving in & making it your own

Once you’ve unpacked and moved into the new accommodation you’re now tasked with sorting everything out and finding what works for you. Setting up your desk, your plants, your bed, bathroom, getting first dibs on the best cupboards in the shared kitchen, there’s plenty to do!

The best part about this is that for most people this is the first time living away from home, so despite that strange “now what?” feeling after you’ve been left to your own devices you get to live your way!

Getting all of your things up to uni can be a hassle, like lugging everything on the train can be a massive pain, why not borrow a car for a day or two to get your stuff up there. Veygo’s temporary car insurance can make moving that much easier!

Shopping

Once you’ve got the gaff set up, the next thing you’ll have to do is shopping, this falls into two categories; food and home. Obviously you’ll need to do a food shop as you have to eat something at some point. But also, it’s inevitable, you’ll have missed something off your list, or realised you could do with a specific item to improve your set up. it’s nearly guaranteed as you wont know exactly what your accommodation will be like.

Now for those of you who consider yourself a master tactician, before your parents go, you’ll get them to take you food shopping, and hopefully the guilt of you leaving you will make them pay for your first “big shop”. This is where you take advantage and get all the items your student budget won’t allow you to get!

Two things are crucial when you get your first shop in, make sure you plan what you’re buying, not only will this make sure that you have enough food in the fridge, but it’s also a great way to make sure you’re not over spending. Despite all of them tempting clubcard offers!

The home shop is something that is definitely more fun than the food shop, and again, depending on how long your parents have stuck around for, then it could be a good idea to take them with you to help out buying those last couple of things you need. For this, you get to do the infamous Ikea trip, meaning that hour-long walk around looking at anything and everything you don’t need until you eventually find something you could actually do with having.

Get a parking permit

If you do happen to drive to uni and plan to have your car there, then getting a parking permit is a great idea to keep your car close. They’re usually quite affordable and means you don’t have to drive down every side street in the country just to find a free parking space.

However, if you aren’t bringing your car don’t forget to SORN your car, this will help prevent you getting any extra charges on your car if you have no intention of using it whilst at university.

Finally, if you don’t bring your car to uni, it may be a good idea to cancel your insurance anyways, so that when you go home, you can just borrow a parents car and use some trusty Veygo temporary insurance so you can drive about as and when you need to.

Get to know your housemates

You’re going to be living with these people for the next year so it’s a good idea to get to know them! It’s pretty simple, smile, ask questions, and just don’t be afraid to speak to everyone. All the people you meet are in the same boat and looking to make friends so don’t worry!

Housemates are the best place to start making friends as you’re living with them and it’s likely they’re the first people you’re going to meet. The quicker you get to know your housemates the better off you’ll be.

Getting to know them can be really simple, you can ask them if they want to go out and explore the town and campus, organise flat nights-in early on, and even a night out with just your flat (what better way to overshare than drinking games!).

Once you’ve become solid with them, it’s time to start exploring, get about and see what’s out there!

Explore the campus

This is an important one, because it’s very likely you’re new to the area and will need to get your bearings right. There’s a few things on the priority list.

  1. Find your lecture halls and seminar rooms, although it feels like there’s ample time for this, just get it out the way, because once you’ve got that ticket off then you can do any other exploring.
  2. It’s a good idea to find your Student Union, by doing this you get to hit two birds with one stone, finding the SU and it’s likely to be holding some kind of fair for freshers. This will help you to find any clubs or societies that you’ll be interested in (a great way to make friends and get yourself about.) and it’s likely to be a useful hub for information around uni.
  3. The local town, this isn’t super important, but this should hopefully provide you with a place to go explore on the quiet days and if you ever need anything. Also it’s typically here you’re going to find all the nightclubs and places to explore for freshers events (also a great way to find friends, or get to know current housemates on a new, messy level!)

Getting yourself together

Once you’ve finally done most of the above, it’ll be time to actually start thinking about the learning side of things, after all you are there to get your degree. By this point you’ll probably have received/collected enough information that you can start getting organised.

It’s time to get your timetable together, find out your exact lecture theatres, and what buildings your seminars will be in. Doing this just gives you the head start on finding your buildings and helps you to know what times you’ll need to be leaving in the mornings, just creating less stress for yourself.

It’s also a good idea to try and get ahead of any reading you can, most universities will give you a required reading list ahead of time so that you can go out there and find the books you’ll be needing to get through, throughout the year, so whenever you find yourself with some downtime in freshers, it can give you something to do.

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Cheap car insurance for young drivers https://www.veygo.com/temporary-car-insurance/guides/cheap-car-insurance-for-young-drivers/ https://www.veygo.com/temporary-car-insurance/guides/cheap-car-insurance-for-young-drivers/#respond Wed, 25 May 2022 16:59:44 +0000 https://www.veygo.com/?post_type=temp-article&p=11436 If you’re a young driver looking for cheap temporary car insurance - or just want to find out more about getting cheap car insurance for new drivers - read on...

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Cheap Car Insurance for Young Drivers

Learning to drive at a young age is super exciting, it’s your first chance at real independence and freedom. You should be excited, and rightly so… you’re able to go where you want and do what you want! Drive-thrus, lifts, trips, and chilling with your friends.

However, it’s pretty common knowledge that getting insurance on a car at a younger age or when you first pass is a nightmare. It never seems cheap. Getting the right policy is essential!

So don’t let the buzz and excitement of learning to drive and passing your test be killed by pesky insurance. Hopefully here at Veygo we can keep the excitement alive and with some useful pointers – get you on the road!

Comparing cheap insurance for new drivers

When looking for cheap car insurance for young or new drivers. It’s important that you don’t just jump to the first site that pops into your mind and settle with them (Unless it’s Veygo of course). Landing on the wrong site and it could end up costing you hundreds of pounds. You may not even get the best temp cover for you. Slow down, and make it one of your main focuses after passing your test to set some time aside to compare which insurance is best for young drivers.

A good place to start would simply be searching for ‘cheap car insurance for young drivers’. By doing this, you’re likely to find a site that will do the comparisons for you. However, comparison sites aren’t always the best place to look, as not all insurance companies can be found on them. While comparison sites are a good start, make sure you know how to use them properly: using multiple sites, take notes, and make sure you do your own research.. then use the comparison sites as a guide. This is a good way to make sure you don’t miss any cheap insurance companies.

Martin Lewis explains cheap car insurance really well to help you understand it more. It’s also important that you’re looking for the correct insurance. For instance, you may want to go independent and get your own fully comprehensive insurance policy. But if you’re going to be using another car whilst shopping for your own, then temporary insurance will likely be best suited for you.

Find out more about comparing temporary car insurance here.

What is third party insurance

Third party insurance may seem like a quick solution to get cheap car insurance for young drivers, as it doesn’t cover as much as a fully comprehensive policy, therefore it should be less expensive… right?

Actually, you may well find third-party only (TPO) insurance isn’t a cheaper way to get car insurance for younger drivers. These policies can be more expensive than comprehensive car insurance, because insurance companies have found that those who take them out are at higher risk of having an accident.

Before going for what may seem to be the cheapest option, compare different types of policy to make sure! Also, if you can’t afford to repair or replace your car if you have an accident, getting a TPO policy is likely to be a false economy.

What is temporary car insurance?

This is a brilliant way to get cheap car insurance for first-time drivers, as you only need to be insured as and when you’re using the car.

For example, when you first pass, you may be looking to drive your parents’ car for a few weeks, or a couple of months. Being put on their policy as a named driver risks their no-claims bonus (NCB). Plus you might not know how long it’ll take to shop for a car of your own.

Veygo offers a temporary car insurance policy that is separate from the main policy. This is the handy answer to using your folks’ car with zero effect on their NCB should anything happen.

Student life is another example. Let’s say you leave your car at home while you travel off to university or college. This would then mean you’ve got a car with either; insurance that you’re not using and paying for, or a car with no insurance. Buying temporary car insurance solves this as when you come home from college or uni – you’re able to buy insurance for the specific time you’re home, from as little as an hour, and it’ll be finished by the time you go back, and you won’t be paying a penny more than you need to!

For those who are leaving their car for certain periods of time, don’t forget to SORN it. Check out everything you need to know about SORNing your car.

To find out what is and isn’t covered by Veygo’s insurance policies, please read our product information document and our policy booklet

Cars with cheap insurance for young drivers

If you’re searching for cheap car insurance for first-time drivers, you’ll notice a big difference when it comes to types of cars. Bigger and faster cars definitely fall into the higher category for newer and younger drivers’ insurance. If you’re looking for cheap car insurance for young drivers, then it’s fair to say that it’s unlikely that you’ll be looking to spend loads on a newer, bigger car anyways.

When looking for your first car, look for something with a smaller engine, as this is likely to mean lower emissions, less fuel needed, and cheaper tax. Overall, cars with smaller engines will mean lower running costs… Not to mention a lower price for insurance.

Check out The cheapest ways to buy a car to see which cars fall into the best insurance groups, and what to look out for to get a car in the cheapest insurance groups.

Also you can tap up Parkers, the car valuation pros. Check out Parkers’ car insurance group checker here.

Tips for cheap young driver insurance

Being totally real, no matter which way you go about it, you’re unlikely to find very cheap car insurance. Plus it’s going to be expensive in comparison to someone who’s been driving for a long time. It’s really about finding the deal that best suits you, so here are a few tips to think about when looking for cheap car insurance for young drivers:

  • Be with someone who’s applied for car insurance before and let them help you. You can learn from their previous mistakes and use their experience to your advantage.
  • Look into a black box (telematics) policy. This is among the most common ways to lower your insurance, by fully monitoring your quality of driving, and mileage. A lot of young drivers may be put off by a black box, but in reality if you’re driving safely then it shouldn’t be any inconvenience to you.
  • A good thing to look out for with a black box is that some offer discounts for good driving. The initial price of the insurance could potentially be lowered every month if you show good etiquette and behaviour on the road, while staying within your mileage allowance.
  • Adding extra security to your car may also help to reduce the cost, as it puts your car at much less risk. This could include buying additional security features, or having a designated place to park your car – like a driveway off the road or a garage.
  • As mentioned, the type of car you drive can make a big difference. To find the cheapest car insurance for young drivers, you’re going to want a sensible car – in other words, a car with a smaller engine and good safety features. If it’s your first car, don’t worry too much about getting something too flashy. The first one is just to learn how to drive properly by yourself on the roads. So if by some chance you get a small bump or scratch, it won’t be the end of the world, and shouldn’t have too much effect on you or your car.
  • Whatever car you end up buying, make sure that you try to keep it to how it originally came from the manufacturer. Making certain modifications can result in increased insurance prices, as they can be deemed high risk. In other words, no modding!
  • Consider a one-time payment, if you can. Paying the full price of your insurance will usually, if not always, be cheaper than paying it monthly. So if you can pay it in one, it’s likely to save you money on your car insurance overall.
  • Then – the classic – get your parents or an experienced driver named on the policy, as this is the good old way to bring down the cost of car insurance.
  • Look into any additional courses that may help to bring the cost down. Check with your insurance provider before signing up to the course though, as they may not accept it.

Why is car insurance more expensive for younger drivers?

It’s purely down to the numbers. It’s proven statistically that younger drivers will get into collisions and accidents more often than drivers with greater experience. So given that younger drivers on average pose a higher risk to insurance, this pushes up the price.

Why are some cars cheaper to insure than others?

There are a number of factors that affect insurance price on cars. For example, the initial cost of the vehicle. So the more expensive the car is, the more the insurance might be. However, this isn’t a hard and fast rule. Another important factor is how safe the car is. If a car’s cheap but at high risk of being involved in an accident, then its insurance is likely to be higher than the price tag suggests.

Other factors include the cost of repairs and parts, how the car performs, and the car’s safety and security features.

Who’s considered a young driver?

The typical age bracket to be considered a young driver is between 17 and 24 years old. But don’t worry… The more years you drive, and the more years’ no-claims you build up, the cheaper your insurance should get!

So, as mentioned, if you’re looking for cheap car insurance, get a quote on our temporary insurance from 1 hour to 90 days!

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Temporary van insurance – Cover from 1 day https://www.veygo.com/temporary-car-insurance/guides/temporary-van-insurance/ https://www.veygo.com/temporary-car-insurance/guides/temporary-van-insurance/#respond Wed, 27 Apr 2022 16:19:00 +0000 https://www.veygo.com/?post_type=temp-article&p=11170 What is temporary van insurance? Temporary van insurance is a simple solution to using a van for a limited period of time. As not everyone drives a van or has immediate access to one, a lot of people may need to hire...

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What is temporary van insurance?

Temporary van insurance is a simple solution to using a van for a limited period of time. As not everyone drives a van or has immediate access to one, a lot of people may need to hire one, or borrow one from a friend. This will then lead to needing insurance in case anything goes wrong. So temporary can mean several things, an hour, a day, a week, or even a month, and even short term! The list can go on. So the idea of getting temporary van insurance will be to save cost on getting a full policy (while being fully comprehensive) and needing to cancel at the end, it’s really there for your convenience.

When would you need temporary van insurance?

Moving/Removing furniture – Everyone knows the fuss and the hassle it is to move furniture, and how much more effort it can become when you don’t have the most convenient means to transport it around. However, the experience can be made much better by having the suitable transport for moving it, like having your own van.. So, whichever way you’ve obtained the van you’re going to need some cover for it, and that’s exactly why we provide van insurance cover for as little as an hour so no matter how long you’ll be using the van, you’re covered.

Sports – Some sports do require larger equipment, surfboards, mountain bikes, skis, snowboards, and even fishing. Typically these kinds of sports are generally held as events and aren’t usually local and will require some travel, this can mean a few hours or even a few days, so you shouldn’t miss out just because getting insurance on your van was an issue!

Building – You may not be the usual designated van driver and are having to take over for a certain amount of time, or perhaps you’re doing something to your home, like renovating a room or the entire house.. Whatever reason it may be that you’re building or constructing, you’re going to need that van insurance and that is where we can offer you it for the time that suits you best.

Borrowing – This covers all of the above plus more! When borrowing a van in the UK you’re going to need insurance to avoid any complications, so whatever your needs are, make sure you’re insured!

Why sign up for temporary van insurance?

  1. Quicker, getting temporary van insurance can be much faster than sorting out a full policy for van insurance.
  2. Pay for what you get, you don’t have to worry about overpaying for a full policy when buying temporary van insurance as you only pay for the time you’ll be using the van.
  3. Zero cancellation fees, you don’t have to worry and stress about cancelling the policy as temporary van insurance is purchased with an end in mind.
  4. More affordable, not having to pay for a full year or have a pesky cancellation fee means less payments down the line.
  5. Your own policy, signing up to your own policy means that in the unfortunate event of having to make a claim whilst using someone else’s van, this still leaves them with their no claims bonus intact. This is due to it being a separate policy to theirs so any actions made by you only affect you.

So, what vans do we cover with temporary van insurance?

So, Veygo as a whole does cheap temporary insurance and learner insurance, so when it comes to vans, it’s typically the vans with a shorter wheelbase, anything that isn’t super big and that drives similarly to a car, to give an example of what kinds of van we insure (with a few exceptions);

  1. Vauxhall Combo
  2. Citroen Berlingo
  3. Peugeot Partner
  4. Mercedes Citan
  5. Vauxhall Corsa
  6. Renault Kangoo
  7. Citroen Nemo
  8. Fiat Doblo

As you can see there is a trend with the kind of van that gets insured, all smaller and have that car look to them. If you’re unsure of which type of van you’re trying to insure and need a guide helping you to distinguish a long wheel base vs a short wheel base Mercedes offer a great article.

What isn’t covered with our temporary van insurance?

So as it is typically shorter wheelbase vans that are covered this doesn’t usually include larger vans with a longer wheelbase, these kinds of vans are usually associated with people who use their vans daily, typically tradesmen. When thinking of a van with a longer wheelbase think of vans similar to the Mercedes Sprinter, using this as a guide it will give you an idea of larger vans. For an idea of what else isn’t covered by our policy here are some things listed:

  1. Wear and tear, in the generic sense
  2. Driving without a Licence
  3. Driving under the Influence, any damages or injuries caused whilst under the influence, or reckless driving
  4. Intentional and reckless damage
  5. Merchandise delivery
  6. Hire and reward, this is when your car is used in money making i.e. renting out the car, or using it like a taxi
  7. Dual insurance, we will not pay a claim if any loss, damage or liability covered under this policy is also covered by any other insurance policy
  8. Modifications
  9. Racing
  10. Personal Belongings
  11. Unauthorised use
  12. Mis-fuelling
  13. Poor security

Tool cover – For personal tools/belongings we’ll cover you up to £150, however, if the tools are used in connection to a trade or a business then you won’t be covered unfortunately.

To find out the full dos and don’ts that we actually cover in our temporary insurance please look at the following: Product Information Document | Policy Booklet

As a growing company Veygo may not be able to provide insurance for your van, so head over to Admiral van insurance as it is very likely they’re able to provide you with what you’re looking for!

What is a car derived van or dual purpose vehicle?

‘car-derived van’ means a goods vehicle which is constructed or adapted as a derivative of a passenger vehicle and which has a maximum laden weight not exceeding 2 tonnes.’

What does a car derived van look like?

Typically it will look similar to a car in size and model, but will have some more defining features such as:

  1. No rear seats, seatbelts or their mountings.
  2. It will have a payload area with a floor panel in the back of the van.
  3. No side windows in the back, or if it does have side windows they’ll usually be filled in (opaque and fixed, unable to see through.)

Can I get van insurance for 1 day?

Yes, you are able to purchase short term van cover from as little as 1 hour!

Van speed limits

Car derived vans are the only light commercial (goods) vehicles which are subject to the same speed limits as a car.

  1. 50mph on single carriageways.
  2. 60mph on dual carriageways.
  3. 70mph on motorways.

What to do if you think your vehicle has been incorrectly registered?

If you think your vehicle is a car derived van and isn’t registered as such then:

  1. Check with the dealer, this is for new vehicles
  2. For older vehicles check with the manufacturer
  3. However, if you’re driving what you believe to be a car derived van but it’s registered asa goods vehicle (not a car derived van) then you should stick to the lower speed limits assigned to goods vehicles which are defined by exceeding 2 tones when fully loaded and has doesn’t fit criteria of a car derived van. Check the speed limits here.

What about dual purpose vehicles?

A dual purpose vehicle is a vehicle constructed or adapted for the carriage both of passengers and of goods and designed to weigh no more than 2,040 kg when unladen, and is either one:

  1. Constructed or adapted so that the driving power of the engine is, or can be selected to be, transmitted to all wheels of the vehicle.
  2. Permanently fitted with a rigid roof, at least one row of transverse passenger seats to the rear of the driver’s seat and will have side and rear windows – there must also be a minimum ratio between the size of passenger and stowage areas.

For full details of car derived vans and dual purpose vehicles visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/car-derived-vans-and-dual-purpose-vehicles/car-derived-vans-and-dual-purpose-vehicles

Do I need van insurance to drive a work van?

Yes, no matter what you’re using your van for you’re going to need insurance to drive it on public spaces and roads.

Who can use temporary van insurance ?

Anyone over the age of 17 up to the age of 75 with a full driving licence, although between 17 and 21 you need have held your full driving licence for at least 6months, if insuring your own car, this doesn’t apply if borrowing a car.

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Highway code changes https://www.veygo.com/temporary-car-insurance/guides/highway-code-changes/ https://www.veygo.com/temporary-car-insurance/guides/highway-code-changes/#respond Wed, 09 Mar 2022 17:54:29 +0000 https://www.veygo.com/?post_type=temp-article&p=10925 If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’re wondering what the new highway code changes are, well so are a lot of other people. On the 29th of January 2022 there were some 50 changes to the highway code that have caused...

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If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’re wondering what the new highway code changes are, well so are a lot of other people. On the 29th of January 2022 there were some 50 changes to the highway code that have caused some discussion in the media and on social channels, so we thought it would be good to take a look at 4 of these changes.

What are the new changes to the highway code

Whether you’ve already passed your test or you’re a learner driver looking to take your theory test these new changes are important, and not just from a driving point of view. Below we’ll cover 4 of these new changes and how they may affect you out on the roads…

1. The dutch reach

The dutch reach was actually something we highlighted last year as a great way to protect cyclists out on the road. This is guidance rather than law, but with more and more cyclists on the road, a slightly different way of opening the door could save people getting seriously insured, and savings on your insurance costs going up.

What is the dutch reach?

Step 1: Reach
Reach across to your car door handle with the hand that is furthest away from the door.

Step 2: Swivel
Reaching across with your arm will force you to swivel your body so you can look into your rear view mirror and out the side of your window.

Step 3: Look back
Look over your shoulder to see if there is any oncoming traffic.

Step 4: Open slowly
Once you’ve checked the road is clear, slowly open your car door and step out facing the traffic.

Want to know more about what it is and where it comes from. Well, you’re in luck as you can read all about the dutch reach here.

2. Ban on use of mobile phones

It was already illegal to hold a phone or sat nav while driving. But with the new changes, drivers will now also be banned from taking pictures and videos, scrolling through playlists or playing games. Makes sense! We’ve also covered the questions most people have…

Can I still use a phone hands free?

Yes, you can if you’re using…

  • A Bluetooth headset
  • Voice command
  • A dashboard holder or mat
  • A windscreen mount
  • A built-in sat nav

Can I use my phone if the car has stopped?

No, not if you’re…

  • Stopped at traffic lights
  • Queuing in traffic
  • Supervising a learner driver

That said, there have been questions around paying for food at drive-thrus like McDonalds, KFC… you know the ones. In this instance, if the car is at a window and is ‘stationary’ you are allowed to use your phone to pay for those chips!

When can I use a hand held phone?

You can use a hand-held phone if…

  • you’re safely parked
  • you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop

What fine would I get if caught using a phone while driving?

You could land yourself with 6 penalty points and a £200 fine if you use a hand-held phone
when driving. Don’t forget you can also get points on a provisional licence when learning to drive! This will also affect your insurance costs for up to 5 years. These come into effect on 25th March 2022

3. Priority at junctions

Up until now if say a car was turning left (unless there was a zebra crossing or set of traffic lights giving priority to the pedestrian) the car was free to make the turn, but now this has changed to give priority to the more vulnerable. The rule says: “At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.”
According to the highway code this should make things clear for…

  • When people are crossing or waiting to cross at a junction, other traffic should give way
  • If people have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road, the people crossing have priority and the traffic should give way
  • People driving, riding a motorcycle or cycling must give way to people on a zebra crossing and people walking and cycling on a parallel crossing
  • A parallel crossing is similar to a zebra crossing, but includes a cycle route alongside the black and white stripes.

4. Hierarchy of road users

The last of our 4 on this article. Like we said at the top, it’s important for learner drivers to make sure they are aware of all these new rules before taking a theory or practical test. If you need any other tips on how to pass your driving test first time we’ve got you covered. The introduction section of The Highway Code has been updated to include 3 new rules about the new ‘hierarchy of road users’.

It’s important that all road users:

  • Are aware of The Highway Code
  • Are considerate to other road users
  • Understand their responsibility for the safety of others

Learner driver insurance

If you want to pass your driving test, why not consider private practice? Just make sure you’re insured before getting behind the wheel.

Our learner driver insurance lets you practice in a friend or family member’s car from 1 hour right up to 180 days. They don’t need to worry about their annual policy, because with Veygo, the owner’s no claims bonus is completely protected. Get a quote

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Compare temporary car insurance https://www.veygo.com/temporary-car-insurance/guides/compare-temporary-car-insurance/ https://www.veygo.com/temporary-car-insurance/guides/compare-temporary-car-insurance/#respond Sun, 13 Feb 2022 18:22:39 +0000 https://www.veygo.com/?post_type=temp-article&p=10798 How to compare temporary car insurance Temporary car insurance can be helpful for loads of different occasions; whether you’re borrowing a car from somebody else or picking up short-term insurance for your own car. With a number of different options out there,...

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How to compare temporary car insurance

Temporary car insurance can be helpful for loads of different occasions; whether you’re borrowing a car from somebody else or picking up short-term insurance for your own car.

With a number of different options out there, it can be hard to know how to decide on which company to go with. We’re going to cut through the insurance jargon and run through how to compare temporary car insurance.

Comparing temporary insurance: can you book in advance?

It’s great being able to pick up insurance when you need it and hit the road straight away.

But if you love to plan ahead, you may want the option to book in advance. Some temporary insurers don’t allow you to book in advance so it’s worth checking out before you decide on the best temporary insurance for you. With our short-term insurance you can choose to buy the moment you need it, or you can book cover in advance.

Which temporary insurance has driving curfews?

Some temporary insurers will have curfews in place meaning you can’t drive late at night.

The devil is in the details, so it’s worth checking all the insurance policy information before deciding on the best temporary insurance for you.

With our temporary cover, there’s no curfew on insurance policies that are 24 hours or more. That means you’re free to drive whatever time you’d like. Go on, go and enjoy that late night drive-through.

Cancellation and refund policies

Sometimes, things don’t go to plan and you may end up wanting to cancel your temporary insurance. It’s a good idea to check the FAQs of different temporary insurers to find out their cancellation policies.

With our temporary car insurance for example, if your policy hasn’t started yet, you can easily log into your account to cancel and get a full refund. If you’ve started your policy we’ll recalculate the price based on a shorter policy and refund the difference.

Check out our Help Centre for more information.

With Cuvva, you won’t be able to get a refund your temporary cover. With Temp Cover, you can’t get a refund if your policy is less than 30 days. If your policy is more than 30 days, they’ll refund the premium paid minus a pro rata refund and the administration fee of £15. With Adrian Flux, you won’t be able to get a refund on your temporary cover.

learner driver insurance, temporary car insurance, short term cover, insurance refund policy

Temporary car insurance excess

Car insurance excess is the amount you’d have to pay towards a claim you make on your insurance policy, or the amount that’s held back by your insurance company. If you choose a higher car insurance excess, the price of your insurance is likely to be lower; but you’ll have to pay out more if you end up having to make a claim. Check out our guide to car insurance excess for more information.

Some people prefer a higher excess, while others would prefer to choose a lower excess. Whatever your preference, it’s a good idea to check insurance policy details and make sure you get what you’re after from your temporary cover.

Our accidental damage excess is set at £750 and some customers can choose a lower excess of £250 depending on some general information about you and your car.

With Cuvva and Temp Cover excess is variable depending on your quote.

learner driver insurance, temporary car insurance, short term cover, insurance excess

Temporary insurance durations

How long do you need temporary insurance? If you just need to pop out quickly, you might only need insurance for an hour. Not all temporary insurers offer hourly insurance so it’s worth checking out your options as you don’t want to be overpaying for something you may not even potentially use, finding the best time frame for your needs could lead to a cheaper insurance policy . Similarly, you may want to get monthly insurance if you need the car for a bit longer.

Veygo temporary insurance is available from as little as 1 hour up to 60 days.

Cuvva temporary insurance is available from 1 hour up to 28 days; or they offer subscription cover where you pay monthly.

Temp Cover temporary insurance is available from 1 hour up to 3 months.

Adrian Flux temporary insurance is available from 1 day up to 3 months.

learner driver insurance, temporary car insurance, short term cover, insurance policy duration

What are the restrictions?

Every temporary insurance company will have different rules about who they’ll actually insure. Generally this will include restrictions on your age and the age or value of your car. For example, a lot of temporary insurers won’t cover anyone under 21 years old.

With our temporary insurance, we cover people who are 17 years old or older to borrow someone else’s car. If you’re getting insurance on your own car and you’re between 17 and 21, you’ll need to have held your license for at least 6 months. We also don’t insure cars that are more than 30 years old, so if you’ve got a bit of a golden oldie, you’ll have to go elsewhere.

At Cuvva, they’ll insure people who are 19 years or older, but if you’re under 21 you’ll need to have held your license for a full year. They don’t insure cars that are more than 20 years old or worth more than £40,000.

At Temp Cover, they’ll insure people who are 17 years or older, as long as you’ve held your licence for at least 6 months. They don’t insure cars that are worth more than £65,000 or less than £800.

At Adrian Flux, they’ll insure people who are 21 years or older with temporary insurance. They don’t insure cars that are worth more than £25,000.

learner driver insurance, temporary car insurance, short term cover, compare temporary car insurance

Customer service

It’s important to know that you’ll be well looked after by your insurance company if you have an issue with your account or need to make a claim. You can check Reevoo reviews to see how other customers rate the customer service for different temporary car insurance brands. For example with our temporary insurance, 91% of people say enquiries are handled effectively.

It’s also a good idea to compare the different options for contacting customer support. For example, we’re available Monday to Friday via our email address, social media accounts and a live chat. We also have a Help Centre with loads of useful articles to help answer your questions.

Click here to find out more about how to contact us.

No impact on the owner’s no claims bonus

With most temporary insurance companies, if you’re borrowing a car from someone and need to make a claim, it won’t impact the owner’s no claims bonus. Amazing!

However, it’s always worth double checking how the insurance policy will impact the owner before deciding on who to go with.

So, thinking ahead, make sure you get cover that best suits you, as later down the line this could be the leading factor to cheap temporary cover!

Finding the cheapest temporary car insurance

There are lots of things to consider when it comes to finding cheap short-term insurance. But we know that for most people, the price will be a deal breaker.

The cost of insurance varies depending on lots of different factors and every temporary insurer will have a different way of calculating your price. There are some price comparison websites for temporary insurance.

However, it’s not going to have all potential options so you may be missing out on the cheapest temporary car insurance for you.

Your best bet is to get a list of short-term insurance brands that you trust and get a quote from each one. With our temporary insurance, you can get a quote in minutes to find out exactly how much it will cost you.

What’s the best temporary car insurance?

So, it all depends on what you’re looking for. We hope we’ve helped you with how to compare temporary car insurance so you can choose the best option for you. Happy driving!

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The complete MOT guide every driver should know https://www.veygo.com/temporary-car-insurance/guides/mot-check/ https://www.veygo.com/temporary-car-insurance/guides/mot-check/#respond Tue, 06 Jul 2021 15:13:26 +0000 https://www.veygo.com/?post_type=temp-article&p=8665 Answering your FAQs on the MOT test...

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An MOT is an annual test that checks your car is safe, legally roadworthy and meets all the latest environmental standards. Getting your car’s MOT test sorted is one of those responsibilities that comes with owning a car that can seem a bit daunting. To help you understand what’s involved, we’ve pulled together the ultimate MOT checklist.

What does MOT stand for?

MOT stands for Ministry of Transport. The Ministry of Transport was the government department that set up the test back in 1960. While the department no longer exists, the purpose of MOTs remains the same; to check whether or not cars are safe to drive on the roads. It’s now done in line with the latest rules and regulations of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

What cars are MOT exempt?

Some classic cars are MOT exempt. If your car was registered more than 40 years ago and no substantial changes have been made to it over the last 30 years, you’re exempt from MOT. However, your car still needs to be roadworthy, and you can choose to take your car for an MOT.

When is my MOT due?

You’ll need to get an MOT three years after the date of your car’s registration. After that date, it needs to be retested every year on the date of the last MOT test. You can be fined up to £1000 for driving a vehicle without an MOT, so it’s not a date you want to forget.

Most garages will send you a handy reminder to let you know your MOT date is coming up. If you’re unsure on how to find out when your MOT is due, you can visit the government website to check your MOT history:

  • Head to https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history
  • Click start now and enter your car’s registration number plate
  • Press continue and you’ll be taken to a page that tells you the date your car was registered and when your latest MOT is valid until
  • Click MOT history to find out any previous fails or problems

How long does an MOT take?

On average an MOT test takes around 60 minutes. However, if your car fails its MOT and needs repairs it will take longer. You can usually wait at the garage while your car gets its MOT, or you can drop it off and the garage will call you when it’s ready to collect.

How much does an MOT cost?

The cost of an MOT depends on the type of car you’re driving and which MOT test centre you choose to go to. However, there’s a limit in place by the DVSA so the maximum an MOT should cost for a car is £54.85.

What is checked on an MOT?

Here’s a checklist of all the key elements that will be checked during your MOT test. Make sure everything on it is in good working condition to avoid any problems. Also, fix any issues you find beforehand to increase the chances of passing the inspection.

1. Body, vehicle structure and general items

A general inspection of the body of your car. To pass the MOT, it will need to be free from excessive corrosion and sharp edges.

2. Check the tyres and wheels

Tyres will be checked for wear and tear, making sure there are no bolts missing and that the tread depth is at least 1.6mm. To find out how to check your tread depth, check out our article on driving in winter.

3. Check the brakes

Brakes are a really important part of your MOT test because they’re so critical to safety. They must be in excellent condition and hold the car firmly to pass your MOT.

4. Check the vehicle lights

Lights not working properly is a common reason for failing an MOT. All lights on the car will be tested including front and rear lights, brake lights, fog lights and indicators. They will need to be correctly positioned, turn on easily at the switch and show the right colour.

5. Check the mirrors, doors and load security

Your mirrors should be secure and unbroken so they’re safe to use. The doors will be checked to make sure they can be open from the inside and outside of the car. All openings including the doors, boot and bonnet will be checked to make sure they can be shut securely.

6. Check the seats and seatbelts

The driver’s seat should be adjustable and all seats will need to be securely fitted. Seatbelts need to be attached securely and in good condition.

7. Check the steering and suspension

Steering and suspension will be checked to make sure they’re in good condition and working correctly with the right steering oil level.

8. Check the windscreen, windscreen wipers and washers

Windscreens are checked for chips and cracks. Any cracks in the area that’s swept by windscreen wipers must be less than 10mm, outside of this area they can be up to 40mm. The rubber blades on the wipers should be in good condition and work correctly.

9. Check the registration plate and Vehicle identification number (VIN)

Your car’s registration should meet regulations and be securely attached to the car. The Vehicle identification number (VIN) needs to be displayed and legible. Each car has a unique VIN to identify it. The VIN can usually be found either on the front of the dashboard or on the driver door side pillars.

10. Check the towbars

Towbars will be checked for secureness, condition and any inappropriate repairs or modifications. They’ll also check the speedometer is working correctly and engine mountings are secure.

Check out what invalidates car insurance for more information on modifications.

11. Check the horn

The MOT tester will check to see your horn is working and is loud enough. This is an easy one to check at home before you go!

12. Check the electrical wiring and battery

Electric wiring will be checked for damage and security. This is to make sure it’s not going to short circuit or become detached. They will check the battery to see if it shows signs of leaking electrolytes.

13. Check the exhaust emissions and system

The car will be checked to make sure it meets the latest regulations on exhaust emissions. They will also do checks on the fuel system, so make sure you’ve got the key because the fuel cap will need to be opened.

MOT fail list

You can fail your MOT based on any of the parts listed above in our MOT checklist, depending on how serious the problem is. According to data from the DVSA, in quarter 1 of 2019-2020, 32.54% of car’s failed their MOT, so it’s not uncommon. These were the 5 most common reasons for failing:

  1. Lights, reflectors and electrical equipment
  2. Suspension
  3. Brakes
  4. Tyres
  5. Visibility

What happens if you get an MOT advisory?

MOT advisories are things that your MOT tester advise you to get fixed, but are not officially part of the test. You don’t have to get advisories fixed, but it’s likely to cause you problems in the future if you don’t.

What happens if your car fails its MOT?

If you’ve failed your MOT, you’ll be given a ‘Refusal of MOT Test Certificate’ which explains the reasons your car has failed its MOT. You’ll need to get these issues fixed and then get your car retested to get your MOT certificate.

Assuming your test centre does repairs, you can leave your car there to get all these issues fixed. You’ll have to pay the cost of any repairs, but you won’t have to pay to get your car retested as long as everything is fixed within 10 days.

Or, you can take your car elsewhere to get repairs. If you bring it back within 1 day you won’t have to pay, within 10 days you’ll pay a partial retest fee and any longer you’ll have to pay for the test again. For more information check out the government guidance.

Can you drive a car with a failed MOT?

If you got your MOT before your last MOT certificate expires, you can still drive your car up until it’s been a year on the date you got your last MOT. That is unless you get any dangerous problems listed in your MOT. If you have any dangerous issues, you’ll have to pay to get them fixed before you can legally drive your car.

Tips to pass your car’s MOT

The best advice we can give you to make sure you pass your MOT is to keep on top of your car maintenance all year round. This means doing your car maintenance checks and taking your car to get a full service.

Here’s some articles you may find helpful:

Can I take an uninsured car for an MOT?

You can take a car that is SORN for an MOT, but you’ll need to make sure you pick up insurance to cover you for the journey. We might be able to help you out with temporary car insurance for as little as 1 hour.

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Driving with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) https://www.veygo.com/community/driving-with-asd/ https://www.veygo.com/community/driving-with-asd/#respond Sat, 06 Apr 2019 08:00:12 +0000 https://www.veygo.com/?p=4075 Wondering what it's like to drive with ASD? Here's our guide to buying a car, getting a Blue Badge, finding insurance, and dealing with an accident.

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Driving independently for the first time after passing your test can seem daunting. This will also be the first time that you’re allowed to drive without your instructor or another person with a full licence in the passenger seat! If you have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) there are options to help you with financing your new skill; as well as some generic information on how to handle potentially dangerous situations.

It’s vital to note that no two people that have ASD will experience it in the same way, and that everyone will have varying behaviours, traits, characteristics and needs. So, we can’t promise that everything in this article will apply to you, and we can’t generalise information to such a diverse population. However, this basic information may aid your knowledge of driving with ASD, and maybe even help you get started.

If you want more information on learning to drive with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, check out our articles below:

How do I buy a car?

If you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), then you’re eligible to join the Motability scheme. This means that your higher rate will be paid directly to Motability, and you can lease or purchase a vehicle through the scheme. You will also be eligible for free road tax with this scheme.

NOTE: You only have to notify the DVLA of your ASD if it affects your ability to drive safely. If you don’t disclose this information, you could be fined up to £1,000 and be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident.

Safe driving involves:

  • Visuospatial perception
  • Hearing
  • Attention and concentration
  • Memory
  • Judgement
  • Adaptive strategies
  • Reaction time
  • Sensation
  • Control and coordination
  • And more

If driving with ASD could be hindered by any of the above, you must tell the DVLA – more information on this can be found here. You may also be able to get your vehicle adapted to suit your needs through Motability’s service. So, if any of the above elements of safe driving would make driving with ASD difficult, your car could be adjusted to solve this.

How do I get a blue badge?

The Blue Badge scheme is designed to give individuals who have disabilities various parking concessions and privileges. This includes being able to park in disabled bays, on some single and double yellow lines, and fewer restrictions on parking time limits. The scheme is currently available throughout England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. However a few London boroughs only partially recognise the scheme, so check with your local council when you apply.

The badges are issued by local authorities/councils (or by TransportNI if you live in Northern Ireland). Your local council will decide on the entitlement of a Blue Badge, and will also be the organisation to contact if you have any queries.

You can apply for a Blue Badge from the appropriate links below:

You can find out more about the scheme here.

How do I get insurance?

The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 makes it illegal for insurers to refuse cover to anyone with ASD on the grounds of a disability. Also, they can only ask for more money if the extra charge is based on factual or statistical data, or there are other factors which mean that a disability puts someone at a higher risk (Equality Act 2010).

You can look for an affordable insurance policy through a price comparison site like Confused.com, or you can go directly to specialist providers that offer cover specifically for drivers that have a disability.

Some insurers may want to speak to you to learn more about your ASD. This is so that they can understand your requirements and any vehicle modifications – not to charge you more.

Here are some important things you may want to ask an insurer when searching for the best policy:

  • Do they offer further discounts on a policy if you hold a Blue Badge?
  • If you have an accident, will they provide a replacement vehicle suitable for your needs?
  • Can a personal assistant or carer be added to your policy as an additional driver?

If you decide not to get your own vehicle, you can also get insurance on someone else’s car, such as a friend’s or family member’s.

What if I have an accident?

One thing that may help if your ASD involves ritualised behaviour, is keeping a clear step-by-step guide of what to do in the event of an accident in your car. You may want to use the instructions we’ve provided below, or you could rewrite them in a way that suits your understanding best.

You may want to speak to your driving instructor so that they can tell you what is classed an accident, and when the actions below would be appropriate. Friends or family members may also be able to advise you on what to expect.

If you have an accident:

  1. Stop your car and switch off the engine.
  2. Put on your hazard lights.
  3. If you’re able to leave your car, be careful when exiting and be aware of other traffic.
  4. Try and stay calm, and use whatever anxiety-reducing methods work best for you.
  5. Call 999 immediately if you need support, if anyone’s injured, if the collision scene is dangerous, or if someone involved leaves the scene without exchanging their details required by law.
    NOTE: You may also want to call someone that you know and trust to offer you support e.g. a friend/parent/carer.
  6. If you have a mobile phone, take pictures of the accident scene. Remember to note street names, vehicle locations, collision points and any damage. You may also want to write this information down, so keep a notebook and pen in your car.
  7. If anyone else is involved in the accident, ask them for their name, address, vehicle registration number, car model, car make, and car colour. You’ll also have to ask any passengers for their contact details (i.e. name, address, telephone number).
  8. You must then exchange your details with the other driver(s) – this is a legal requirement. You must provide your name, address, telephone number, and insurance details – you may want to write down your policy number in your step-by-step guide.
  9. If the other car involved is parked and its driver isn’t there, you must leave a note with your details on the car – perhaps under the windscreen wiper.
  10. You must call your insurance company to notify them of the accident.
  11. You should not continue to drive, so either a member of the emergency services or a friend/family member/carer that you’ve called will be able to take you somewhere safe.

If you have an anxiety attack it is vital that you’re safe. You may have a coping method that helps your anxiety, but if you don’t and your attacks are more severe, move away from traffic to somewhere safe. When the emergency services arrive at the scene, they’ll be able to help and support you.

Anything else?

If there’s anything we haven’t covered here, or you simply need more advice, your GP or therapist may be able to help. You can also try looking up an online forum- there are some fantastic online communities for people that have Autism Spectrum Disorders, and some may be able to offer some advice. Some people may have their own experiences to tell you about, or they may know some other great sources of information that they can refer you to.

You may even have a group that you go to, or your own circle of friends that can offer some insight into driving with ASD. If you have any tips that you think we’ve missed here then let us know!

If you don’t have your own car, you can get temporary cover on someone else’s! Veygo’s Car Sharing Insurance lets you get cover for as little as 1 hour, and for as long as 60 days!

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