Jury service

How jury service works

If you get a jury summons in the post, you must respond within 7 days and confirm if you can attend.

Your name was chosen randomly from the electoral register.

You’ll be part of a jury of 12 people to decide the outcome of a criminal trial.

You can watch a video about jury service. There’s also a Welsh language version of the video.

Jury service and coronavirus (COVID-19)

If you’ve received a jury summons, you will need to attend. Jury staff will contact you to confirm the days and times you need to attend.

Do not go to court if you have COVID-19 symptoms or if you’re self-isolating or in quarantine. Tell the court if you cannot attend.

You can read more about how coronavirus (coronavirus (COVID-19)) is affecting jury service including the social distancing measures that are in place.

How long jury service lasts

Jury service usually lasts up to 10 working days.

If the trial is likely to last longer than 10 days, jury staff will let you know. If the trial is shorter than 10 days, you may be asked to be a juror on other trials.

You’ll usually need to be at court from 10am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday, but times can vary.

You’ll need to arrive at court (the court) earlier on your first day. Check your summons letter for the exact time.

What you can claim

You will not be paid for doing jury service, but you can claim some money back if you lose earnings. You can also claim some expenses, for example travel.

Find out what you can claim:

if you’re an employee

if you’re self-employed

if you’re not working

What you can claim if you’re an employee

You will not be paid for doing jury service, but you can claim some money back if your earnings are affected. For each day you’re at court (the court), you can usually claim:

up to £64.95 towards your loss of earnings, and any care or childcare costs outside of your usual arrangements

£5.71 for food and drink

the cost of travel to and from court

You’ll be told how to claim expenses after your jury service (jury service) has ended.

Taking time off work

Give a copy of your jury summons to your employer.

Your employer must let you have time off work, but can ask you to delay your jury service (jury service) if your absence will have a serious effect on their (your employer) business.

Problems with your employer

If you’re not allowed to take time off work for jury service, you can complain to an employment tribunal.

If you’re sacked because you do jury service you may be able to claim unfair dismissal.

Getting paid during jury service

Your employer can choose whether or not to pay you during your service (jury service).

If they (Your employer) do not pay you, you can claim for loss of earnings from the court.

If you get benefits or financial support

Show your jury summons to your benefit office or work coach as soon as you get it (your jury summons).

You’ll continue to get financial support and benefits (such as Universal Credit) for the first 8 weeks. After that, the court will give you a loss of earnings form to give to your benefit office or work coach.

What you can claim

There’s a limit to how much you can claim for each day you’re at court.

Loss of earnings, childcare and other care costs

How much you can claim to cover loss of earnings and care costs depends on the length of your jury service and how many hours you spend at court each day.

For the first 10 days of jury service, you can claim up to:

£64.95 a day if you spend more than 4 hours at court

£32.47 a day if you spend 4 hours or less at court (the court)

If your jury service lasts longer than 10 working days, the amount you can claim increases. You’ll be able to claim up to:

£129.91 a day if you spend more than 4 hours at court (the court)

£64.95 a day if you spend 4 hours or less at court

Travel and parking costs

How much you can claim depends on how you travel to court.

How you travel to court | The court will pay

Bus or underground | Cost of the ticket

Train | Cost of the ticket (standard class return fare)

Bicycle | 9.6p per mile

Motorcycle | 31.4p per mile

Car | 31.4p per mile - check if the court will pay for parking

Car - for one other juror as a passenger | 4.2p per mile

Car - for each additional passenger | 3.2p per mile

Taxi | The fare - ask the court for permission before using a taxi

Food and drink

How much you can claim depends on how many hours you spend in court each day.

Time spent each day | The court will pay up to

Up to and including 10 hours a day | £5.71 per day

Over 10 hours a day | £12.17 per day

Estimate your expenses

You can use a calculator to check what you can claim.

What you can claim if you’re self-employed

You will not be paid for doing jury service (your jury service), but you can claim some money back if your earnings are affected. For each day you’re at court, you can usually claim:

£5.71 for food and drink

the cost of travel to and from court

You’ll be told how to claim expenses after your jury service has ended.

You can ask to delay your jury service if you cannot do jury service on the dates in your summons letter.

If you get benefits or financial support

Show your jury summons (your summons letter) to your benefit office or work coach as soon as you get it (your summons letter).

What you can claim

There’s a limit to how much you can claim for each day you’re at court.

Loss of earnings, childcare and other care costs

How much you can claim to cover loss of earnings and care costs depends on the length of your jury service and how many hours you spend at court (the court) each day.

For the first 10 days of jury service, you can claim up to:

£64.95 a day if you spend more than 4 hours at court (the court)

£32.47 a day if you spend 4 hours or less at court (the court)

£129.91 a day if you spend more than 4 hours at court (the court)

£64.95 a day if you spend 4 hours or less at court (the court)

Travel and parking costs

How much you can claim depends on how you travel to court (the court).

How you travel to court (the court) | The court will pay

Bus or underground | Cost of the ticket

Train | Cost of the ticket (standard class return fare)

Bicycle | 9.6p per mile

Motorcycle | 31.4p per mile

Car | 31.4p per mile - check if the court will pay for parking

Car - for one other juror as a passenger | 4.2p per mile

Car - for each additional passenger | 3.2p per mile

Taxi | The fare - ask the court for permission before using a taxi

Food and drink

How much you can claim depends on how many hours you spend in court (the court) each day.

Time spent each day | The court will pay up to

Up to and including 10 hours a day | £5.71 per day

Over 10 hours a day | £12.17 per day

Estimate your expenses

You can use a calculator to check what you can claim.

What you can claim if you're not working

£5.71 for food and drink

the cost of travel to and from court

You’ll be told how to claim expenses after your jury service (jury service) has ended.

You can ask to delay your jury service (jury service) if you cannot do jury service on the dates in your summons letter.

If you get benefits or financial support

Show your jury summons to your benefit office or work coach as soon as you get it.

What you can claim

There’s a limit to how much you can claim for each day you’re at court.

Childcare and other care costs if you are not working

How much you can claim to cover care costs depends on the length of your jury service (jury service) and how many hours you spend at court (the court) each day.

For the first 10 days of jury service, you can claim up to:

£64.95 a day if you spend more than 4 hours at court (the court)

£32.47 a day if you spend 4 hours or less at court (the court)

If your jury service (jury service) lasts longer than 10 working days, the amount you can claim increases. You’ll be able to claim up to:

£129.91 a day if you spend more than 4 hours at court

£64.95 a day if you spend 4 hours or less at court (the court)

Travel and parking costs

How much you can claim depends on how you travel to court (the court).

How you travel to court (the court) | The court will pay

Bus or underground | Cost of the ticket

Train | Cost of the ticket (standard class return fare)

Bicycle | 9.6p per mile

Motorcycle | 31.4p per mile

Car | 31.4p per mile - check if the court will pay for parking

Car - for one other juror as a passenger | 4.2p per mile

Car - for each additional passenger | 3.2p per mile

Taxi | The fare - ask the court for permission before using a taxi

Food and drink

How much you can claim depends on how many hours you spend in court each day.

Time spent each day | The court will pay up to

Up to and including 10 hours a day | £5.71 per day

Over 10 hours a day | £12.17 per day

Estimate your expenses

You can use a calculator to check what you can claim.

Ask to change the date or be excused

If you cannot do jury service on the dates in your summons letter, you can ask to change the date or be excused.

Ask to change the date of your jury service (the date)

You might be able to change the date of your jury service (the date) to another date within the next 12 months. You’ll need a good reason, for example:

you’re having an operation

you’re sitting an exam

your employer will not give you time off work

you have a holiday booked

you’re a new parent

You can only ask to change the date once.

To change the date, reply to your jury summons (your summons letter) explaining your reasons in detail. When you reply you can suggest 3 possible dates in the next 12 months that work for you.

Ask to be excused from jury service (your jury service (the date))

If it’s not possible for you to do jury service in the next 12 months, you can ask to be excused. You’ll only be allowed to do this in exceptional circumstances, for example:

you have a serious illness or disability that prevents you from doing jury service

you’re a full time carer of someone with an illness or disability

you’re a new parent and will not be able to serve at any other time in the next 12 months

If you cannot do jury service because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you should ask to change the date.

You can also ask to be excused from jury service (your jury service (the date)) if you’ve done it (your jury service (the date)) in the last 2 years.

If you do not do jury service this time, you could still receive a summons in the future.

To ask to be excused, reply to your jury summons (your summons letter) explaining your reasons in detail. You might need to give proof, for example, if you’re ill you might be asked for a letter from your doctor.

If your request is turned down, you can still ask to change the date of your jury service.

If you disagree with the decision

You can appeal if your request to change the date of your jury service or be excused is refused. Write to the Jury Central Summoning Bureau, including:

why you disagree with the decision

your juror number (this is on your summons letter)

your name and address

your date of birth

the name and address of the court you’ve been summoned to

the dates of your jury service

Get help

Contact the Jury Central Summoning Bureau if you have questions about jury service.

Respond to the summons (your summons letter)

You must respond to your jury summons (your summons letter) within 7 days of getting it (your summons letter).

You can either:

reply to the jury summons (your summons letter) online

complete and return the form by post

You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not return the form or turn up for your jury service.

After you respond

The Jury Central Summoning Bureau will send you a letter to confirm details of your jury service, including when and where it (your jury service (the date)) will take place.

If you asked to change the date (the date of your jury service) or to be excused, the letter will explain if your request was accepted.

You’ll need to bring your summons or confirmation letter to court with you on your first day of jury service.

Due to coronavirus (COVID-19), you may be asked to go to a different location than the one you were summoned to. If the court needs to change the venue, they will contact you at least one week before your jury service is due to start. Check which courts offer additional locations.

Get help

Contact the Jury Central Summoning Bureau if you have questions about jury service or about a decision.

The Jury Central Summoning Bureau may be able to change the location of your jury service if you’ve been summoned to a court far from where you live. For example, if you’ve recently moved house or if you’re at university and you’ve been summoned to a court near your family home.

Contact the court if you:

need directions

have a question about your expenses claim

Going to court as a juror

On your first day (your first day of jury service), you should bring:

your jury summons form (the form) or your jury service confirmation letter (your summons or confirmation letter)

some identification, such as your passport, photo driving licence or Home Office documents showing your UK immigration status

If you do not have identification, you can bring any 2 documents from the following:

your birth certificate

your credit card with 3 statements and proof of signature

your cheque book and bank card with 3 statements and proof of signature

3 utility bills showing your name and address

Laptops, tablets and mobile phones

You can bring your mobile phone, tablet or laptop into the court building and use it in the jury assembly area.

You cannot take your phone, laptop or tablet into the deliberation room. All courts have lockers or somewhere you can safely store your personal items.

There is free wifi in most courts.

What to wear

There is no strict dress code and you can wear clothes you’re comfortable in, such as jeans and a t-shirt.

Very casual clothing such as shorts or clothing with inappropriate logos or slogans are not allowed.

What will happen when you arrive at court (the court)

Allow extra time to go through security at court (the court).

Court staff will show you where the jury assembly area is and the jury manager will:

tell you about jury service

explain your responsibilities

tell you what expenses you can claim and how to claim them

There are extra security and hygiene measures in place because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you have a disability

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

Contact the Jury Central Summoning Bureau if you have questions about the facilities or to arrange a visit to the court.

Discussing the trial

Do not discuss the trial with anyone until it (the trial)’s finished, except with other jury members in the deliberation room.

After the trial you must not talk about what happened in the deliberation room, even with family members. You can talk about what happened in the courtroom.

Do not post comments about the trial on social media websites like Facebook or Twitter - even after the trial’s finished. This is contempt of court and you can be fined or sent to prison.

If anyone approaches you about the trial

Tell a court officer if you’re approached about the trial. If you’re approached outside court, tell a police officer.

If you find the trial distressing

You may be upset by the trial and want to speak to someone privately. Speak to court staff - they’ll give you advice.

For emotional support speak to your GP to find out what support is available. You can also contact the Samaritans - although they cannot give advice.

How to claim expenses

Make your claim for expenses at the end of your jury service - and no more than 12 months after your jury service started.

You’ll usually be paid 7 to 10 working days after submitting your claim form.

The court may be able to pay your expenses during the trial if it’s likely to last a long time or if you’re facing financial hardship. Ask jury staff for more information.

Food, drink and travel expenses

Fill in the claim form you received at the start of jury service (your jury service). Return it to the court with the relevant receipts.

Loss of earnings

What you need to do depends on whether you are employed or self-employed.

If you’re an employee

Your employer needs to fill in a loss of earnings form if they’ve told you they are not going to pay you during jury service (your jury service). Bring it to court (The court) on your first day of jury service (your jury service).

If you’re self-employed

Fill in a self-employed loss of earnings form. You’ll need to include evidence of lost earnings, such as your most recent tax return.

Care and childcare expenses

You and the carer need to fill in the care expenses form to claim for costs outside of your usual care arrangements.

If you’re using a registered childminder, they need to write their Ofsted number on the form (the care expenses form). If a family member or friend is looking after your children, they must write a letter saying how many hours they’ve cared for your child.

Bring your child’s birth certificate or passport to court during your service (your jury service) or attach a copy to the claim form.

Return the form (the claim form) to the court with evidence of the cost of care, for example invoices or receipts.

Questions about expenses

Contact the court where you did jury service (The court) if you have questions about expenses.


Make a victim personal statement to the Parole Board

Who can make a victim personal statement and when

The Parole Board decides if prisoners who are eligible for parole can be released. It also makes recommendations on whether it’s safe for prisoners to be:

transferred to an open prison

given a temporary release under supervision (known as being ‘on licence’ or probation)

Victims

You can make a ‘victim personal statement’ to be presented at the Parole Board (The Parole Board) hearing if you’re a victim of the prisoner.

This is sometimes known as an ‘impact statement’.

If you’re in Scotland, you need to make a written representation to the Parole Board for Scotland (The Parole Board).

You can use your statement (a victim personal statement) to explain how the crime has affected you - from the time it was committed until now.

This (affected) includes the effect the crime has had on you and your family:

physically

mentally

emotionally

financially

Relatives of victims

You can make a victim personal statement if you’re a close relative of a victim who:

has died

is aged under 18

cannot make a statement themselves - for example, because of mental incapacity or illness

Close relatives include spouses and partners, parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings and dependants. Other family members, guardians and carers of victims may also be allowed to make a statement.

When more than one relative wants to make a statement, the Parole Board may ask for 1 or 2 statements to represent them all.

When to make your victim personal statement

If you choose to join the Victim Contact Scheme, your Victim Liaison Officer will tell you when a prisoner is being considered for parole.

They (your Victim Liaison Officer)’ll tell you when to write your victim personal statement. They (your Victim Liaison Officer)’ll also send it (your victim personal statement) to the Parole Board for you at least 28 days before the hearing (the Parole Board (The Parole Board) hearing).

If you did not join the Victim Contact Scheme, you can contact your local probation office about:

giving a statement

joining the scheme (the Victim Contact Scheme) if you want to be told when a prisoner is being considered for release or transfer

The Parole Board has more information about making a victim personal statement and joining the Victim Contact Scheme.

How a victim personal statement is used

The Parole Board panel makes a decision based on whether a prisoner is a risk to the public.

The panel (The Parole Board panel) can use your victim personal statement to help it (The Parole Board panel):

understand the impact of the crime

decide what questions to ask the prisoner, to find out about their understanding of how their crimes have affected victims

decide what the prisoner can and cannot do (known as ‘licence conditions’) if they (the prisoner)’re released

The Parole Board will make its (The Parole Board panel) decision by:

privately reviewing a file of information and reports about the prisoner

holding a hearing, if the board (The Parole Board) needs more information

You can ask to attend the hearing (the Parole Board (The Parole Board) hearing) to read out your statement (your victim personal statement) if you want, or have it (your victim personal statement) read out for you. The Parole Board decides if you can attend.

Write your victim personal statement

Your victim personal statement is your opportunity to explain how a crime has affected you and your family - for example, physically, emotionally, financially or in any other way.

You can update the statement that you wrote for the prisoner’s (the prisoner) trial or write a new one.

Your statement (your victim personal statement) should take less than 10 minutes to read out.

You can usually choose how your statement (your victim personal statement) is presented at an oral hearing.

You must always submit a written version of your statement (your victim personal statement).

What to include

You need to include how the:

crime affected you at the time

crime has affected you since it (the crime) happened

prisoner’s (the prisoner) release or move to an open prison would affect you, your family, friends or  community

Do not include:

whether you think the prisoner should be released

long descriptions of the original crime

any threats or critical comments to or about the prisoner or the Parole Board

Tell your Victim Liaison Officer if you think you have other information that will help the Parole Board make a decision.

Young victims and children

If you do not want to or cannot make a written victim personal statement, you can tell your Victim Liaison Officer about how:

you and your family were hurt

the crime (the original crime) makes you feel now

you think you would feel if the prisoner was released

Your Victim Liaison Officer will write this down and give it to the Parole Board.

Your parent or guardian can also make a statement if they want to.

The prisoner’s access to your victim personal statement

Prisoners usually have full access to all victim personal statements presented at their hearing.

Speak to your Victim Liaison Officer if you do not want the prisoner (The prisoner’s) to have access to your statement (your victim personal statement).

You’ll need to make a good case that it will:

put you or your family at risk

have a negative effect on you in some other way

Statements are only withheld from prisoners under exceptional circumstances.

Choose how your victim personal statement is presented at the hearing

You’ll usually have a choice of how your victim personal statement is presented at the hearing.

You can ask:

for the Parole Board panel to read your statement (your victim personal statement) themselves

to attend the hearing and read out your statement (your victim personal statement) in person

to attend the hearing and choose someone else to read out your statement (your victim personal statement)

to choose someone to go the hearing instead of you and read out your statement (your victim personal statement)

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19) you cannot currently attend hearings in person. You will have to submit your statement (your victim personal statement) remotely.

At some hearings you may be able to read out your statement (your victim personal statement) via a live video link or make a recording for the panel.

Requests by victims to attend hearings are usually granted, but it’s not a legal right and you can be refused.

You can usually bring your Victim Liaison Officer or a family member or friend if you come to the hearing.

People under 18 years of age usually cannot attend parole hearings in person and must choose one of the other options, such as getting someone else to read out your statement (your victim personal statement).

What happens at a parole hearing

You’ll be asked to read out your victim personal statement (unless someone else is reading it (your victim personal statement) for you).

You will not be able to add anything to your written statement (your victim personal statement) at the hearing and will not usually be asked questions.

After you’ve made your statement (your victim personal statement) you’ll be asked to leave and the hearing (a parole hearing) will continue.

Your Victim Liaison Officer will tell you the outcome.

Read the guide on getting parole for detailed information on what happens at a parole hearing.

Prisoners at parole hearings

Prisoners are usually not present while their victims read their statements. The prisoner’s legal representative is usually there.

You can ask that the prisoner (Prisoners) is present while you read your statement (your victim personal statement), but they (Prisoners)’ll need to agree to this and the Parole Board has to allow it.


Types of prison sentences

Concurrent and consecutive sentences

If someone’s convicted of committing more than one crime, they’re usually given a sentence for each crime.

Concurrent sentences are served at the same time.

Consecutive sentences are served one after the other, for example a 6 month sentence followed by a 3 month sentence.

The judge (or magistrate) tells the person (someone) what type of sentence they (someone) get and how it must be served.

Suspended prison sentences

A ‘suspended’ prison sentence is carried out in the community.

The person has to meet certain conditions, for example:

having to stay away from a certain place or person

doing unpaid work - called ‘Community Payback’

If the person breaks the conditions of their (The person) sentence (certain conditions) (A ‘suspended’ prison sentence) they (The person) can be sent to prison.

Determinate prison sentences - fixed length of time

A ‘determinate’ prison sentence is for a fixed length of time.

If the sentence is for 12 months or more

For prison sentences of 12 months or more the person spends the first half of the sentence in prison and the second half in the community ‘on licence’.

If they (the person) break any licence conditions, for example they (the person) commit another crime, they (the person) could go back to prison.

If the sentence is under 12 months

For prison sentences under 12 months, the person’s normally released automatically halfway through.

Indeterminate prison sentences - no fixed length of time

An ‘indeterminate’ prison sentence does not have a fixed length of time.

This means:

no date is set when the person will be released

they (the person) have to spend a minimum amount of time in prison (called a ‘tariff’) before they (the person)’re considered for release

The Parole Board is responsible for deciding if someone can be released from prison.

Indeterminate sentences are given if a court thinks an offender is a danger to the public.

Life sentences

If a person’s found guilty of murder, a court must give them a life sentence.

A court may choose to give a life sentence for serious offences like:

rape

armed robbery

A life sentence lasts for the rest of a person’s life – if they’re released from prison and commit another crime they can be sent back to prison at any time.

Whole life term

A whole life term means there’s no minimum term set by the judge, and the person’s never considered for release.

Sentences for young people

People under 18 get different sentences to adults.

Detention and Training Order

A Detention and Training Order can be given to someone aged between 12 and 17.

They (A Detention and Training Order) last between 4 months and 2 years.

The first half of a Detention and Training Order is served in custody, the second half is served in the community.

Violent or sexual crimes

For severe crimes - usually violent or sexual - young people can get an ‘extended sentence’. They could spend a long time in custody, and when released they’ll be put under supervision for a long time (for example being tagged).

Murder

For murder, the court sets the minimum amount of time to be spent in custody. The young person can’t apply for parole before this time.

When released, the young person (young people) will be kept under supervision for the rest of their (young people) life (a person’s life).

Other serious crimes

Sometimes the sentence for a young person can last as long as the sentence for an adult for the same offence (but not longer). This includes life sentences.


Probation

Overview

Probation means you’re serving your sentence but you’re not in prison.

You could be put on probation because:

you’re serving a community sentence

you have been released from prison on licence or on parole

While on probation, you may have to:

do unpaid work

complete an education or training course

get treatment for addictions, like drugs or alcohol

have regular meetings with an ‘offender manager’

Meetings with your offender manager (an ‘offender manager)

When you’re on probation you may have meetings with your offender manager (an ‘offender manager). This will usually happen at your local probation office.

At your first meeting your offender manager (an ‘offender manager) will explain:

the rules of your probation

the dates, times and places of future meetings

any appointments you must go to, for example training courses or treatment

what happens if you do not do what you are asked

Your offender manager (an ‘offender manager) will ask you to read and agree to a ‘sentence plan’. This will tell you the rules you have to stick to during your probation and what your responsibilities are.

What you must tell your offender manager (an ‘offender manager)

You must tell your offender manager (an ‘offender manager) if:

you plan to change your name or address

you will not be able to make any meetings you have arranged with them (an ‘offender manager)

you’re having problems sticking to the rules of your probation

If you miss a scheduled meeting with your offender manager (an ‘offender manager), you should get in touch and tell them (an ‘offender manager) why. You may need to provide proof, like a letter from a doctor or your employer.

You are allowed to miss meetings or appointments to attend religious or other important events if you give your offender manager (an ‘offender manager) advance notice.

If you break the rules of your probation

You could go back to court if you break any rules of your probation. For example, if you:

do something your sentence bans you from doing

commit another crime

miss meetings and appointments without a good reason

behave in an aggressive, racist or other unacceptable way at a meeting or appointment

You can also be taken back to prison if you break the conditions of your licence or parole.

Being taken back to prison

You can be taken straight back to prison if you have been released on licence or parole and you break the rules of your probation. This is known as a ‘recall’. Your offender manager (an ‘offender manager) will tell you why you’ve been recalled.

There are three types of recalls.

Fixed-term recalls

You’ll be sent back to prison for either:

14 days - if your original sentence was less than 12 months

28 days - if your original sentence was 12 months or more

When you’re released you’ll be back on probation and licence until the end of your sentence.

Standard recalls

You’ll go back to prison until the end of your sentence, unless a parole board or the Secretary of State for Justice decide to release you.

Your case will be sent to a parole board automatically after 28 days. They will either release you straight away or set a date (within 1 year) when you can be released on licence.

Your offender manager can also review your case at any time and recommend to the Secretary of State (the Secretary of State for Justice) that you should be released.

Indeterminate sentence recalls

Your case will be sent to a parole board either:

28 days after you go back to prison

within 12 months of your last parole board review

The parole board (a parole board) will do one of the following:

release you on licence immediately

set a date when you’ll be released on licence

keep you in prison

ask you to attend a hearing

delay making a decision about your sentence until they (a parole board) have more information

Ask to be released again on probation

If you have been taken back to prison and think you should be released on probation again, ask the prison in writing. This is called ‘making representations’.

You can also ask a family member, friend or legal adviser to write to the prison for you.

You must do this (write) within 2 weeks of being told why you are being recalled to prison.


Criminal injuries compensation tribunal

Overview

You can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation) if you disagree with a decision by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) on your claim for compensation.

You may want to appeal if you’re refused compensation or unhappy with the amount.

The tribunal (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) can:

uphold CICA’s (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)) decision

increase or reduce your award

decide you should not get anything

ask CICA (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)) to make the decision (CICA’s (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)) decision) again

You have 90 days to appeal to the tribunal (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) from the date of CICA’s (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)) review decision. Explain why you’re late if you miss the deadline, for example if you’re waiting for medical reports.

The tribunal (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) is independent of government and will listen to both sides of the argument before making a decision.

Help you can get

You can contact Victim and Witness Information to find local help and support.

You can represent yourself at the tribunal (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)). To get help and advice before you appeal you can find a solicitor.

Appeal to the tribunal (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation))

Download and fill in the appeal form giving reasons why you disagree with the the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority’s (CICA’s) (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)) decision.

You must also provide:

documents supporting your case, for example, medical records or evidence of loss of earnings

Send the form, decision letter (the decision letter from CICA (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA))) and documents to the address on the form.

Call or email the tribunal helpline if you have any questions about completing the form. The tribunal (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) cannot give you legal advice.

What happens next

The tribunal (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) will send a copy of your appeal form (the form) to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). CICA (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)) will usually respond to you and the tribunal (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) within 6 weeks.

You’ll have one month to get back to the tribunal (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) with any extra information or arguments.

How your appeal will be decided

The tribunal (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) will write to tell you if your appeal will be decided using either:

the paperwork in the case (your case)

a hearing

You can ask the tribunal (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) for a hearing if you’re unhappy with not being given one.

The tribunal judge’s decision will be sent to you by post if your appeal is decided using paperwork.

You’ll be given at least 14 days’ notice of any hearing.

Hearings

The hearing (Hearings) will usually be held in the area covered by the police force which investigated the crime.

The hearing (Hearings) will be attended by:

2 or 3 tribunal judges or members

a clerk

a representative from CICA (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA))

any witnesses

A police officer who knows about your case may also attend if they can help the tribunal (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)).

Offenders do not usually attend tribunal hearings.

What happens at a hearing

You’ll be asked questions about the crime and your injuries.

You’ll present your case to the judge (The tribunal judge’s) - someone else can do this for you, for example a lawyer friend or family member.

Witnesses will come into the hearing room to give evidence - they’ll leave after they’ve done that.

You or your representative can ask questions during the hearing, and can make points at the end.

You’ll usually get the tribunal’s (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) decision on the day of the hearing.

Expenses for going to the hearing

The tribunal (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) will send you information on how to claim expenses for going to the hearing, such as travel costs.

If you lose your appeal

There’s no right of appeal but you may be able to ask for a ‘judicial review’ of the decision (the tribunal’s (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) decision) if you think the decision (the tribunal’s (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) decision) was wrong for a legal reason. This means they (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) may hear the case (your case) again.

Contact a solicitor for legal advice if you’re unsure.

Before you apply

Before applying for a judicial review:

write to the tribunal (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)), saying why you think the decision (the tribunal’s (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) decision) was wrong

ask for written reasons for its (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) decision (the tribunal’s (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) decision)

You must do this within 1 month of the date of the decision (the tribunal’s (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) decision).

How to apply - England and Wales

You must get permission from the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber) if you live in England or Wales (England and Wales).

Fill in the judicial review claim form and return it to the address on the form.

Find out more about appealing to the Upper Tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber)).

How to apply - Scotland

You must get permission from the Court of Session if you live in Scotland by using the application for leave to appeal form.

Send the form (the application for leave to appeal form) to:

Legislation and previous decisions

Read the rules the tribunal (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) must follow and its (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) decisions on previous cases.

Previous decisions

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

The tribunal (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) will make a decision based on the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012.

Legislation

The tribunal (the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)) must follow the rules in the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Social Entitlement Chamber) Rules 2008.

Read the Practice Directions and Statements for more information.


Young people in custody

Overview

People under 18 who are sentenced to custody are sent to secure centres for young people, not to adult prisons.

Why young people are sent to custody

A court can give a young person a custodial sentence if:

the crime is so serious there is no other suitable option

the young person (a young person) has committed crimes before

the judge or magistrate thinks the young person (a young person) is a risk to the public

A young person can also be sent to custody on remand.

The Youth Justice Board decides which secure centre a young person will be sent to.

They (The Youth Justice Board) will choose somewhere that:

can deal with the young person’s (a young person) needs safely, eg if they (a young person) have a health problem

is suitable for their (a young person) age, sex and background

is as near to their (a young person) home as possible

Arriving at custody

The young person (a young person) is interviewed by the reception officer as soon as they (a young person) arrive.

The reception officer uses this interview (interviewed) to make sure the young person (a young person) is properly looked after, eg if they (a young person) need any health care.

Search

The young person (a young person) will have some of their (a young person) belongings taken away, like their (a young person) money and phone.

They (a young person) will also be searched to make sure they (a young person) don’t have things like drugs on them (a young person).

Personal officer

Within the first few days, the young person (a young person) will meet their (a young person) personal officer. This person is in charge of the young person’s (a young person) well-being for as long as they (a young person)’re in the secure centre.

Find out more about the support that’s available for a young person in custody.

What custody is like for young people

Time in custody is spent:

in lessons

learning skills to get a job or to return to education

taking part in programmes to improve behaviour

participating in sport, fitness, and other activities

There are strict rules about what young people can and can’t do, and they may have to go through alcohol or drug counselling.

Types of secure centre

There are 3 types of custody for young people:

young offender institutions

secure training centres

secure children’s homes

Young offender institutions:

are run by the Prison Service and private companies

are for people aged 15 to 21 (people under 18 are held in different buildings)

house between 60 to 400 people, split into ‘wings’ of 30 to 60 people

Secure training centres:

are run by private companies

are for people aged up to 17

house between 50 and 80, split into units of 5 to 8 people

give 30 hours of education and training a week, following a school day timetable

Secure children’s homes:

run by local councils

are for people aged 10 to 14

house between 8 and 40 people

Visiting young people in custody

You must arrange your visit first. Contact the secure centre to find out what you need to do.

Who can visit

Family members and friends can ask to visit. If you’re under 18 you have to be accompanied by an adult.

People whose job it is to support the young person, like a social worker or legal adviser, can visit them at any time.

When you can visit

Each centre will have specific times for visiting. They will tell you when these are, and you won’t be allowed to visit outside of these times.

How often you can visit

Usually, you can visit a young person once a week if you are a family member or friend, but this can vary.

How many people can visit

Generally, 3 people are allowed at one time. If you want to bring more people, you will need to get permission first.

Getting help with travel costs

Family members can sometimes get help with the costs of visiting, such as train tickets or petrol.

There are different rules for claiming money back depending on where you visit.

Travel claims for visiting a young offender institution (YOI)

You should contact the Prison Service to claim for a visit to a YOI (a young offender institution (YOI)).

Travel claims for visiting a secure children’s home

You should contact the young person’s youth offending team to claim for a visit to a secure children’s home.

The document ‘AVS1 - Assisted visits scheme information for relatives’ will give you information on this. You need to complete form AVS2.

Travel claims for visiting a secure training centre (STC)

Call the STC you’re visiting on one of the following numbers. Ask for the STC monitor - they’ll tell you how to make a claim and what it covers.

Oakhill: 01908 866 021

Rainsbrook: 01788 528 806

Medway: 01634 823 305

Find out about call charges.

You may get help claiming the cost of a train journey before you travel. You can also
claim back the cost of your travel after your visit.

You could get help with registered childminder costs if you have young children.

If the young person is on remand

Contact the young person’s youth offending team, who can organise a visit.

You can’t get help with your travel costs if the young person you’re visiting (the young person) is on remand.

Advice and support

For advice or support, a young person can speak to a member of staff, for example:

their (the young person’s) personal officer

a chaplain, social worker or teacher

a doctor, nurse or other health worker

The personal officer (a member of staff) is the person in charge of the young person’s (the young person) well-being.

Chaplains provide support to everyone, whatever their faith. A young person can ask to speak to a chaplain of their own faith if they want.

Support from the youth offending team

Someone from the local youth offending team will stay in contact with the young person while they (the young person)’re in custody. The young person can get in touch with them whenever they (the young person) need.

Friends and family

A young person will be able to contact their family (Friends and family) regularly, and can arrange for them (Friends and family) to visit.

Advocacy services

Young people can also speak to someone from an advocacy service.

Advocacy services

Advocacy services are run by children’s charities and are confidential.

A young person in custody can ask an advocacy service for help if they (A young person):

feel they (A young person) can’t speak for themselves (A young person)

don’t understand something

can’t make themselves (A young person) understood

How to get in touch

People from an advocacy service regularly visit secure centres so young people can meet them. Young people can also telephone them.

Barnardo’s
Telephone: 0808 168 2694
Find out about call charges

This number (Barnardo’s
Telephone: 0808 168 2694) is for young people in young offender institutions (YOIs) or secure training centres (STCs). The phone number (Barnardo’s
Telephone: 0808 168 2694) is different for young people in a secure children’s home - they need to ask a member of staff for the number (Barnardo’s
Telephone: 0808 168 2694).

Other people to call

Young people and their (A young person in custody) families can also contact other organisations for help.

Organisations that can help

The Howard League might be able to offer legal advice and help to people under 18 in custody.

The Prison Reform Trust and Nacro offer advice and support to young people and their families, but can’t give legal advice.

Find out about call charges.


Data protection

The Data Protection Act

The Data Protection Act 2018 controls how your personal information is used by organisations, businesses or the government.

The Data Protection Act 2018 (The Data Protection Act) is the UK’s implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Everyone responsible for using personal data has to follow strict rules called ‘data protection principles’. They must make sure the information is:

used fairly, lawfully and transparently

used for specified, explicit purposes

used in a way that is adequate, relevant and limited to only what is necessary

accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date

kept for no longer than is necessary

handled in a way that ensures appropriate security, including protection against unlawful or unauthorised processing, access, loss, destruction or damage

There is stronger legal protection for more sensitive information, such as:

race

ethnic background

political opinions

religious beliefs

trade union membership

genetics

biometrics (where used for identification)

health

sex life or orientation

There are separate safeguards for personal data relating to criminal convictions and offences.

Your rights

Under the Data Protection Act 2018 (The Data Protection Act), you have the right to find out what information the government and other organisations store about you. These include the right to:

be informed about how your data is being used

access personal data

have incorrect data updated

have data erased

stop or restrict the processing of your data

data portability (allowing you to get and reuse your data for different services)

object to how your data is processed in certain circumstances

You also have rights when an organisation is using your personal data for:

automated decision-making processes (without human involvement)

profiling, for example to predict your behaviour or interests

Find out what data an organisation has about you

Write to an organisation to ask for a copy of the information they hold about you.

If it (an organisation)’s a public organisation, write to their (an organisation) Data Protection Officer (DPO). Their (an organisation) details should be on the organisation’s (an organisation) privacy notice.

If the organisation (an organisation) has no DPO, or you do not know who to write to, address your letter to the company secretary.

How long it should take

The organisation (an organisation) must give you a copy of the data they (an organisation) hold about you (the information they hold about you) as soon as possible, and within 1 month at most.

In certain circumstances, for example particularly complex or multiple requests, the organisation (an organisation) can take a further 2 months to provide data. In this case, they (an organisation) must tell you:

within 1 month of your request

why there’s a delay

When information can be withheld

There are some situations when organisations are allowed to withhold information, for example if the information is about:

the prevention, detection or investigation of a crime

national security or the armed forces

the assessment or collection of tax

judicial or ministerial appointments

An organisation does not have to say why they’re withholding information.

How much it costs

Requests for information are usually free. However, organisations can charge an administrative cost in some circumstances, for example if:

you’re asking for a large amount of information

your request will take a lot of time and effort to process

Make a complaint

If you think your data has been misused or that the organisation holding it has not kept it secure, you should contact them and tell them.

If you’re unhappy with their response or if you need any advice you should contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

You can also chat online with an advisor.

The ICO (the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)) can investigate your claim and take action against anyone who’s misused personal data.

You can also visit their (the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)) website for information on how to make a data protection complaint.


Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults

Overview

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is being replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for disabled people.

You can only apply for DLA if you’re under 16. You can apply for:

PIP (Personal Independence Payment (PIP)) if you’re aged 16 or over and have not reached State Pension age

Attendance Allowance if you’re State Pension age or older and do not get DLA

If you already get DLA, your claim might end. You’ll get a letter telling you when this (apply) will happen and how you can apply for PIP (Personal Independence Payment (PIP)).

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

If you already get DLA

If you were born on or before 8 April 1948, you’ll continue to get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) (DLA) as long as you’re eligible for it (DLA).

If you were born after 8 April 1948, your DLA (DLA) will end. You’ll get a letter telling you when that will happen. You’ll continue to get DLA until that date (8 April 1948).

Unless your circumstances change, you do not need to do anything until you get this letter (a letter telling you when that will happen).

If your DLA claim is ending

If your DLA (DLA) is ending, you’ll get a letter inviting you to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). If you do apply, you’ll need to do it within 28 days.

DLA will continue to be paid until at least 28 days after a decision is made about your PIP (Personal Independence Payment (PIP)) application.

If you’re eligible for PIP (Personal Independence Payment (PIP)), you’ll start getting PIP (Personal Independence Payment (PIP)) payments as soon as your DLA payments end.

Change of circumstances

You must contact the Disability Service Centre if your circumstances change, as this may affect how much DLA you get. For example:

the level of help you need or your condition changes

you go into hospital or a care home for more than 4 weeks

you go abroad for more than 13 weeks

you’re imprisoned or held in detention

You must also contact the centre (the Disability Service Centre) if:

you change your name, address or bank details

you want to stop receiving your benefit

your doctor’s details change

You may be asked to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) after you report a change to your circumstances.

You could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances.

If you’ve been paid too much

You may have to repay the money if you:

did not report a change straight away

gave wrong information

were overpaid by mistake

Find out how to repay the money you owe from benefit overpayment.

If you disagree with a decision

You can challenge a decision about your DLA claim. This is called asking for ‘mandatory reconsideration’.

DLA rates

You can no longer apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) if you’re 16 or over. You might be able to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead.

DLA (Disability Living Allowance (DLA)) is made up of 2 components (parts), the ‘care component’ and the ‘mobility component’. To get DLA (Disability Living Allowance (DLA)) you must be eligible for at least one of the components.

How much DLA (Disability Living Allowance (DLA)) you get depends on how your disability or health condition affects you.

If you need help looking after yourself

You might get the care component of DLA (the ‘care component’) (Disability Living Allowance (DLA)) if you:

need help with things like washing, dressing, eating, using the toilet or communicating your needs

need supervision to avoid putting yourself or others in danger

need someone with you when you’re on dialysis

cannot prepare a cooked main meal

You can get this part (the ‘care component’) if no one is actually giving you the care you need, or you live alone.

Care component | Weekly rate | Level of help you need

Lowest | £23.70 | Help for some of the day or with preparing cooked meals

Middle | £60.00 | Frequent help or constant supervision during the day, supervision at night or someone to help you while on dialysis

Highest | £89.60 | Help or supervision throughout both day and night, or you’re terminally ill

If you get DLA (Disability Living Allowance (DLA)) and Constant Attendance Allowance, the care component of your DLA will be reduced by the amount of Constant Attendance Allowance you get.

If you have walking difficulties

You might get the mobility component of DLA (the ‘mobility component) (Disability Living Allowance (DLA)) if, when using your normal aid, you:

cannot walk

can only walk a short distance without severe discomfort

could become very ill if you try to walk

You might also get it (the ‘mobility component) if you:

have no feet or legs

are assessed as 100% blind and at least 80% deaf and you need someone with you when outdoors

are severely mentally impaired with severe behavioural problems and get the highest rate of care for DLA (Disability Living Allowance (DLA))

need supervision most of the time when walking outdoors

are certified as severely sight impaired and you were aged between 3 and 64 on 11 April 2011

Mobility component | Weekly rate | Level of help you need

Lower | £23.70 | Guidance or supervision outdoors

Higher | £62.55 | You have any other, more severe, walking difficulty

You must contact the Disability Service Centre if your circumstances change, for example your condition improves or you need more help.

Assessments

You might get a letter saying you need to attend an assessment to check the level of help you need. The letter explains why, and where you must go. Your benefit may be stopped if you do not go.

At the assessment (an assessment), you’ll be asked for identification. You can use a passport or any 3 of the following:

birth certificate

a full driving licence

life assurance policy

bank statements

How you’re paid

DLA (Disability Living Allowance (DLA)) is usually paid every 4 weeks on a Wednesday.

If your payment date is on a bank holiday, you will usually be paid before the bank holiday. After that you’ll continue to get paid as normal.

All benefits, pensions and allowances are paid into your bank, building society or credit union account.

Extra help

You could get extra benefits if you get Disability Living Allowance - check with the Disability Service Centre or the office dealing with your benefit.

If your disability or health condition stops you from working and you’re eligible for Universal Credit, you could get an extra amount on top of your Universal Credit standard allowance.

If you get DLA (Disability Living Allowance (DLA)) and you work, you might also be able to get the disability element of Working Tax Credit (up to £3,220 a year, or up to £4,610 if your disability is severe). Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to find out.


Recruitment and disabled people

Job specifications

The job specification (or ‘person requirements’) of a vacancy must not exclude disabled people from applying for a job.

However, some jobs may have an essential requirement that cannot be met with a reasonable adjustment.

If you reject a disabled candidate, it must be based on their performance at interview rather than having to make reasonable adjustments.

Encouraging applications

Your local Jobcentre Plus can help with:

making sure your application process is accessible

advising you about recruitment practices that open up jobs to disabled people

information about making reasonable adjustments that can help someone start or keep their job

Contact Jobcentre Plus (Your local Jobcentre Plus) to find out more.

Apply for the disability confident scheme

Sign up as a disability confident committed employer. When you’ve done this you can use the disability confident badge on adverts to show you encourage applications from disabled people.

Alternative formats

You must provide information about the vacancy in alternative formats (for example, large print) on request if this is reasonable. You must also accept applications in alternative formats (for example, electronically) where possible.

Reasonable adjustments

You can ask if a candidate needs an adjustment to the recruitment process to allow them to be considered for the job, or you can wait to be told.

You must make adjustments if they’re reasonable, for example allowing:

wheelchair users to have their interview on the ground floor

candidates to complete a written test using a computer

After you’ve made a job offer, you can ask what adjustments they (candidates)’ll need to do the job.

You can get help paying for extra support in the workplace through an Access to Work grant but you cannot use the money for reasonable adjustments.


Vehicle tax Direct Debit payments

Set up a Direct Debit

You can set up a Direct Debit when you tax your vehicle online or at a Post Office.

You do not need to be the vehicle’s (your vehicle) registered keeper to set up a Direct Debit.

Emails and letters about Direct Debit payments are sent to the account holder.

How much it costs

The amount you pay depends on how often you want to make a payment. There’s a 5% surcharge if you pay:

monthly

every 6 months

There’s no surcharge if you pay yearly.

What you need

You need:

your address and date of birth

your bank or building society name, account number and sort code

You cannot set up a Direct Debit for an account that needs 2 signatures.

What happens next

You’ll get a confirmation by email or post that your Direct Debit (a Direct Debit) has been set up.

The first payment will not be taken until the vehicle tax has started. It can take up to 10 days. You can still use the vehicle (your vehicle) before the payment is taken.

All the following payments will be taken on the first working day of the month that the Direct Debit (a Direct Debit) is due.

Renewing your vehicle tax (the vehicle tax)

Your Direct Debit for vehicle tax (a Direct Debit) will renew automatically when it (a Direct Debit)’s due to run out.

You’ll get an email or letter telling you when your payments will be taken.

You will not be sent a vehicle tax reminder letter (V11).

Do not tax your vehicle again. If you do, you’ll be charged twice.

The vehicle keeper must have a vehicle logbook (V5C) before the vehicle tax is renewed.

If the vehicle keeper does not have a V5C

Your Direct Debit (a Direct Debit) will not automatically renew if there’s no vehicle keeper in DVLA’s records.

You can tell DVLA (DVLA’s) who the vehicle keeper is online.

If you do not get an email or letter when your vehicle tax (the vehicle tax) runs out, you should contact DVLA (DVLA’s).

If you do not have an MOT or insurance in place

DVLA (DVLA’s) will write to you if your vehicle’s (your vehicle) MOT certificate will have run out when your (your vehicle) vehicle tax (the vehicle tax) is due to renew.

Your vehicle must pass an MOT by the time the current one (your vehicle’s (your vehicle) MOT certificate) runs out.

After it (your vehicle)’s passed an MOT, DVLA’s records will be updated automatically. Your vehicle tax (the vehicle tax) will be renewed on the date it (the vehicle tax) was due to run out.

You do not need to contact DVLA (DVLA’s) or tax your vehicle again.

If you do not get an MOT in time, you’ll need to tax your vehicle again.

If your vehicle is registered in Northern Ireland, you must also have insurance in place when your vehicle tax (the vehicle tax) is due to renew. You’ll get a letter telling you if your insurance will have run out by then.

Change your address, email or name

Tell DVLA (DVLA’s) if you want to change the address, email or name on your Direct Debit (a Direct Debit).

You can call DVLA (DVLA’s) if:

you’ve moved house

you’ve got a new email address

you’ve got married or divorced and want to update your details

there’s a mistake with your name or address

If you changed your name by deed poll

Write to DVLA (DVLA’s) if you’ve changed your name by deed poll.

You need to include:

your address and date of birth

a copy of your deed poll

Send it (a copy of your deed poll) to:

Change how often you pay

When you set up your Direct Debit (a Direct Debit) you can choose to pay:

every month

every 6 months

every year

DVLA (DVLA’s) will take the payments on the first working day of the month. You cannot change it (a Direct Debit) to a different date.

To change how often you pay (for example, from every 6 months to monthly), you have to cancel your Direct Debit (a Direct Debit) and then tax your vehicle again.

What you need to do

Ask your bank or building society to cancel your Direct Debit (a Direct Debit). Depending on your account, you can do this online, by phone or post, or at a branch.

Tax your vehicle on the first day of the month that your next Direct Debit payment was due. Use the 11 digit number on your vehicle log book (V5C).

Choose the Direct Debit option when you tax your vehicle. Then choose how often you want to pay - either monthly, every 6 months or every year.

Change bank account or payment method

When you want to change the account your Direct Debit is taken from you can either:

ask your new bank or building society to move your Direct Debits from your old account

change to another account you already have

You can also change to paying by credit or debit card.

Switching bank or building society

Most UK banks can move Direct Debits from your old bank account to your new one.

You do not need to tell DVLA (DVLA’s) or do anything else.

Move your Direct Debit to an account you already have

Your bank might be able to move a Direct Debit from one of your accounts to another if both accounts are with them - check with your bank.

Contact DVLA (DVLA’s) if your bank cannot move the Direct Debit (a Direct Debit) to your new account or the 2 accounts (both accounts) are with different banks.

Pay with a debit or credit card

Ask your bank or building society to cancel your Direct Debit. You can keep driving your vehicle until the date your next Direct Debit payment was due.

Pay the tax (Tax) for your vehicle using a debit or credit card.

If a Direct Debit payment fails

The Direct Debit account holder will get an email from DVLA (DVLA’s) if a payment fails because there is not enough money in the account.

DVLA (DVLA’s) will try to take the payment (a payment) again within 4 working days. If that also fails, you’ll get an email telling you that:

the Direct Debit (your Direct Debit) has failed twice and has been permanently cancelled

your vehicle is no longer taxed

What to do if your Direct Debit is cancelled

You’ll have to tax your vehicle using your vehicle log book (V5C) (your vehicle log book). You’ll need to either:

make sure there’s enough money in your account and set up a new Direct Debit

use a new payment method, for example, a debit card or Direct Debit from another account with enough money in it

It’s illegal to drive your vehicle until you’ve taxed it (your vehicle).

If you do not do anything

You’ll be fined £80 if you do not tax your vehicle or tell DVLA (DVLA’s) that it (your vehicle)’s off the road. You’ll also have to pay for the time it (your vehicle) was not taxed.

If you do not pay your fine on time your vehicle could be clamped or crushed, or your details passed to a debt collection agency.

Cancel a Direct Debit

DVLA (DVLA’s) will cancel your Direct Debit (a Direct Debit) when you tell them (DVLA’s) your vehicle’s been:

sold or transferred to someone else

taken off the road, for example, you’re keeping it (your vehicle) in a garage - this is called a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN)

written off by your insurance company

scrapped at a vehicle scrapyard

stolen - you’ll have to apply for a refund separately

exported out of the UK

The Direct Debit will also be cancelled if you no longer have to pay vehicle tax because you’ve told DVLA (DVLA’s):

it (your vehicle)’s being used by a disabled person

the vehicle (your vehicle) is historic (it’s over 40 years old)

If you overpaid your tax

You’ll automatically get a refund cheque for any full months left on your vehicle tax. The refund is calculated from the date DVLA (DVLA’s) gets your information.

If you cancel your Direct Debit just before a monthly payment is due, DVLA (DVLA’s) may still take the payment. You’ll automatically get a refund within 10 working days if this happens.

Cancelling the Direct Debit (a Direct Debit) for other reasons

If you cancel your Direct Debit with your bank or building society for any other reason, you must tax your vehicle again using either:

a Direct Debit from an account with enough money in it

another payment method, for example, by debit or credit card


Getting an MOT

When to get an MOT

The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.

You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:

the third anniversary of its (your vehicle) registration

the anniversary of its (your vehicle) last MOT, if it (your vehicle)’s over 3 years old

Some vehicles need to be tested at one year old - check the MOT fees table to see which.

Find out how to check your MOT expiry date.

There are different rules and processes in Northern Ireland for MOTs for vehicles registered in Northern Ireland.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting an MOT

You need to get an MOT for your vehicle as usual.

Do not take your vehicle to an MOT centre in person if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms

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

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

If you cannot take your vehicle in person

Some MOT centres will collect your vehicle for the MOT and then return it (your vehicle). Contact an MOT centre to see if this service is available.

You can also get someone else to take your vehicle into a test centre if you insure them on your vehicle.

If you cannot get your vehicle collected or taken in for you, you must wait until you’re no longer self-isolating to take it (your vehicle) into a test centre.

If the MOT has run out

If your tax is due to run out, register your vehicle as ‘off the road’ - you cannot renew your vehicle tax if your MOT has expired.

Book an MOT test.

Tax your vehicle once it has passed its MOT.

You cannot drive or park your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out. You can be prosecuted if caught.

The only exceptions are to drive it (your vehicle):

to or from somewhere to be repaired

to a pre-arranged MOT test

Earliest date you can get an MOT

An MOT lasts for a year. The date it (an MOT) runs out is printed on your current MOT pass certificate.

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.

You can get an MOT earlier, but the renewal date for the following year will change to one year (minus a day) from the date the vehicle last passed its MOT.

Booking an MOT

You must use an approved MOT test centre to get your MOT (an MOT).

Only centres showing the blue sign with 3 white triangles can carry out your MOT.

How you can book

Contact an MOT centre to book an MOT.

There are maximum fees that the MOT centre can charge.

There’s a different process to book an MOT in Northern Ireland.

MOT costs

There’s a maximum amount MOT test stations can charge. This depends on the type of vehicle.

The maximum fee for a car is £54.85 and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle.

You do not pay VAT on the fee (a maximum amount MOT test stations can charge).

| Vehicle class | Age first MOT needed (years) | Maximum MOT fee

Motorcycle (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size up to 200cc) | 1 | 3 | £37.80

Motorcycle (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £29.65

Motorcycle with sidecar (engine size over 200cc) | 2 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (up to 450kg unladen weight) | 3 | 3 | £37.80

3-wheeled vehicles (over 450kg unladen weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Cars (up to 8 passenger seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Motor caravans | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Quads (max unladen weight 400kg - for goods vehicles 550kg and max net power of 15kw) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Dual purpose vehicles | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Private hire and public service vehicles (up to 8 seats) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Ambulances and taxis | 4 | 1 | £54.85

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (9 to 12 passenger seats) | 4 | 1 | £57.30

Goods vehicles (up to 3,000kg design gross weight) | 4 | 3 | £54.85

Class 4 vehicles (9 to 12 passenger seats) with a seat belt installation check | 4a | n/a | £64

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (13 to 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £59.55

Private passenger vehicles and ambulances (more than 16 passenger seats) | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Playbuses | 5 | 1 | £80.65

Class 5 vehicles (13 to 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £80.50

Class 5 vehicles (more than 16 passenger seats) with a seatbelt installation check | 5a | n/a | £124.50

Goods vehicles (over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg design gross weight) | 7 | 3 | £58.60

How the MOT test works

During the MOT (the MOT test), important parts on your vehicle will be checked to make sure they meet the legal standards.

You can watch the test (the MOT test) from a viewing area but you’re not allowed to interrupt the tester.

Parts that are tested

You can read more about what’s tested for cars and motorcycles.

The test (the MOT test) does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.

The MOT guide and inspection manuals tell you everything that’s tested.

MOT test result

Your vehicle can either pass or fail the MOT (the MOT test).

Passing the MOT (the MOT test)

If your vehicle passes the MOT (the MOT test):

you’ll get an MOT certificate from the test centre

it (an MOT certificate) will be recorded in the MOT database

You might also get a list of ‘minor’ or ‘advisory’ problems to monitor or fix in the future.

Failing the MOT (the MOT test)

Your vehicle will fail if the test result (MOT test result) lists ‘dangerous’ or ‘major’ problems with your vehicle. You might not be allowed to drive until you fix the problems.

If your vehicle fails the MOT (the MOT test):

you’ll get a ‘refusal of an MOT test certificate’ from the test centre

it (a ‘refusal of an MOT test certificate’) will be recorded in the MOT database

You can appeal the result if you think it’s wrong.

Driving a vehicle that’s failed

You can take your vehicle (a vehicle that’s failed) away if:

your current MOT certificate is still valid

no ‘dangerous’ problems were listed in the MOT (the MOT test)

Otherwise, you’ll need to get it (a vehicle that’s failed) repaired before you can drive.

If you can take your vehicle (a vehicle that’s failed) away, it (a vehicle that’s failed) must still meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times.

You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle that has failed its (a vehicle that’s failed) MOT because of a ‘dangerous’ problem.

Retest after a repair

In some cases your vehicle can have a partial retest for free or a reduced MOT fee.

Leaving your vehicle for repair

You only need a partial retest if you leave the vehicle (a vehicle that’s failed) at the test centre for repair and it (a vehicle that’s failed)’s retested within 10 working days. There’s no fee for this.

Taking your vehicle away for repairs

You can take your vehicle away if your MOT certificate is still valid.

If your MOT has run out you can take your vehicle to:

have the failed defects fixed

a pre-arranged MOT test appointment

In both cases, your vehicle still needs to meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times or you can be fined.

Taking it (your vehicle) back for a retest the next working day

You will not have to pay again if you take it (a vehicle that’s failed) back to the same test centre (the test centre) before the end of the next working day for a partial retest on one or more of these items:

access panels

battery

bonnet

bootlid

brake pedal antislip

break glass hammer (class 5 vehicles only)

doors (including hinges, catches and pillars)

door open warning device (class 5 vehicles only)

dropsides

electrical wiring

emergency exits and signs (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance door remote control (class 5 vehicles only)

entrance/exit steps (class 5 vehicles only)

fuel filler cap

headlamp cleaning or levelling devices (that does not need a headlamp aim check)

horn

lamps (excluding headlamp aim)

loading door

main beam ‘tell-tale’

mirrors

rear reflectors

registration plates

seatbelts (but not anchorages), seatbelt load limiter and seatbelt pre-tensioner

seats

sharp edges or projections

stairs (class 5 vehicles only)

steering wheel

tailboard

tailgate

trailer electrical sockets

towbars (excluding body around anchorage points)

tyre pressure monitoring system

vehicle identification number (VIN)

windscreen glass, wipers and washers

wheels and tyres (excluding motorcycles and motorcycles with sidecar)

Taking it back for a retest within 10 working days

You’ll only need a partial retest if you take the vehicle from the test centre for repairs and take it back within 10 working days.  You can be charged a partial retest fee for this (Taking).

In all other cases, you’ll need to get a full retest and pay the full MOT test fee again.

Test result appeals and problems

You can appeal an MOT test failure or complain to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you think your vehicle should not have passed.

You can take your own action against an MOT test centre through Trading Standards, personal legal proceedings or reporting the centre to the police. DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) cannot help you take action against a centre.

Appeal if your vehicle failed an MOT

You need to discuss your test results with the test centre before anyone starts repairs.

You can appeal against the failure (failed) if you think it (failed)’s wrong.  Fill in the complaint form and send it to DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) within 14 working days of the test.

DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) will contact you within 5 days to discuss your appeal.

If DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) decides to recheck your vehicle, you’ll need to arrange a date and pay the full test fee again. They (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA))’ll send you an inspection report listing any vehicle defects.

You should not have any repairs made until the appeal process has finished.

If you think your car has passed when it should not have

You’ll need to complain to DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) if you do not think your car should have passed its (your car) MOT (an MOT). Fill in the complaint form and send it to DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) within the time limits below.

DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) will contact you within 5 days to discuss your complaint (the complaint form).

If DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) decides to recheck your vehicle (your car), you’ll need to arrange a date. You will not need to pay the test fee (the full test fee) again. They (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA))’ll send you an inspection report listing any vehicle defects.

Time limits

If your vehicle passed, you need to complain within:

within 3 months of the MOT (an MOT) if it’s a corrosion-related problem

within 28 days has passed for other defects

If you think your MOT certificate is not genuine

You can check that your MOT certificate is genuine by checking its MOT status.

If you’re unhappy with your MOT service

Contact DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) if you’re not happy with your MOT service.

Vehicles that do not need an MOT

You do not need to get an MOT for a vehicle until it reaches the age shown in the MOT fees table.

Exempt vehicles

Other vehicles that do not need an MOT include:

goods vehicles powered by electricity and registered before 1 March 2015

tractors

some historic (‘classic’) vehicles

A list of exempt types of vehicles is on the MOT exemption form (V112). You need to fill in the form if your vehicle is listed so that you can either tax it or apply for tax exemption.

Lorries, buses and trailers

You must get an annual test for lorries, buses and trailers instead of an MOT. It’s sometimes called the ‘annual vehicle test’.

Fix mistakes on your MOT certificate

You can get information corrected on your MOT certificate (such as the mileage or vehicle details) if it’s wrong.

Get the wrong mileage corrected

The way you get the mileage (the wrong mileage) corrected depends on when your MOT was.

Your MOT was less than 28 days ago

Ask the MOT centre to check the mileage (the wrong mileage). They’ll give you a replacement certificate if the mileage (the wrong mileage) is wrong.

Your MOT was more than 28 days ago

Report the mistake to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to get it corrected.

You also need to email proof of the mileage (the wrong mileage), such as a scan or photo of:

an invoice for the MOT

an emissions printout

a service receipt

a vehicle job card from the MOT centre

They (the MOT centre) need to show what the mileage (the wrong mileage) should be, and show the same date as the MOT (the MOT) test.

If your scan or photo includes personal information, for example your payment details, you should blank it out or remove it.

If you do not send the right evidence, DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) will not fix the mistakes.

Once DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) has updated the mileage (the wrong mileage), you can check your vehicle’s MOT history and download or print a corrected MOT certificate.

Get vehicle details or the MOT centre (the MOT centre) corrected

Contact DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) if your MOT certificate has the wrong:

vehicle make or model

vehicle colour

country where the vehicle was registered

MOT test centre (the MOT centre)

Add or remove test records

If there’s an MOT (the MOT) test missing from your vehicle’s MOT history, or a test that does not belong there, email or call DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) to have it corrected.

You’ll need to give your:

name

telephone number

vehicle number plate

vehicle make and model

date of the MOT (the MOT)

MOT (the MOT) test number (if you know it)

MOT test centre (the MOT centre) name and address


Driving lessons and learning to drive

Overview

You can apply for a provisional driving licence when you’re 15 years and 9 months old.

You can start driving a car when you’re 17.

You can drive a car when you are 16 if you get, or have applied for, the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Check which vehicles you can learn to drive.

Learning to drive during coronavirus (COVID-19)

You can take driving lessons anywhere in the UK.

You and any passengers should wear a face covering, unless you’re exempt.

In Scotland, you can be fined if you do not wear a face covering during a driving lesson.

Check the rules for practising with friends and family.

If you’re learning to drive in Scotland

You and the person teaching you to drive must wear face coverings during driving lessons and practice sessions in Scotland.

If you do not wear a face covering, you must have a good reason, for example:

you have a physical or mental illness, impairment or disability

wearing it (a face covering) would cause you severe distress

you and the person teaching you live in the same household

Wearing glasses does not count as a good reason.

You can be fined £60 if you do not wear a face covering during a driving lesson in Scotland. This will be reduced to £30 if you pay within 28 days.

Rules for learning to drive

You must have a provisional driving licence for Great Britain or Northern Ireland when you’re learning to drive or ride.

You must be supervised when you’re learning to drive a car. This can be by a driving instructor or someone else who meets the rules, for example family or friends.

The car you learn in must display ‘L’ plates.

You can drive at any time, day and night.

You can only drive on motorways if all of the following apply:

you’re driving in England, Scotland or Wales

you’re with an approved driving instructor

the car is fitted with dual controls

Speed limits

In England, Scotland and Wales the speed limits when driving with ‘L’ plates are the same as when you’ve passed your test.

In Northern Ireland the speed limit is 45 miles per hour when you’re learning to drive a car.

Taking driving lessons

Anyone you pay to teach you to drive must be either:

a qualified and approved driving instructor (ADI)

a trainee driving instructor

You can find your nearest driving instructors.

There are different rules in Northern Ireland for choosing an instructor.

Instructors set their own prices for driving lessons - there’s no minimum or maximum cost.

Check your instructor’s badge

Instructors have to display a badge in their windscreen to prove they’re registered with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). They display:

a green badge if they (Instructors)’re a qualified driving instructor

a pink badge if they (Instructors)’re a trainee

You can report someone to DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) if they charge for driving lessons and are not a qualified driving instructor or trainee.

Driving lessons

There’s no minimum number of lessons you must have or hours you must practise driving.

How many lessons you need will depend on how quickly you learn. You can download a form to record your progress with your instructor.

You can complain about a driving instructor if you’re not happy with their service or behaviour.

Practising with family or friends

In England, you can practice driving with family or friends, but this is restricted to groups of no more than 6 people, or 2 households. Follow the rules for car sharing in the coronavirus (COVID-19) travel guidance.

In Scotland, there are different rules depending on which area level you are in, but you are legally required to wear a face covering unless you are exempt. Read the guidance on driving lessons in Scotland.

In Wales, you can practice driving with people you live with or those within your support bubble. You do not need to stay in your local council area.

Anyone you practise your driving with (without paying them) must:

be over 21

be qualified to drive the type of vehicle you want to learn in, for example they must have a manual car licence if they’re supervising you in a manual car

have had their full driving licence for 3 years (from the UK, the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein)

You can be fined up to £1,000 and get up to 6 penalty points on your provisional licence if you drive without the right supervision.

It’s illegal for your friend or family member to use a mobile phone while supervising you.

Insurance

You need your own insurance as a learner driver if you’re practising in a car you own. Your family member or friend will usually be covered on this.

If you’re practising in someone else’s car, you need to make sure their insurance policy covers you as a learner driver.

Some insurance companies require the person supervising you to be over 25 years old.

You can get an unlimited fine, be banned from driving and get up to 8 penalty points for driving without insurance.

Recording your practice

You can download a form to record any practice you do without your driving instructor.

Using 'L' and 'P' plates

You must put an L plate on the front and back of your vehicle so they can be seen easily.

In Wales, you can use a D plate instead.

An L plate or D plate must:

have a red L or D on a white background

be the right size

You can get up to 6 penalty points if you do not display an L plate or if it’s not the right size.

You should take L plates off your vehicle when it’s not being used by a learner.

P plates

You can display green ‘probationary’ P plates to show that you’ve just passed your driving test. You do not have to display them. You can leave them on your vehicle for as long as you like.

In Northern Ireland you must use ‘R’ plates (restricted driver plates) for one year after you pass your test.


CBT motorcycle and moped training

Who needs to take training

Compulsory basic training (CBT) is a course you usually have to take before you ride a moped or motorcycle on the road.

The training (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) makes sure you can ride safely on your own while you practise for your full moped or motorcycle test.

CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) is not a test that you pass or fail.

After you’ve completed CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)), you can ride a:

moped if you’re 16 or over

motorcycle up to 125cc and with a power output of up to 11kW if you’re 17 or over

You must use L plates (L or D plates in Wales).

You must pass your full moped or motorcycle test within 2 years, or you have to either take CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) again or stop riding.

You can be fined up to £1,000 and get up to 6 penalty points for riding if you do not have a valid CBT certificate.

When you do not need to take CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT))

You do not have to take CBT if you:

want to ride a moped (up to 50cc) and you passed your car driving test before 1 February 2001

want to ride a motorcycle and have a full moped licence from passing a moped test since 1 December 1990

have a full motorcycle licence for one category and want to upgrade to another

live and ride on some offshore islands

want to ride a trial e-scooter

Booking your CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) course

Book your CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) course directly with a motorcycle training school.

The training school (a motorcycle training school) sets the course price. The price depends on where you do the training and if you bring your own moped or motorcycle.

The training school (a motorcycle training school) can ask you to share your driving licence information with them (a motorcycle training school) before the course (your CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) course).

Preparing for your CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) course

Your trainer can stop your compulsory basic training (CBT) course (your CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) course) if your basic knowledge of The Highway Code and traffic signs is not good enough for you to ride safely.

You need to know:

the main rules that apply to moped and motorcycle riders

what other road users are likely to do

You can be charged again to retake the course (your CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) course) if your trainer stops your training because you are not prepared.

You can buy the guide to learning to ride to help you prepare. You can also buy it from high street and online book shops.

What to take to your course

Take your UK driving licence to your training course (your course).

What you need to wear

You must wear:

a motorcycle helmet that meets British safety standards (unless you’re Sikh and wearing a turban) - check if the training school will provide one

motorcycle boots or other sturdy footwear that supports and protects your ankles

textile or leather motorcycle trousers or heavy denim trousers

a textile or leather motorcycle jacket or a heavy denim jacket with several layers underneath

motorcycle gloves

Your course (your CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) course) can be stopped and you can be charged to take it (your CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) course) again if you do not wear suitable clothing.

Using your own moped or motorcycle

You cannot ride your own moped or motorcycle to the course (your CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) course) unless you already have a CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) certificate - for example, if you’re taking CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) again before your current certificate expires.

You can be fined up to £1,000 and get up to 6 penalty points for riding if you do not have a valid CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) certificate.

How the training works

The CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) course (your CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) course) usually lasts a full day. It (your CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) course) can take longer depending on how quickly you learn.

There are 5 parts to the course (your CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) course):

introduction and eyesight check

on-site training

on-site riding

on-road training

on-road riding

The CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) course syllabus tells you more about what’s involved in each part.

You move from one part to the next when your trainer is happy you’ve:

learnt the theory

shown the practical skills to a safe basic level

On-road riding

The on-road riding part must last at least 2 hours. Complain to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if the trainer cuts this short.

How many people you’ll train with

You might train with other learners. There’s a maximum number of:

4 learners per trainer for on-site parts

2 learners per trainer for on-road parts

Complain to DVSA (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) if there are more learners than this.

When you complete the course (your CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) course)

You’ll get a ‘certificate of completion’ (sometimes called a ‘DL196’) when you successfully complete the course (your CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) course).

You can then ride a moped or motorcycle up to 125cc and with a power output of up to 11kW on the road with L plates (L or D plates in Wales).

You must pass your theory test and full moped or motorcycle test within 2 years otherwise you’ll need to complete CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) again or stop riding.

If you have a car driving licence

You can ride a moped (up to 50cc) without L plates (L plates (L or D plates in Wales) and without taking the moped test in some situations.

You passed your driving test on or after 1 February 2001

You’ll get a full moped licence if you either:

pass your car driving test and then complete a compulsory basic training (CBT) course

complete a CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) course and then pass your car driving test within two years

You can then ride a moped (up to 50cc) without L plates. You do not need to take the full moped test.

You can ride mopeds  for as long as your car driving licence lasts.

You passed your driving test before 1 February 2001

You can ride a moped (up to 50cc) without L plates. You do not need to take a CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) course or take the full moped test.

You must take CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) if you want to ride anything larger than a 50cc moped.

If you ride on offshore islands

You must take compulsory basic training (CBT) to ride in these places:

the Isle of Wight

South Uist

North Uist

Benbecula

Harris

Lewis

mainland Orkney

mainland Shetland

any other island connected to mainland Great Britain by road

You do not need to take CBT (Compulsory basic training (CBT)) to ride on other offshore islands.

Complain about a CBT course

Get help from Citizens Advice if you want to complain about your motorcycle training school’s service, or get a refund from them.

Standard of training

Contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you’re not happy with the standard of training you received, including if:

the on-road riding part did not last at least 2 hours

there were too many learners per trainer

You need to give:

your trainer’s name and the training school name

the address where you took the training

the date and time you took the training

details of why you’re not happy with the training


Change vehicle details on a V5C registration certificate (log book)

When you need to update your V5C

You must update the details on your registration certificate (V5C) (your V5C) to tell DVLA about:

mistakes on your V5C

most changes you make to your vehicle

You cannot change tax class by updating your V5C. (your V5C) You do this by changing your vehicle tax - even if you’re changing to a tax class that’s exempt from vehicle tax, for example ‘disabled’.

Changes you need to update

You must update your V5C if you change any of the following:

colour

engine

cylinder capacity (cc)

fuel type

chassis or bodyshell (replaced or modified)

seating capacity

weight of a large vehicle, for example goods vehicle or campervan

Changes that may need inspection

You must also update your V5C if you change any of the following:

wheel plan

body type, for example you convert a van to a campervan or ’motor caravan’ (DVLA gives a body type description based on the vehicle’s external appearance)

vehicle identification number (VIN)

chassis number

frame number for motorbikes

DVLA will tell you if they (DVLA) need to inspect the change (change).

What evidence to give

You must give DVLA evidence or written confirmation if you make any of the following changes to your vehicle. Your V5C (your V5C) update will be rejected if you do not.

Change of engine number or cylinder capacity (cc)

You need to provide either:

a receipt for the replacement engine

written evidence from the manufacturer

an inspection report provided for insurance purposes

written confirmation on headed paper from a garage (if the change (change) took place before you bought the vehicle (a van))

Change of fuel type

You need to provide evidence if:

your existing engine is converted – the confirmation must be on headed paper from the garage that did the work

a new engine is fitted – provide the receipt as confirmation

Change of weight of a larger vehicle

If you change the weight of a large vehicle (for example, a campervan or goods vehicle), you’ll need to provide either:

a plating certificate

a design weight certificate

Change of body type to motor caravan

Check what evidence you need when you convert a van to a campervan or motor caravan.

How to update your V5C

Fill in section 1 if you have a new style log book with multi-coloured numbered blocks on the front cover. Fill in section 7 if you have the older style log book.

Send it (the older style log book) to DVLA with any necessary evidence.

If the change is not listed in section 1 or 7, add notes to the ‘vehicle details’ section instead. Send it (the older style log book) to DVLA with evidence and a letter explaining the change (change).

Where to send your V5C

Send your V5C to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DZ (DVLA) if you changed any of the following:

engine size (cc)

fuel type

weight of a goods vehicle

number of seats on a bus

For all other changes, send your V5C to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA (DVLA).

What happens next

DVLA will contact you to:

confirm the change (change) or tell you if it (DVLA) needs an inspection

tell you if the change (change) means you have to pay more vehicle tax

It may take longer than usual to get your replacement V5C because of coronavirus (COVID-19).