Going to court to give evidence as a victim or witness

Before the trial

If you’re a victim of crime or a witness for the prosecution, a ‘witness care officer’ will tell you which court to go to, and when to go there.

If you’re a witness for the defence, the defence lawyer will tell you when you have to go to court.

You’ll usually be given a fixed date to go to court.

Sometimes you’ll be given a 2 to 4 week period that you’ll need to keep free - this is known as a ‘warned period’ or ‘floating trial’. If this happens, you’ll be given 1 working day’s notice before you are due to go to court.

You must tell your witness care officer (a ‘witness care officer’) or the defence lawyer straight away if you cannot make the date of the trial.

Help getting to the court (court)

There’s different support if you’re going to court as a witness in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

You’re a victim or prosecution witness

Ask the witness care officer (a ‘witness care officer’) for help if you cannot easily travel to court. They (a ‘witness care officer’) might be able to provide transport.

You might be able to give evidence through a video link if you live far away from the court (court), or find it very difficult to get there. Ask your witness care officer (a ‘witness care officer’) if this is available.

You’re a defence witness

Speak to the defence lawyer if you need help with getting to court.

You might be able to give evidence through a video link if you live far away from the court (court), or find it very difficult to get there. Ask the defence lawyer if this is possible.

Help in the courtroom if you have a disability

Check which facilities are available in the court you’re going to.

Contact the court (court) to talk about your needs, or if you need any other help.

Sign language

You can usually get a British Sign Language (BSL) translator for the trial if you find it difficult to understand spoken English.

Ask the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) if you’re a victim or prosecution witness.

Ask the defence lawyer if you’re a defence witness.

Translators

If you do not understand English (spoken English), you can usually get someone to translate or interpret the trial for free.
Ask the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to arrange a translator if you’re a victim or prosecution witness.

If you’re a defence witness, ask the defence lawyer if you can get a translator.

Preparing to give evidence

Contact the Citizens Advice Witness Service to help prepare for the day.

Before the trial, they (the Citizens Advice Witness Service) can:

show you around the court (court) so you know what to expect on the day (sometimes called a pre-trial visit)

explain the court process and who’s who in the courtroom

come to your home or anywhere you feel safe to answer your questions

Your statement

If you’re a victim or prosecution witness, you can ask the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to see your statement again before you go to court to refresh your memory.

You can add things to your statement if you remember them later on, but you cannot withdraw it (Your statement).

You’re a victim of crime

As well as the statement you gave the police when you reported the crime (crime), you can also make a ‘victim personal statement’ (sometimes known as an ‘impact statement’). This can be read out in court.

You can include information about how the crime (crime) has affected you:

physically

mentally

emotionally

financially

You can also mention any worries you have about the defendant being released on bail.

When you give your victim personal statement to the police, tell them (the police) if you’d prefer to read it out in court yourself, or have someone else to do it for you.

The court (court) will decide if your statement will be read out in part or in full.

Making a victim statement is different if you’re in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Extra support in the courtroom

The court (court) may be able to take extra steps to protect you if you:

are under 18

have a mental or physical disability

are afraid to give evidence

are a victim of a sexual offence

are a victim of other serious crimes, such as domestic violence or attempted murder

These steps (extra steps) include:

screens, so the defendant cannot see you

giving evidence by video link from somewhere else (the defendant will be able to see you)

asking the public to leave the courtroom when you give evidence, if the case is about a sexual offence

recording your evidence in front of a camera before the trial

having someone explain the questions and help you reply to the court (court) (an ‘intermediary’)

How to get extra support

If you’re the victim or a prosecution witness, speak to your witness care officer or the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

If you’re a defence witness, speak to the defence lawyer.

The trial judge will then decide what support will be made available to you.

The day of the trial

When you arrive at the court (court), you’ll need to go through security. Tell the security staff who you are and that you’re a witness or victim. Someone from the Citizens Advice Witness Service will take you to a waiting area if they are available.

Waiting to give evidence

If you’re a victim or prosecution witness, there will usually be a separate room where you can wait so you do not meet the defendant or their family and friends.

If there is not a separate area, speak to court staff - they (the security staff) can make sure you’re safe.

If anyone tries to intimidate you, tell the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), your solicitor or the court staff (the security staff) - they’ll report it to the police.

You might have to wait a long time before you’re asked to go into the courtroom to give evidence. You might not even have to go in at all, for example if the defendant changes their plea to guilty.

Childcare

If you bring a child with you, make sure you also bring someone who can take care of them when you’re in the courtroom.

Help and support on the day

Someone from the Citizens Advice Witness Service will be at the court (court), and can:

go with you when you give evidence

support you on the day the verdict and sentence are decided if you’re in court

listen to your concerns in private (but they (Someone from the Citizens Advice Witness Service) cannot discuss details of the case)

You’ll also have someone who will translate or interpret the trial if you arranged it beforehand.

Young witnesses (under 18)

Talk to the police or child witness care officer if you have concerns about your child. For example, if they (Young witnesses (under 18))’ll need to take breaks or need any help giving evidence.

Read the full guidance on how to prepare your child for court and special measures that are available.

Young witnesses can get support and find out what to expect at court from:

guidance for 5 to 11 year olds

guidance for 12 to 17 year olds

the Citizens Advice Witness Service

Childline

NSPCC

After you give evidence

Citizens Advice (the Citizens Advice Witness Service) have more information about what happens after you’ve given evidence.

Expenses for going to court

You can ask for expenses when you go to court as a:

prosecution witness - from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)

defence witness - from the defence lawyer

Your employer does not have to pay you for your time off work.

Ask the Citizens Advice Witness Service for help with claiming expenses.

There’s a different process for claiming expenses in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Prosecution witnesses

You can claim for expenses from the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service). They (Crown Prosecution Service)’ll pay for things like:

travelling expenses - the standard or 2nd class fare, or 25p per mile if you drive

meals and refreshments - £2.25 for up to 5 hours, or £4.50 for 5 to 10 hours

loss of earnings - £33.50 for up to 4 hours, or £67 for longer (£42.95 or £85.90 if you’re self-employed)

childcare - up to £67 per day

If you’re not sent an expenses form before the trial, ask for one from a court usher or someone from the Citizens Advice Witness Service.

Defence witnesses

If the court usher (a court usher) does not give you an expenses form, ask the court or the defence lawyer if you’re able to claim expenses for your time in court.


Litigation friends

Overview

You can be appointed as litigation friend to make decisions about a court case for either:

an adult who lacks the mental capacity to manage their own court case either with or without a solicitor

a child

The court case (a court case) can be any of the following:

a civil case, except a tribunal

a family case

a Court of Protection case

You’ll have to go to court if there’s a hearing, but you cannot act as the other person’s lawyer.

An adult with a litigation friend is called the ‘protected party’ in court.

How you’re appointed

You can either:

apply to be someone’s litigation friend

be appointed by the court if someone involved in a case asks them to appoint a litigation friend for one of the other people involved

The court will check if you’re suitable. It (the court) can appoint you as soon as the case (a case) has started or at any time during the case (a case).

When there’s no one suitable, willing and able to be a litigation friend, the court may ask the Official Solicitor to step in.

When your appointment ends

If you’re the litigation friend for a child who turns 18 or an adult who recovers capacity during the case, you may need to apply to stop being a litigation friend.

You may be replaced by the court if you do not carry out your duties properly.

Duties

You must ‘direct the proceedings’ on behalf of the other person if you’re their litigation friend. This means you’ll:

make decisions in their (the other person) best interests

do everything you can to tell them (the other person) what’s happening in the case (a case) and find out their (the other person) wishes and feelings

talk to their (the other person) solicitor about what’s happening, get advice from them and give instructions to them (the other person) in the other person’s (the other person) best interests

pay any costs ordered by the court

Civil cases: settlement hearings

If the person’s going to be paid money to settle the case, there’ll be a hearing to approve the settlement.

You’ll need to fill in and bring:

form CFO 320 if they (the other person)’re a child - also bring the child’s (the other person) original birth certificate or a certified copy

form CFO 320 PB if they (the other person)’re an adult and the money is going in to a Court Funds Office (CFO) account

Read guidance on CFO (Court Funds Office (CFO)) accounts and investments for help with the forms.

After the court case

Your role usually ends after the court case, unless you’re the litigation friend of someone awarded money that’s going into a CFO (Court Funds Office (CFO)) account.

You’ll need to remain the contact for a child’s CFO (Court Funds Office (CFO)) account until they turn 18 or the court directs that the money is paid out. If you cannot carry out this role (Your role), you’ll need to be replaced as a litigation friend.

If you’re the deputy of an adult awarded more than £50,000 into a CFO (Court Funds Office (CFO)) account, you’ll need to manage the account for them (the person). The Court of Protection (the court) may agree that a deputy is not needed.

Civil cases: expenses

You can apply to the court to be paid back any expenses you’ve had while acting as litigation friend. This can include the premium for a court costs insurance policy or the interest on a loan taken out to pay for a costs insurance policy.

Write to the judge in charge of your case giving details of what you spent and when. Include your receipts. The court will check whether your expenses are reasonable.

Who can be a litigation friend

The court can appoint anyone to be a litigation friend, for example:

a parent or guardian

a family member or friend

a solicitor

a professional advocate, such as an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA)

a Court of Protection (the court) deputy

someone who has a lasting or enduring power of attorney

Suitability

The court will check you’re suitable by making sure:

your interests do not conflict with theirs

you can make decisions about the case in a fair and competent way

You must fill in a certificate of suitability if you’re applying be someone’s litigation friend.

If there’s no one suitable to be litigation friend

The Official Solicitor will act as a litigation friend if:

nobody else is suitable and willing to be litigation friend

there’s money available to pay the Official Solicitor’s (The Official Solicitor) costs, for example legal aid

the person’s doctor or another medical professional, for example their psychiatrist, confirms they lack capacity to manage the case (unless they’re a child)

The court will appoint the Official Solicitor - if he (The Official Solicitor) agrees - at the relevant time.

Contact the relevant section of the Official Solicitor’s (The Official Solicitor) office if you have a query about his (The Official Solicitor) involvement in a case.

Apply to be a litigation friend

You can apply to be someone’s litigation friend by either:

providing a copy of the court order that appointed you as the person’s (someone’s) deputy if it gives you permission to act as their (someone’s) litigation friend

filling in a certificate of suitability if you’re not the person’s (someone’s) deputy

You must send (‘file’) your court order or certificate of suitability with the court before you can act on the person’s (someone’s) behalf.

The person’s (someone’s) solicitor usually does this (send), but you can do it (send) yourself if there’s no solicitor yet. Contact the court to find out where to deliver your documents. You’ll then have to find a solicitor to act for the other person (someone’s).

Deputies: civil cases

If you’re the deputy of the claimant (the person bringing the case to court) and your deputy’s court order gives you permission to be litigation friend, you must file your court order together with the claim form that starts the court case.

Certificate of suitability

Download and fill in the relevant form to apply in the:

civil courts

family courts

Court of Protection

Deliver in person (‘serve’) a completed copy of the relevant form to the:

parent, guardian or carer, if you’re applying to be a child’s litigation friend

deputy, attorney with a lasting power of attorney or enduring power of attorney, or carer of the adult you want to be litigation friend for

the adult, known as the ‘protected party’ (the adult), you want to be litigation friend for

If you’re applying to act for an adult, explain on the certificate of suitability form (Certificate of suitability) why you think they need someone to make decisions about the case on their behalf.

Certificate of service

When you’ve served the certificate of suitability (Certificate of suitability), download and fill in the relevant certificate of service for a:

civil case

family case

Court of Protection case depending on whether you’re serving the other person or someone else

What to do with the forms

Deliver or send the certificate of suitability and certificate of service (the relevant certificate of service) to the court (Court of Protection) at the same time.

If you’re applying to be litigation friend for the person making the claim in a civil case, your forms must be delivered with the claim form.

Ask the court (Court of Protection) to appoint a litigation friend

You or anyone involved can apply to the court (Court of Protection) to get a litigation friend appointed at any time during the case (a civil case).

How to apply

civil courts

family courts

Court of Protection

You’ll need to provide evidence that the person you want the court (Court of Protection) to appoint:

agrees to be the litigation friend

is suitable and willing

is able to carry out the duties

parent, guardian or carer if you’re applying to get a litigation friend appointed for a child

deputy, attorney with a lasting power of attorney or enduring power of attorney, or carer if you’re applying to get a litigation friend appointed for an adult

the adult you’re applying to get a litigation friend appointed for

Certificate of service

When you’ve served the certificate of suitability (Certificate of suitability), download and fill in the relevant certificate of service (Certificate of service) for a:

civil case

family case

Deliver or send the certificate of suitability and certificate of service to the court (Court of Protection) at the same time.

Stop being a litigation friend

You’ll usually stop being a litigation friend when:

the case ends, unless you’re litigation friend for a child and they’ve been given a settlement

the child (a child) turns 18

the adult who did not have mental capacity recovers or gets mental capacity

you or someone else applies to the court (Court of Protection) for a replacement litigation friend

If you’re litigation friend for a child

If the case has already been settled and you’re managing a Court Funds Office account on the child’s (a child) behalf, the Court Funds Office will write to them (a child) and explain how they (a child) can get their (a child) money.

When a child turns 18 during the court case, they must write a statement telling the court (Court of Protection) and everyone involved in the case:

they (a child)’ve turned 18

you’ve stopped being their (a child) litigation friend

they (a child) are or are not going to carry on with the legal case (the court case)

their (a child) address so documents can be sent to them (a child)

They (a child) must file the statement with the court (Court of Protection) and give a copy to everyone involved in the case (the court case).

When the adult recovers or gets mental capacity

You, as the litigation friend of someone who recovers mental capacity, or the person themselves can apply to the court (Court of Protection) for an order to stop you acting as litigation friend.

You or they (someone who recovers mental capacity) must include:

medical evidence that they (someone who recovers mental capacity)’ve recovered capacity

any Court of Protection orders or declarations

Then they (someone who recovers mental capacity) must write a statement telling the court (Court of Protection) and anyone involved in the case (the court case):

you’ve stopped being their (someone who recovers mental capacity) litigation friend

they (someone who recovers mental capacity) are or are not going to carry on with the legal case (the court case)

their (someone who recovers mental capacity) address so documents can be sent to them (someone who recovers mental capacity)

They (someone who recovers mental capacity) must file the statement with the court (Court of Protection) and give a copy to everyone involved in the case (the court case) (‘serve’ it (the statement)).

In a civil case, the person must serve the statement within 28 days from when you stopped being their litigation friend. If they do not, anyone involved in the case can make an application to have their case dismissed.


Solve a residential property dispute

Overview

You can apply to the First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber - Residential Property) if you’re a landlord, tenant, freeholder, leaseholder, park home occupier or site owner. The cases you can apply for include:

rent increases for ‘fair’ or ‘market’ rates

leasehold disputes, for example variable service charges, recognising a tenants’ association, management disputes

leasehold enfranchisement, for example buying the freehold for a group of flats, extending a lease

disputes about park homes, for example breach of agreement, changing the pitch fee

financial penalties issued by local authorities

rent repayment orders

improvement notices and prohibition orders where your notice is under the Housing Act 2004

disputes about licences for houses in multiple occupation

the right to buy your council home being refused because it’s deemed suitable for elderly people

banned tenant fees you paid to a landlord or letting agent, for example fees for a credit check

The tribunal is independent of government and will listen to both sides of the argument before making a decision.

There are different ways to apply in Wales, apply in Scotland and apply in Northern Ireland.

Help you can get

You may want to get help and advice before you apply - contact Leasehold Advisory Service or Citizens Advice.

You can also get legal advice, including from a lawyer.

Apply to the tribunal

Download and fill in the right form for your application.

Why you’re applying | Form | Guidance

Rent | See the form finder | Leaflet T540

Service charges and leasehold management | See the form finder | Leaflet T541

Leasehold enfranchisement | Form ‘Leasehold 9’ | Leaflet T542

Houses in multiple occupation and selective licensing | Form HMO | Leaflet T543

Improvement notices, prohibition orders, demolition orders | Form HHSRS | Leaflet T543

Park homes | See the form finder | Leaflet T544

Financial penalties appeals under the Housing Act 2004 | Form HO4 | Leaflet T543

Financial penalties appeals under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 | Form TFA2 | Leaflet TFA3

Rent repayment orders | Form RRO1 | Leaflet T543

Recognising a tenants’ association | Form TA | Leaflet T545

Right to buy your council home is refused | Form RTB1 | Leaflet T546

Tenant fees charged by landlord or letting agent | Form TFA1 | Leaflet TFA3

All other cases | See the form finder |

Fees

You may have to pay a fee to apply - the form (form finder) will say how much. You can apply for help paying the fee if you’re getting certain benefits or on a low income.

Send the form (form finder)

Email the form (form finder) to the regional office that covers your area.

What happens next

You’ll be told whether the tribunal will consider your case. You may need to provide more evidence, for example additional supporting documents.

You may be told that the case (your case) does not need a hearing and can be decided on your application alone (known as a ‘paper decision’). You can still ask for a hearing (‘oral hearing’) if you’d like one.

What happens at the hearing (a hearing (‘oral hearing’))

What happens will depend on whether you’ve asked for a paper decision or an oral hearing.

Paper decision

There will not normally be an oral hearing if you ask for a paper decision, unless a judge requests one.

The paper decision will be based on:

your application

supporting documents

You’ll usually get a decision within 6 weeks of the tribunal looking at your documents.

Oral hearing

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), your hearing may take place by phone, by video or in person. Find out what to expect if you’re attending a hearing in person. The tribunal will contact you and tell you how the hearing (a hearing (‘oral hearing’)) will take place.

The hearing (a hearing (‘oral hearing’)) is public. You’ll present your case to the tribunal - someone else can do this for you, for example a legal adviser, surveyor, friend or family member.

You may be asked questions by:

your representative (if you have one)

the other party’s representative

the tribunal hearing your case

You’ll usually get a decision within 6 weeks of the hearing (a hearing (‘oral hearing’)).

If you're unhappy with the decision (a decision)

You may be able to appeal if you’re unhappy with the decision (a decision). Ask the tribunal for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) within 28 days of the hearing’s (a hearing (‘oral hearing’)) decision.

Contact HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) if you want to complain about the quality of service you received.

Legislation and previous decisions

Previous decisions

Search the decisions database to see how and why previous decisions have been made.

Legislation

The tribunal must follow the rules in the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Property Chamber) Rules 2013.

Rent disputes

The tribunal will make a decision based on the:

Rent Act 1977

Rent Acts (Maximum Fair Rent) Order 1999 - this limits the amount of rent that can be charged

Local Government and Housing Act 1989 - this covers long leases at low rent

Housing Act 1988

Park homes

Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960

Mobile Homes Act 1983

Leasehold disputes

Landlord and Tenant Act 1985

Landlord and Tenant Act 1987

Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002

Rent repayment orders

The tribunal will make a decision based on part 2, chapter 4 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016.

‘Housing Act 2004’ appeals

The tribunal will make a decision based on Housing Act 2004 (‘Housing Act 2004’) in certain cases. See:

part 1, chapter 2 for the law on improvement notices and prohibition orders

part 1, chapter 4 for the law on demolition orders

part 1, chapter 3 for the law on emergency remedial notices or emergency prohibition orders

part 2 for the law on licensing houses in multiple occupation

part 3 for the law on selective licensing

part 4, chapter 2 for the law on empty dwelling management orders

Leasehold enfranchisement

Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993

Leasehold Reform Act 1967

Landlord and Tenant Act 1987


Leaving prison

When someone can leave prison

When a prisoner is released depends on:

the length of their (someone) sentence

their (someone) behaviour in prison

any time spent on remand (waiting for their (someone) trial)

If the prisoner (someone) has a fixed term (determinate) sentence

A prisoner serving a determinate sentence is normally released automatically halfway through their sentence.

If their (A prisoner serving a determinate sentence) sentence (a determinate sentence) is 12 months or more, they (A prisoner serving a determinate sentence)’ll be released on probation.

A Parole Board is not involved.

When a Parole Board reviews a case

Prisoners can apply for parole if they have an extended sentence, or a fixed-term sentence for:

4 years or more

a serious violent or sexual crime committed before 4 April 2005

If the prisoner has a non fixed term (indeterminate) or life sentence

The government will apply for parole on the prisoner’s (the prisoner) behalf.

Temporary release from prison

A prisoner may be allowed to leave prison for short periods towards the end of their sentence - whatever its type or length.

However, the prison will not release someone if it thinks they’re a risk to the public or may commit more crime.

Resettlement day release

A resettlement day release lets a prisoner out during the day - for example to go on a training course to help them find work once they’re released.

Resettlement overnight release

A resettlement overnight release lets a prisoner spend the night at the place they’ll live at after they’re released.

Childcare resettlement licence

A childcare resettlement licence lets a prisoner spend time with their child. They can only apply for this if they’ll be the sole carer of a child when they finish their prison sentence.

Before someone leaves prison

All prisoners get help preparing for life when they leave prison. In the last 12 weeks of their sentence, they’re given advice and support on:

finding somewhere to live

getting a job

looking after money

Prisoners get additional support if they:

have abused substances (such as drugs or alcohol)

are sex workers

are the victim of domestic violence

Most prisoners spend the last few months of their sentence in a prison near where they plan to live.

Support when someone leaves prison

A person leaving prison may get the following financial support:

Universal Credit

Jobseeker’s Allowance

help from your local council

Scottish Welfare Fund in Scotland

Discretionary Assistance Fund in Wales

Prisons may also work with organisations in their local area, such as charities, to help prisoners prepare for their release. You can find out about these organisations in the prison information pages.

Useful websites

There are organisations that can provide support for people leaving prison, including:

Nacro (previously National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders)

Prison Reform Trust

The Hardman Directory

Shelter

Unlock


Claim compensation if you were the victim of a violent crime

Overview

You might be able to claim compensation if you were the victim of a violent crime. This includes if:

you were injured

a close relative died

you saw the crime (a violent crime) happen to a loved one (or were there immediately afterwards)

you paid for the funeral of a person who died

You usually have to claim within 2 years of the crime (a violent crime). The crime (a violent crime) must be reported to the police before you apply.

It does not cost anything to apply.

If you were injured trying to stop a crime

You might also be able to claim compensation if you were taking a ‘justified and exceptional’ risk trying to stop a crime. For example somebody was in danger and it was not a situation that you were trained to deal with.

Get practical and emotional support

Visit Victim and Witness information if you’re in England and Wales.

Get support as a victim or witness of crime in Scotland.

You can also get help and advice from your trade union.

Eligibility

The crime (a violent crime) must have happened in England, Wales or Scotland. It (a violent crime) must be reported to the police.

The process is different if the crime (a violent crime) happened in Northern Ireland or in another country.

When you can claim

In most cases you must apply within 2 years of the crime (a violent crime) happening.

You may be able to claim for a crime that happened more than 2 years ago if one or both of the following apply:

you’re claiming because of childhood sexual or physical abuse

you could not claim earlier, for example because your mental or physical health stopped you

You may also be able to claim if the crime happened before 1 October 1979 and you lived with the attacker as a family member at the time of the incident. This was known as the ‘same roof’ rule and has changed.

Your nationality

You must have been one of the following when the crime happened:

a British citizen or EU or EEA national (or their close relative)

a family member of an EU or EEA national who has the right to be in the UK

a member of the armed forces (or you’re a close relative living in their (a British citizen or EU or EEA national) household)

a potential victim of human trafficking on or before the date of your application - this must be confirmed by the UK Human Trafficking Centre and UK Visas and Immigration

an asylum seeker

a national of a country that has signed up to the Council of Europe Convention on the Compensation of Victim of Violent Crimes

You’re also eligible if you were ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK at the time of the crime. This depends on your connection to the UK, for example if you were living, working or studying there (or you were the family member of someone who was).

What you can get compensation for

You can get compensation for:

physical injuries

disabling mental injuries

sexual or physical abuse

the death of a close relative

paying for someone’s funeral

loss of earnings and expenses

Disabling mental injuries

A disabling mental injury is something that significantly affects your day-to-day performance at work or school, your relationships, or your sexual relationships. Mental injuries must be diagnosed by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.

Loss of earnings and expenses

You might get compensation for loss of earnings, or paid expenses to cover the cost of:

care, home adaptations or mobility aids

damage to physical aids, such as dentures, walking sticks or glasses

You usually have to be unable to work or have very limited ability to work for 28 weeks or longer to be eligible.

You will not be paid loss of earnings for the first 28 weeks you were unable to work.

You must have been employed when the crime happened or for the 3 years immediately before it (the crime). If you were not employed, you might still be eligible if you could not work, for example because you were in full-time education, retired or caring for someone.

Make a claim

You can claim for compensation online.

If the crime happened between 1 August 1964 and 30 September 1979 and you lived with the attacker as a family member at the time of the incident (the crime), you can also request someone to call you to start your claim.

When you make a claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), you may need to provide:

the date and location of the crime

the name of the police station where the crime was reported

your crime reference number

your GP’s name and address

your dentist’s name and address (if you had dental treatment because of your injuries)

details of any previous applications you’ve made to CICA (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA))

details of any unspent criminal convictions

If you deliberately provide information you know is wrong or misleading, you may be prosecuted and your application for compensation may be refused.

You’ll be asked if you’ve tried to get compensation or other money you’re entitled to, for example:

by claiming benefits

through insurance payments

from a civil court claim

from a criminal court case (if the crime went to court)

You do not need to wait for the outcome of other claims before you apply.

It does not cost anything to apply and you do not have to use a legal adviser.

You cannot save your application and return to it later. The service will time out if you stop using it for 30 minutes or more.

Make a claim

Help making your application

Contact the CICA (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)) helpline if you need help because you:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

You can ask a friend or relative to make an application on your behalf.

General enquiries

Email info@cica.gov.uk if you have a question about the claims process.

You cannot claim the cost of using a legal adviser.

What happens next

You’ll get a reference number when you submit your claim. Use the reference number whenever you contact Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)) about your claim.

Your claim will be assessed on:

the information you provided in your application

information from the police, including the evidence you gave them

your criminal record

medical evidence (if it’s needed)

CICA (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)) will contact you if they (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)) need more information and when they (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)) make a final decision.

Medical evidence

You’ll be told if you need to provide a medical report. It can cost up to £50.

Contact CICA (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)) if you need help getting or paying for the medical report (a medical report).

You might also need to attend a psychological assessment if you’re claiming compensation for mental injuries.

If you’re using a legal adviser

If you and your legal adviser disagree about how much money you owe them, you normally will not be paid your compensation in full until you resolve this.

Disagreeing with a decision

Write to CICA (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)) and ask them (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)) to review a decision if you disagree with it.

If you disagree with the outcome of CICA’s (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)) review, you can appeal to the criminal injuries compensation tribunal.

Update your claim

Sign in to your account to finish your application.

You need to contact Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)) if:

your contact or personal details change

you stop using or change a legal adviser

you get compensation or money from any other sources after you apply

If you applied by phone

Call CICA (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)) to update your claim if you applied by phone.

You’ll need your reference number.

If you’re a victim who lived with the attacker before 1 October 1979

The deadline to apply for compensation was 13 June 2021 if you were a victim of violent crime and:

the crime (violent crime) happened between 1 August 1964 and 30 September 1979

you lived with the attacker as a family member at the time of the incident (violent crime) (this was known as the ‘same roof’ rule)

Claims made after the deadline (The deadline to apply for compensation)

You may still be able to claim if you can show you were unable to apply before 13 June 2021 and you either:

were a child at the time of the crime (violent crime)

could not apply earlier because of exceptional circumstances (you must provide enough evidence so your claim can be decided without further extensive enquiries)

If you’ve made a claim before

If you’ve made a claim before but it was refused or reduced because of the ‘same roof’ rule you can reapply for compensation if you’re eligible. The ‘same roof’ rule does not apply anymore.

How to make a claim

You can request someone to contact you about your claim (a claim). You’ll need to give some information like your name and contact details.

A caseworker will contact you within 2 working days or on the next available day you’ve selected on the form.

Request someone to contact you

Other ways to apply

You can make a claim online or on the phone by calling Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). You can also call CICA to arrange a time for someone to take your claim over the phone.


Terrorism and national emergencies

Terrorism threat levels

The threat level indicates the likelihood of a terrorist attack in the UK.

National threat level

The threat to the UK (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) from terrorism is substantial.

Northern Ireland-related threat level

The threat to Northern Ireland from Northern Ireland-related terrorism is severe.

Threat levels

There are 5 levels of threat:

low - an attack is highly unlikely

moderate - an attack is possible but not likely

substantial - an attack is likely

severe - an attack is highly likely

critical - an attack is highly likely in the near future

The level (The threat level) is set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre and the Security Service (MI5).

Threat levels do not have an expiry date. They can change at any time as different information becomes available.

More information about terrorist threat levels

Get more information about terrorism threat levels in the UK on the MI5 (the Security Service (MI5)) website.

You can also check the government’s travel advice for different countries.

Counter-terrorism

The Security Service (MI5) is responsible for protecting the UK against threats to national security.

The Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism coordinates the government’s response in case of a terrorist incident.

Counter-terrorism laws are enforced by the police.

Public safety

The government (the government’s) will issue a warning to the public if that’s the best way to protect a community or a place facing a specific threat.

Reporting suspected terrorism

If you suspect someone is involved in terrorism in any way:

call the police or report your suspicions to them online

report suspicious activity to MI5 (the Security Service (MI5))

report online terrorist material

You can remain anonymous.

National emergencies

National Risk Register

The government (the government’s) regularly assesses the natural hazards and man-made threats that could affect the UK.

These are published in the National Risk Register (National Risk Register). This (National Risk Register) explains the likelihood of a risk occurring and possible effects of an emergency if it happens.

Local and central government preparations

Your local council, fire, police and ambulance services and other organisations take part in regular training exercises to prepare for emergencies.

Find out how emergencies are planned for in your area.

You can also read guidance for local councils on recovery after an emergency.

There are also government plans to make sure essential services, like food, water, transport, health and financial services, keep working in the event of an emergency.


Being arrested: your rights

When you're arrested

If you’re arrested, you’ll usually be taken to a police station, held in custody in a cell and then questioned.

After you’ve been taken to a police station, you may be released or charged with a crime.

The law on being arrested is different in Scotland.

Your rights in custody

The custody officer at the police station must explain your rights (Your rights in custody). You have the right to:

get free legal advice

tell someone where you are

have medical help if you’re feeling ill

see the rules the police must follow (‘Codes of Practice’)

see a written notice telling you about your rights (Your rights in custody), eg regular breaks for food and to use the toilet (you can ask for a notice in your language) or an interpreter to explain the notice

You’ll be searched and your possessions will be kept by the police custody officer while you’re in the cell.

Young people under 18 and vulnerable adults

The police must try to contact your parent, guardian or carer if you’re under 18 or a vulnerable adult.

They (The police) must also find an ‘appropriate adult’ to come to the station to help you and be present during questioning and searching. An appropriate adult can be:

your parent, guardian or carer

a social worker

another family member or friend aged 18 or over

a volunteer aged 18 or over

The National Appropriate Adult Network provides appropriate adult services in England and Wales.

Your rights when being questioned

The police may question you about the crime you’re suspected of - this will be recorded. You don’t have to answer the questions but there could be consequences if you don’t. The police must explain this to you by reading you the police caution:

“You do not have to say anything. But, it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”

How long you can be held in custody

The police can hold you for up to 24 hours before they (The police) have to charge you with a crime or release you.

They (The police) can apply to hold you for up to 36 or 96 hours if you’re suspected of a serious crime, eg murder.

You can be held without charge for up to 14 days If you’re arrested under the Terrorism Act.

When you can be released on bail

The police can release you on police bail if there’s not enough evidence to charge you. You don’t have to pay to be released on police bail, but you’ll have to return to the station for further questioning when asked.

You can be released on conditional bail if the police charge you and think that you may:

commit another offence

fail to turn up at court

intimidate other witnesses

obstruct the course of justice

This means your freedom will be restricted in some way, eg they (The police) can impose a curfew on you if your offence was committed at night.

Giving fingerprints, photographs and samples

The police have the right to take photographs of you. They (The police) can also take fingerprints and a DNA sample (eg from a mouth swab or head hair root) from you as well as swab the skin surface of your hands and arms. They (The police) don’t need your permission to do this.

The police need both your permission and the authority of a senior police officer to take samples like blood or urine, or to take dental impressions.

This (need) doesn’t apply when they (The police) take a blood or urine sample in connection with drink or drug driving.

Information from fingerprints and samples is stored in a police database.

You can find out if your information is stored on the police database (a police database) by getting a copy of your police records from your local police station.

You have to write to your local police (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or local police (Scotland) to have your personal information removed from the police database (a police database).

They’ll only do this (removed) if an offence no longer exists or if anything in the police process (eg how you were arrested or detained) was unlawful.

Legal advice at the police station

Your right to free legal advice

You have the right to free legal advice (legal aid) if you’re questioned at a police station. You can change your mind later if you turn it down.

How you can get free legal advice

You must be told about your right to free legal advice after you’re arrested and before you’re questioned at a police station. You can:

ask for the police station’s ‘duty solicitor’ - they’re available 24 hours a day and independent of the police

tell the police you would like legal advice - the police will contact the Defence Solicitor Call Centre (DSCC)

ask the police to contact a solicitor, eg your own one

You may be offered legal advice over the phone instead of a duty solicitor if you’re suspected of having committed a less serious offence, eg being disorderly. The advice is free and independent of the police.

Being questioned without legal advice

Once you’ve asked for legal advice, the police can’t question you until you’ve got it - with some exceptions.

The police can make you wait for legal advice in serious cases, but only if a senior officer agrees.

The longest you can be made to wait before getting legal advice is 36 hours after arriving at the police station (or 48 hours for suspected terrorism).

You have the right to free legal advice if you are questioned by the police.

Complaining about your treatment by the police

Contact the police force you want to complain about if you’re unhappy about how the police have treated you.

Police forces must refer certain types of complaints to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).


Discrimination: your rights

Types of discrimination ('protected characteristics')

It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of:

age

gender reassignment

being married or in a civil partnership

being pregnant or on maternity leave

disability

race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin

religion or belief

sex

sexual orientation

These are called ‘protected characteristics’.

You’re protected from discrimination:

at work

in education

as a consumer

when using public services

when buying or renting property

as a member or guest of a private club or association

You’re legally protected from discrimination by the Equality Act 2010.

You’re also protected from discrimination if:

you’re associated with someone who has a protected characteristic, for example a family member or friend

you’ve complained about discrimination or supported someone else’s claim

Action against discrimination

You can do something voluntarily to help people with a protected characteristic. This is called ‘positive action’.

Taking positive action is legal if people with a protected characteristic:

are at a disadvantage

have particular needs

are under-represented in an activity or type of work

How you can be discriminated against

Discrimination can come in one of the following forms:

direct discrimination - treating someone with a protected characteristic less favourably than others

indirect discrimination - putting rules or arrangements in place that apply to everyone, but that put someone with a protected characteristic at an unfair disadvantage

harassment - unwanted behaviour linked to a protected characteristic that violates someone’s dignity or creates an offensive environment for them

victimisation - treating someone unfairly because they’ve complained about discrimination or harassment

It can be lawful to have specific rules or arrangements in place, as long as they can be justified.

Discrimination at work

The law protects you against discrimination at work, including:

dismissal

employment terms and conditions

pay and benefits

promotion and transfer opportunities

training

recruitment

redundancy

Some forms of discrimination are only allowed if they’re needed for the way the organisation works, for example:

a Roman Catholic school restricting applications for admission of pupils to Catholics only

employing only women in a health centre for Muslim women

Disability

If you’re disabled you have the same rights as other workers. Employers should also make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to help disabled employees and job applicants with:

application forms, for example providing forms in Braille or audio formats

aptitude tests, for example giving extra time to complete the tests

dismissal or redundancy

discipline and grievances

interview arrangements, such as providing wheelchair access, communicator support

making sure the workplace has the right facilities and equipment for disabled workers or someone offered a job

promotion, transfer and training opportunities

terms of employment, including pay

work-related benefits like access to recreation or refreshment facilities

What you can do

If you’re discriminated against at work there are ways to deal with it.

Employers have to follow the law on preventing discrimination at work (The law).

Other types of unfair treatment

You’re also protected from being treated unfairly because of:

trade union membership or non-membership

being a fixed-term or part-time worker

What you can do

If you think you’ve been unfairly discriminated against you can:

complain directly to the person or organisation

use someone else to help you sort it out (called ‘mediation’ or ‘alternative dispute resolution’)

make a claim in a court or tribunal

Contact the Equality Advisory Support Service for help and advice.

Discrimination at work

Employees should talk to their employer first to try and sort out the problem informally. You may also want to read about workplace disputes.

If things cannot be sorted out informally, talk to Acas, Citizens Advice or a trade union representative.

You might be able to take a claim to an employment tribunal for discrimination.

Check if you can get legal aid to help with your legal costs if you think you’ve been discriminated against. You can get advice from Civil Legal Advice if you’re eligible.

Employers must follow the law on preventing discrimination at work.


Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs: the rules

Overview

You do not need a licence to drive a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, but you may have to register it. Only certain types can be driven on the road. The law calls these types of vehicles ‘invalid carriages’.

Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs come in 2 categories:

‘class 2 invalid carriages’ - these cannot be used on the road (except where there is not a pavement) and have a maximum speed of 4mph

‘class 3 invalid carriages’ - these can be used on the road, and have a maximum speed of 4mph off the road, and 8mph on the road

You do not need to register a class 2 invalid carriage.

You must register class 3 invalid carriages (‘class 3 invalid carriages’).

You must be 14 or over to drive a class 3 invalid carriage.

Rules for class 3 invalid carriages (‘class 3 invalid carriages’)

The law calls mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs that can be used on the road ‘class 3 invalid carriages’. They (‘class 3 invalid carriages’) must have the following features:

a maximum unladen weight of 150kg

a maximum width of 0.85 metres

a device to limit its speed to 4mph

a maximum speed of 8mph

an efficient braking system

front and rear lights and reflectors

direction indicators able to operate as a hazard warning signal

an audible horn

a rear view mirror

an amber flashing light if it’s used on a dual carriageway

You could be stopped by the police if your class 3 invalid carriage does not have these features.

Driving on the road

You can only drive on the road in a class 3 invalid carriage. The maximum speed is 8mph.

You cannot drive on bus lanes, ‘cycle only’ lanes or motorways. Avoid using dual carriageways with a speed limit of over 50mph.

You must use an amber flashing light for visibility if you use a class 3 invalid carriage on a dual carriageway.

Road rules

You must follow the Highway Code if you drive your mobility scooter on the road.

Driving on footpaths and parking

All mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs can legally travel at a maximum of 4mph on footpaths or in pedestrian areas.

You cannot drive any type of mobility scooter or powered wheelchair on cycle paths marked ‘cycle only’.

Parking

All normal parking restrictions apply to mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs.

Your vehicle should not be left on a footpath or pedestrian area on its own if it gets in the way of other pedestrians, including wheelchair users and people with prams or pushchairs.

Eyesight requirements

There is no legal eyesight requirement to drive mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs, but you should be able to read a car’s registration number from a distance of 12.3 metres (40 feet).

You must check that you can still do this (read) regularly.

You might have to pay compensation if you have an accident and poor eyesight was part of the cause.

Who can use them

You can only drive a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair if you:

have trouble walking because of an injury, physical disability or medical condition

are demonstrating the vehicle (a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair) before it (a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair)’s sold

are training a disabled user

are taking the vehicle (a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair) to or from maintenance or repair

Vehicle tax, registration and insurance

You do not have to pay vehicle tax for any mobility scooter or powered wheelchair if it’s registered as a ‘class 3 invalid carriage’.

Check whether a vehicle is registered as an ‘invalid carriage’ by asking the seller when you buy it.

Change the owner’s details when you buy a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair

When you buy a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, the seller will make you the ‘registered keeper’. This means the vehicle will be in your name. You’ll get a new vehicle log book (V5C) in the post within 4 weeks of the sale.

If you do not get a new vehicle log book 4 weeks after the sale, fill in an ‘Application for a vehicle registration certificate’ (V62) and send it to DVLA.

Change your name or address

If you need to change your name or address, fill in section 6 of your vehicle log book (a new vehicle log book) and send it to DVLA.

If your mobility scooter or powered wheelchair is not a registered vehicle

Most scooters and wheelchairs will already be registered by the dealer or manufacturer before you buy them.

If your vehicle is not registered, register it by filling in:

form V55/4 for new vehicles

form V55/5 for used vehicles

Insurance

You do not need insurance for a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, although it’s recommended.


Car and trailer driving test

Booking your test

You can book your car and trailer driving test when you’ve got a full car driving licence. You do not need to pass another theory test.

The test (your car and trailer driving test) is sometimes called the ‘B+E test’. Check the rules to see if you need to take it (your car and trailer driving test).

To pass the driving test (your car and trailer driving test) you must be able to:

drive safely in different road and traffic conditions

show that you know The Highway Code by the way you drive

The national standard for driving cars tells you everything you must be able to do to pass the test (your car and trailer driving test). Only take your test when you can do everything without instruction.

There’s no minimum number of lessons you must have done before you book and take your test.

Change or check your test details

You can change the date of your test after you’ve booked.

You can check the details (your test details) if you’ve lost the email confirmation you were sent when you booked your test.

Rebook your test

Rebook your driving test (your test) if you failed your test and want to resit it (your test). You have to choose a date at least 10 working days away.

What to take to your test

You must take:

your UK driving licence

a car and trailer that meet the rules

a face covering, unless you have a good reason not to wear one

Your test will be cancelled and you will not get your money back if you do not take the right things with you.

When you must not go to your test

You must not go to your driving test (your test) if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms

you’ve been told by the NHS Test and Trace service that you’ve been in contact with someone who has COVID-19

you’re self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

Wearing a face covering

You must bring and wear a face covering during your test, unless you have a good reason not to. Good reasons are things like:

having a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability

wearing it would cause you severe distress

If you cannot wear a face covering during your test, you or your driving school must tell DVSA when booking your appointment.

You can take it (a face covering) off during your test if you need to avoid harm or injury.

Because of COVID-19 the car you use must have the windows open throughout the test (your test). Wear clothing suitable for the weather.

Your driving licence

Apply for a replacement driving licence if you lose yours (Your driving licence) before your (Your driving licence) test. This could take up to 15 days to arrive.

If you do not have a photocard licence

Bring a valid passport and your paper licence.

If you have a licence from Northern Ireland

Bring the Northern Ireland photocard and paper counterpart (a valid passport and your paper licence).

What happens during the car and trailer test

There are 6 parts to the driving test:

an eyesight check

‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions

reversing your vehicle

general driving ability

independent driving

uncoupling and recoupling the trailer

You’ll drive for around 50 minutes.

Eyesight check

You’ll have to read a number plate from a distance of:

20 metres for vehicles with a new-style number plate

20.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate

New-style number plates start with 2 letters followed by 2 numbers, for example, AB51 ABC.

You’ll fail your driving test if you fail the eyesight check (Eyesight check). The test will end.

‘Show me, tell me’ questions (‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions)

You’ll be asked 5 vehicle safety questions known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions. These test that you know how to carry out basic safety checks.

Reversing your vehicle

You’ll have to show that you can manoeuvre your car and trailer into a restricted space and stop at a certain point.

The examiner will show you a diagram of where to reverse your vehicle.

Your general driving ability

You’ll drive in various road and traffic conditions, including motorways where possible.

The examiner will give you directions that you should follow. Driving test routes are not published, so you cannot check them before your test.

Pulling over at the side of the road

You’ll be asked to pull over and pull away during your test, including:

normal stops at the side of the road

pulling out from behind a parked vehicle

a hill start

Independent driving

You’ll have to drive for about 10 minutes by following either:

traffic signs

a series of verbal directions

a combination of both

The examiner can show you a simple diagram to help you understand where you’re going when following verbal directions.

You cannot use a sat nav.

If you cannot see traffic signs

If you cannot see a traffic sign (for example, because it’s covered by trees), the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next one.

Forgetting the directions

You can ask the examiner to confirm the directions if you forget them (the directions). It does not matter if you do not remember every direction.

Going off the route

Your test result will not be affected if you go off the route, unless you make a fault while doing it (the route).

The examiner will help you get back on the route if you take a wrong turning.

Uncoupling and recoupling the trailer

You’ll be asked to:

uncouple your car from the trailer

park the car alongside the trailer

realign the car (your car) with the trailer and recouple them

If you make mistakes during your test

You can carry on if you make a mistake during your driving test.

If you make a serious or dangerous mistake (sometimes called a ‘major fault’), your examiner (The examiner) will stop the test (your test) and direct you back to the driving test centre. This is to minimise the amount of time you need to spend in the car (your car) together.

Driving test faults and your result

There are 3 types of faults you can make:

a dangerous fault - this involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property

a serious fault - something potentially dangerous

a driving fault - this is not potentially dangerous, but if you keep making the same fault, it could become a serious fault

Pass mark

You’ll pass your driving test if you make:

no more than 15 driving faults (sometimes called ‘minors’)

no serious or dangerous faults (sometimes called ‘majors’)

If you pass your test

The examiner will:

tell you what faults you made, if any

give you a pass certificate

ask you if you want your full licence to be sent to you automatically - give the examiner your licence if you want to do this

If you choose not to get your licence (your full licence) sent to you automatically, you’ve got 2 years to apply for it (your full licence). After that you’ll need to take the test (your test) again.

When you can start driving

You can start towing straight away when you’ve passed your test. You do not need to wait for your full licence to arrive.

Contact DVLA if your full licence has not arrived 3 weeks after you applied for it (your full licence).

If you do not pass

The examiner will tell you what faults you made.

If you want to resit the test (your test), you’ll need to pay again to book another test.

Appeal your driving test

You can appeal your driving test if you can prove that your driving examiner did not follow the law.

Read the guidance on appealing your driving test to check if your examiner (your driving examiner) followed the law.

If you have proof they (your driving examiner) did not follow the law you can complain to the Driver and Vehicle and Standards Agency (DVSA).

If DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle and Standards Agency (DVSA)) agrees with your complaint, your test result cannot be changed but you might get a refund or a free retest.

If DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle and Standards Agency (DVSA)) does not agree with your complaint, you may be able to appeal to a court instead.

Appeal your driving test to a court

You can appeal if you can prove that your examiner did not follow the law when they carried out your test.

Your test result cannot be changed, but you might get a refund or a free retest if your appeal is successful.

You might have to pay significant legal costs if your appeal is unsuccessful.

You’ll need to appeal within:

6 months of your driving test in England and Wales

21 days of your driving test in Scotland

Check if you can appeal.

Rules for the car you use

The car that you use to tow the trailer must meet certain rules.

Your test will be cancelled and you’ll have to pay again if your car (the car you use) does not meet the rules.

Rules about the car

Your car must:

be taxed

be insured for a driving test (check with your insurance company)

be roadworthy and have a current MOT (if it’s over 3 years old)

have no warning lights showing, for example, the airbag warning light

have no tyre damage and the legal tread depth on each tyre

be smoke-free - this means you cannot smoke in it (the car you use) just before or during the test

be able to reach at least 62mph and have an mph speedometer

have 4 wheels and a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of no more than 3,500kg

The MAM is the limit on how much the car can weigh when it’s loaded. It’ll be in the car’s handbook.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) safety

Because of COVID-19, you must clean the inside of your car before your test.

This (clean) means:

tidying unnecessary items from the dashboard, footwells, door pockets, cup holders and seats

wiping down the dashboard and car controls

The examiner will do an additional clean of some surfaces.

The car you use for your test (the car you use) must have at least one window open on each side throughout the test (the car you use). Any combination of windows can be opened - for example, one from the front and one from the back. Wear clothing suitable for the weather.

Things that must be fitted

The car (the car you use) must have:

extra mirrors mounted onto the wing mirrors on both the passenger and driver side (for the examiner to use)

L-plates (‘L’ or ‘D’ plates in Wales) on the front of the car (the car you use) and rear of the trailer

a passenger seatbelt for the examiner and a proper passenger head restraint (not a slip-on type)

Manual and automatic cars

You can take the test in a:

manual car - these (Manual and automatic cars) have 3 pedals

automatic or semi-automatic car - these have 2 pedals

The type of car and trailer you can drive after passing the test depends on:

what your licence is already for

what type of car you take the test in

What you can drive after passing the car and trailer test (the test)

Existing car licence | Car you use for the test | Cars you can drive when towing | Cars you can drive when not towing

Manual | Manual | Manual and automatic | Manual and automatic

Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic

Automatic | Manual | Manual and automatic | Manual and automatic

Manual | Automatic | Automatic | Manual and automatic

Hire cars

You can take your test in a hire car if it’s fitted with dual controls and meets all the other rules.

Vehicle features

You can use a car with:

an electronic parking brake

hill-start assist

Cars with known safety faults

You cannot use one of the cars shown in the table unless you bring proof to the test that it’s safe. This is because these cars have been recalled for a safety reason.

Model | Reason for recall | Vehicles affected | Recall issue date

Citroen C1 | Steering failure | Vehicles built between 9 Sept 2014 and 15 Oct 2014, with vehicle identification numbers (VINs) between wF7xxxxxxER516105 and VF7xxxxxxER523367 | 28 Jun 2016

Peugeot 108 | Steering failure | Vehicles built between 9 Jun 2014 (9 Sept 2014) and 15 Oct 2014, with VINs between VF3xxxxxxER256527 and F3xxxxxxER017078 | 28 Jun 2016

Toyota Aygo | Steering failure | Build dates between 9 Sept 2014 and 15 Oct 2014, with VINs between JTDJGNEC#0N022080 and 0N026438, JTDJPNEC#0N002099 and 0N002100, JTDKGNEC#0N022186 and 0N031372, and JTDKPNEC#0N002083 and 0N002102 | 28 Jun 2016

Toyota Yaris | Potentially defective seat rail track and/or steering column mounting | Some models built between Jun 2005 and May 2010 (‘05’ to ‘10’ registration plates) | 9 Apr 2014

Vauxhall ADAM | Potential steering problem | VINs with last 8 digits between E6077301 to E6113446, and F6000001 to F6006544 | 29 Sep 2014

Vauxhall Corsa D | Potential steering problem | VINs with last 8 digits between E6071016 and E6118738, and E4181031 and E4308122 | 29 Sep 2014

Proof you need to bring to your test

You must bring proof that says one of the following:

the car was recalled and the recall work has been done

the car was recalled but did not need any work to be done

the car was not part of the recall (recalled)

The proof must be either:

the recall letter or safety notice, stamped by the manufacturer or dealer

on official or headed notepaper from the manufacturer or a dealer

Your test will be cancelled and you could lose your fee if you do not bring the right proof.

Rules for the trailer you use

The trailer you use and the load it carries must meet certain rules.

Your test will be cancelled and you’ll have to pay again if your trailer or load do not meet the rules.

The trailer you use must:

be a closed box body, such as a horsebox

be around the same width and height as the car - you must only be able to see to the rear by using external mirrors, and not through the rear window

have a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of at least 1,000kg - you need proof to show the examiner, for example, the manufacturer’s plate

The MAM is the limit on how much the trailer (The trailer you use) can weigh when it (The trailer you use)’s loaded.

Rules about the load

The trailer (The trailer you use) must carry a load of at least 600kg. The combined weight of the trailer and load must be at least 800kg.

The load (the load it carries) must be secured safely to the trailer (The trailer you use). Your test will be cancelled if it is not.

The load (the load it carries) can be either:

bagged aggregates weighing at least 600kg, for example, sand, stone chippings or gravel (but not toxic materials)

a 600 litre or 1,000 litre intermediate bulk container, completely full of water

Intermediate bulk containers are industrial containers for transporting liquids. They’re made from semi-transparent plastic and are usually reinforced with a wire frame.

Bags of aggregate

Each bag of aggregate must:

be sealed

weigh at least 10kg (all bags must weigh the same)

have the weight clearly marked on it

You can also use a single bag if it weighs 600kg or 1,000kg.

Water in containers

Water must be in an intermediate bulk container. The examiner must be able to see that it is full.

If you have a disability, health condition or learning difficulty

When you book your driving test you should say if you have a:

disability

health condition

learning difficulty

You’ll still have to drive to the same standard to pass, but the examiner can make adjustments for your situation.

If your health condition or disability means you cannot wear a face covering during your test, you or your driving school must tell DVSA when booking your appointment.

You have a disability

At the start of the test, the examiner will talk to you about:

your disability (a disability)

any adaptations fitted to your car

If you’re physically unable to uncouple and recouple the car and trailer, you can be asked questions to check your understanding instead.

You’re deaf or have a hearing impairment

The examiner will use written notes at the start of the test to explain what will happen. If you lip read, they (the examiner)’ll also look at you so you can lip read what they (the examiner)’re saying.

The examiner will usually give directions to you as hand signals. These will be explained to you before your test starts.

Using a sign language interpreter

You can take a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter with you. They must be at least 16 years old.

Your driving instructor can be your interpreter.

You need to arrange your own interpreter and pay any fees that they charge. You can claim the cost back after your test.

You’re pregnant

You can take a driving test at any stage of your pregnancy. However, you must be able and willing to do an emergency stop.

You have reading difficulties

When you do the eyesight check at the start of the driving test, you can write down the number plate instead of reading it out loud.

You have learning difficulties

The examiner will make adjustments for the independent driving part of the test (the driving test) if you have learning difficulties.

They (the examiner) might ask if you’d prefer to follow traffic signs instead of verbal directions.

You might be able to choose to follow a set of directions using a diagram. You’ll normally be asked to follow up to 3 directions at a time, but the examiner can reduce this to 2 at a time.

If your test is cancelled or there's bad weather

Your driving test can be cancelled or stopped because of bad weather, problems with your car, or for other reasons.

If your test is cancelled because of coronavirus (COVID-19)

You’ll be emailed with a new date if your driving test is cancelled because of COVID-19.

Bad weather

Driving tests are not carried out in dangerous weather conditions, such as when the roads are icy or if there’s flooding, thick fog or high winds.

Call your test centre if there are any of these conditions on the day of your test.

The phone number for the test centre (your test centre) is on your booking confirmation email.

If your test cannot go ahead

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will:

automatically book the next available date for your test

send you the details within 3 working days - it can take up to 7 days if there’s a long period of bad weather

You can change the date you’re given if it is not suitable. Your driving school will need to change your test date for you if they booked it.

You cannot claim for any out-of-pocket expenses if your test is cancelled because of bad weather.

Problems with you or your vehicle

You’ll have to book another test and pay again if your test cannot be completed because of a problem with:

you, for example, if you feel unwell while taking your test

your vehicle, for example, if your car (your test) breaks down during the test (your test) or the car or trailer do not meet the rules to be used

Your driving school will need to rearrange your test for you if they (Your driving school) booked it.

If your test is cancelled for another reason

Sometimes DVSA (The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) has to cancel tests for other reasons, for example, if the examiner is unwell.

You’ll be sent a new date for your test if this (cancel) happens. You can change the date if it is not suitable. Your driving school will need to change your test date for you if they booked it.

You can apply for a refund of out-of-pocket expenses if DVSA (The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) cancels your test at short notice.


Historic (classic) vehicles: MOT and vehicle tax

Eligibility

The date your vehicle was built or first registered affects whether you need to:

get an MOT

pay vehicle tax

Vehicles that do not need an MOT

You do not need to get an MOT if:

the vehicle was built or first registered more than 40 years ago

no ‘substantial changes’ have been made to the vehicle in the last 30 years, for example replacing the chassis, body, axles or engine to change the way the vehicle works

If you’re not sure if there have been any substantial changes you can:

read the full guidance on MOT exemptions for historic vehicles

speak to a historic vehicle expert

Vehicles exempt from vehicle tax

If your vehicle was built before 1 January 1981, you can stop paying vehicle tax from 1 April 2021.

If you do not know when your vehicle was built, but it was registered before 8 January 1981, you do not need to pay vehicle tax from 1 April 2021.

What you have to do

You must apply for a vehicle tax exemption to stop paying vehicle tax. This is sometimes called putting a vehicle into the ‘historic tax class’.

You do not have to apply to stop getting an MOT for your vehicle each year. However, you must still keep it in a roadworthy condition.

You can be fined up to £2,500 and get 3 penalty points for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

Historic vehicle tax exemption (a vehicle tax exemption)

You can apply to stop paying for vehicle tax from 1 April 2021 if your vehicle was built before 1 January 1981. You must tax your vehicle even if you do not have to pay.

If you do not know when your vehicle was built, but it was first registered before 8 January 1981, you can still apply to stop paying vehicle tax.

Your vehicle will not be exempt from vehicle tax if:

it (Your vehicle)’s used for hire or reward (for example, it (Your vehicle)’s used as a taxi for paying customers)

it (Your vehicle)’s used commercially for a trade or business

Contact DVLA if you’re not sure if your vehicle is exempt.

Eligible vehicles

You can apply for these vehicles (Eligible vehicles) to be made exempt:

cars

vans

motorcycles

tricycles

Large vehicles and buses

You can apply for these vehicles to be made exempt:

private heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) - they cannot be designed or adapted for transporting goods, or be used for driver training

buses used for voluntary or community purposes

Specialist vehicles

You can also apply for these vehicles to be made exempt:

mobile cranes and pumps

road rollers, works trucks and digging machines

agricultural machines and mowing machines

snowploughs and gritting vehicles

electric vehicles

steam vehicles

Apply for a vehicle tax exemption

Apply at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax.

You need to take:

the log book (V5C) in your name

your vehicle tax reminder letter (V11), if you have one

an MOT certificate that’s valid when the tax starts, or evidence if your vehicle’s exempt from an MOT (V112)

an insurance certificate or cover note (only in Northern Ireland)

If you do not have the log book (the log book (V5C)), download and fill in an application for a log book (V62). Take it to the Post Office with the £25 fee.

What happens next

The Post Office sends your log book (the log book (V5C)) to DVLA.

DVLA will send you an updated log book.

You’ll get a refund (if you’re due one). It will take longer than usual to get your refund because of coronavirus (COVID-19). Contact DVLA if you have not got your refund within 6 weeks of getting your updated log book (an updated log book).

You can still use your vehicle while your application is being processed.

Renewing your historic vehicle's vehicle tax

DVLA will send you a vehicle tax reminder letter before your tax (your historic vehicle's vehicle tax) is due to expire. You’ll need to tax your vehicle, but will not need to pay.

It’s illegal to drive your vehicle if you have not taxed it. You can be fined £80 if you do not tax your vehicle on time.


Scrapping your vehicle and insurance write-offs

How to scrap your vehicle

When your vehicle has reached the end of its usefulness, you must get it scrapped at an authorised treatment facility (ATF). These are sometimes known as a scrapyard or breaker’s yard.

There’s a different process if your vehicle is an insurance write-off.

Scrap your vehicle without keeping any parts

Apply to take the registration number off the vehicle (your vehicle) if you want to keep it (your vehicle).

Scrap your vehicle at an ATF. This is usually free.

Give the ATF (an ATF) the vehicle log book (V5C), but keep the yellow ‘sell, transfer or part-exchange your vehicle to the motor trade’ section from it.

Tell DVLA you’ve taken your vehicle to an ATF.

You can be fined £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA.

Scrap your vehicle and keep parts from it (your vehicle)

You can take parts from your vehicle before you scrap it so you can use them to repair another vehicle.

Tell DVLA the vehicle (your vehicle) is off the road while you’re taking parts from it (your vehicle). It (your vehicle) must be kept off the road, for example in a garage, on a drive or on private land.

Apply to take the registration number off the vehicle (your vehicle) if you want to keep it (the registration number).

Scrap your vehicle at an ATF when you’ve finished taking parts from it. The ATF can charge a fee if you’ve removed essential parts, such as the engine, gearbox, bodywork or wheels.

Give the ATF (an ATF) the vehicle log book (V5C), but keep the yellow ‘sell, transfer or part-exchange’ section from it (the vehicle log book (V5C)).

Scrap a vehicle that’s registered abroad

If you want to scrap a vehicle from another country in the UK, you must use an ATF.

You’ll get a ‘Certificate of Destruction’ to prove that the vehicle (a vehicle that’s registered abroad) has been destroyed.

It’s your responsibility to tell the driving authority in the country where the vehicle is registered that it (your vehicle) has been scrapped.

Where you can scrap your vehicle

Find an authorised treatment facility (ATF) where your vehicle can be scrapped.

When the ATF (an ATF) has your vehicle, they (an ATF) can decide to:

completely scrap it (your vehicle)

repair and sell it (your vehicle) themselves (an ATF)

It’s illegal to scrap your vehicle anywhere else.

If your vehicle is completely scrapped

The ATF (an ATF) will give you a ‘certificate of destruction’ within 7 days if you’ve scrapped a:

car

light van

3-wheeled motor vehicle (but not a motor tricycle)

You will not get a certificate for other types of vehicle.

The certificate (a ‘certificate of destruction’) is proof that you’ve handed over the vehicle (your vehicle) for scrap. If you do not have it, you could still be liable for:

traffic offence penalties

vehicle tax

Being paid for your scrapped vehicle

The ATF (an ATF) will pay you the scrap value of your vehicle.

It’s illegal to be paid in cash if your vehicle is scrapped in England or Wales. You have to be paid by bank transfer or cheque.

If the ATF (an ATF) repairs and sells your vehicle

You will not get a certificate of destruction if the ATF (an ATF) decides to repair and sell your vehicle.

You can be paid for your vehicle by any method, including cash.

Insurance write-offs

When you make an insurance claim because your vehicle is damaged, your insurance company will tell you:

if your vehicle is being ‘written off’

how much they (your insurance company)’ll pay you

When your vehicle is written off, your insurance company pays you the current value of the vehicle (your vehicle), instead of the cost of repairing it (your vehicle).

Your insurance company will decide if the vehicle (your vehicle) should be written off or not.

Write-off categories

What you do next depends on which category your vehicle is in.

Category | Repairing the vehicle (your vehicle) | Using the vehicle (your vehicle)

A | Cannot be repaired | Entire vehicle has to be crushed

B | Cannot be repaired | Body shell has to be crushed, but you can salvage other parts from it

C | Can be repaired, but it would cost more than the vehicle’s (your vehicle) worth | You can use the vehicle (your vehicle) again if it (your vehicle)’s repaired to a roadworthy condition

D | Can be repaired and would cost less than the vehicle’s worth, but other costs (such as transporting your vehicle) take it over the vehicle’s (your vehicle) value | You can use the vehicle (your vehicle) again if it (your vehicle)’s repaired to a roadworthy condition

N | Can be repaired following non-structural damage | You can use the vehicle (your vehicle) again if it (your vehicle)’s repaired to a roadworthy condition

S | Can be repaired following structural damage | You can use the vehicle (your vehicle) again if it (your vehicle)’s repaired to a roadworthy condition

What you need to do

Your insurance company will usually deal with getting the vehicle (your vehicle) scrapped for you. You need to follow these steps.

Apply to take the registration number off the vehicle (your vehicle) if you want to keep it.

Send the vehicle log book (V5C) to your insurance company, but keep the yellow ‘sell, transfer or part-exchange your vehicle to the motor trade’ section from it.

Tell DVLA your vehicle has been written off.

Keeping the vehicle (your vehicle)

If you want to keep a vehicle in category C, D, N or S, the insurance company (Your insurance company) will give you an insurance payout and sell the vehicle (your vehicle) back to you.

To keep a category C or S vehicle, you also need to:

send the complete log book to your insurance company

apply for a free duplicate log book using form V62

DVLA will record the vehicle’s category in the log book (the vehicle log book (V5C)).

You can keep the log book (the vehicle log book (V5C)) if you want to keep a category D or N vehicle.