Vehicle documents part 2 - VC5, MOT, Insurance

In life things often come in threes, from the three nephews of Donald Duck to the holy trinity (not related by the way) Vehicle documents are no exception and just like Huey, Dewey and Louie or the Father, Son and Holy ghost these documents have a natural order to them. So, what comes first? Thanks for playing but let’s just identify them first, (1) Vehicle Registration Certificate, A.K.A the VC5 (2) MOT certificate and (3) Insurance certificate which, phew, we already covered.

(Red Light - On your marks..)The vehicle registration certificate is the first of our document trinity and every vehicle on the road must have one. The VC5 is your car’s identity papers identifying your (1) vehicle make, (2) engine size and (3) its registered keeper (you). *Fair warning* another multiple of three coming up. If, for instance, you decided to use your new pride and joy to ram-raid the local jewellers and, as a result you, had to (1) change your name (2) change your address and (3) change your vehicle, you would need to inform the DVLA. Actually, in such a scenario informing the licensing authority might be a bit stupid but that's a whole different blog. That said, if you did change your name or address or you sold your car then you would indeed have to inform the DVLA and return part of your Vehicle registration document to them for an update. Word to the wise, if you lose your VC5 you will pay handsomely for a replacement.
(Amber light – Get set..) The MOT (Ministry Of Transport) certificate comes next. Now you have acquired your car you become responsible for its roadworthiness. If the VC5 is your car’s I.D papers then the MOT certificate is its bill of health which must be renewed every year. Quick note, the MOT only comes into effect from your vehicle’s third birthday (Three’s the theme remember) We will revisit the MOT topic another time.

(Green light – Go) Insurance documents come last, Why? because you must be in possession of the first two before you can get insured. (remember the three levels of insurance) Good let’s move on. Oops, we’re not going anywhere until that police officer comes over, get ready, looks like he is getting out now and he doesn’t look too happy, anything you want to tell me? How about your road tax disc, is it up to date?

Just enough time to mention SORN documents (Statutory Off Road Notification) You could include this in with our vehicle documents if you wanted to be mean and make a mockery of my neat little trinity theme, however, SORN documents only apply if you want to declare your vehicle off road (thus exempting you from paying road tax) and like the MOT this must be renewed after 12 months. Ok, here he comes, be polite now...
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