We explain how to get everything you need – tax, insurance and an MOT.

1. Get insurance

It’s illegal to drive without insurance. And it’s not cheap for young or new drivers. This is due to the high percentage of motor accidents caused by under 24-year-olds or drivers who have recently passed their test.

But there are many companies who offer insurance at cheaper prices than others. Several are known to be cheaper for some drivers but more expensive to others, so take the time to look around.

You can use the Auto Trader Insurance Search to do this, which will help find you the best deal suited to you.

Types of insurance

1. Third party only
This cover is the minimum legal requirement and provides cover for any damage done to other drivers’ vehicles. It doesn’t cover theft or damage done to your own vehicle, but is ideal for older, cheaper cars, since it’s the cheapest option available.

2. Third party fire and theft
As well as offering basic third party insurance, this will also cover your car if it’s damaged by fire or stolen. Slightly more expensive than third party cover.

3. Comprehensive (or fully comp)
Your vehicle is fully protected if damaged in an accident with another road user. In addition to this, third party fire and theft is inclusive. Many insurance firms offer different comprehensive cover options, such as providing a courtesy car or repairing your vehicle on the roadside. This is a good choice for rare or valuable models. It’s the safest but most expensive insurance type to select.

Insurance costs

The price of insurance depends on your circumstances. We’ve come up with some points to minimise your insurance quote.

It’ll be cheaper if you:

• Take a Pass Plus course
• Are over 24 years old
• Have a car with a small engine
• Haven’t been involved in an accident before
• Own a vehicle which isn’t modified
• Own a car which isn’t a rare or expensive model
• Haven’t claimed for a repair before (no claims bonus)

2. Pass your MOT

This Ministry of Transport (MOT) test scheme is in place to ensure vehicles are up to a certain standard of roadworthiness.

If your vehicle doesn’t pass an MOT test, it won’t be allowed on the road.

MOT tests need to be taken and passed at car garages once a year, but brand new vehicles are only required to take their first test three years after production.

There are over 18,000 garages in the UK which carry out MOTs, but make sure the garage you choose has the three blue triangles logo somewhere on display – this means it’s approved.

What’s tested and inspected at an MOT centre:

• Number plates
• Lights, windows, mirrors and washers
• Fuel system, exhaust and emissions
• Seats, doors and seatbelts
• Steering and suspension
• Wheels, tyres and brakes

The current price of an MOT test is £50.35.

If you don’t pass first time, your car may need repairing before retaking the test. It may even need scrapping if it severely fails its MOT test and repairs would cost too much.

3. Get tax

The third and final step in making your vehicle legal is to get it taxed. The price you pay for this depends on a number of factors – the age of your vehicle, how large its engine is and the amount of CO2 it emits.

Tax discs last for six months or one-year and need to be displayed in your front window. These display the tax band, price paid, car model and expiry date.

Follow these simple steps to applying for car tax:

1. Have the document reference number from your vehicle’s registration certificate at hand.
2. Make sure your vehicle has passed its MOT.
3. Make sure you have valid car insurance.
4. Have the correct payment ready.
5. Know your Vehicle Registration Number.
6. Apply by visiting the DVLA website or phone them on 0870 850 4444.
7. Wait for your new disc to arrive.
8. Put the up-to-date tax disc on the bottom-left your front windscreen.

For a more detailed insight into car tax, including information on exemptions, laws, prices and the current CO2 tax bands, visit our car tax guide.

4. Other legal checks

Tyres

Check your tyre pressure once a week and ensure the tyres aren’t under or over inflated. Adjust the pressure to your car’s correct amount, which can be found in your vehicle manual or by contacting your tyre manufacturer.

It’s against the law if your tyres have a tread depth lower than 1.6mm – if they do, you’ll be given a three point penalty and a £2,500 fine per tyre

It’s recommended you replace them before there’s around 2 to 3mm depth of tread left.

For more expert advice on checking and changing tyres, read our how to change a tyre feature.

Driving license

The police may ask to see this if they are suspicious of your driving behaviour or vehicle. If you cannot provide it within the time limit set by the police, you may be prosecuted.

Number plates

Having invalid or non-matching number plates attached to your vehicle is against the law, as is having none at all. If your number plates have been stolen, contact the police immediately.