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How License Types Can Affect Your Insurance Policy
Licence Type
The premium on your car insurance depends a lot on the kind of licence you actually hold. It could be a Provisional, Full UK Licence, European Union or an International Licence.
Provisional Licence:
You can get this licence even before you have passed your theory test. You are allowed to get insurance on a private car in your own name, however you can only legally drive it as long as you are accompanied by a driver who has held a full UK licence for the past three years.
You can even add your spouse or partner on to the policy to get some discounts regardless of the fact that he or she drives that car or not (see the section: additional drivers for further information).
Full UK Licence:
Once you have got your provisional licence, passed your theory test and after an enormous anxiety managed to pass your practical test you can apply for the Full UK licence.
If you are like most people, the moment you pass your practical test, you just can’t wait to get out and hit the road, but hey hold your horses. (This is of course specifically for young drivers).
First things first, do bear in mind that according to the insurance underwriters, driving on a full UK licence for the first year means you are more of a risk on the roads because you are not accompanied by anyone. So you might find that the premium is slightly higher than what you were paying when driving on a provisional, again it all depends on the kind of company you are dealing with.
If you have got a pass plus certificate, this would allow you to get some discounts which would mean the insurance price should become cheaper.
EU Licence:
If you had a European licence and have come to the UK, you are allowed to drive a private car and get insured based on your home country’s licence provided the driving category is clearly stated on it.
Alternatively you can at any time apply to change for a full UK licence.
The countries that are entitled to this are as follows:
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, UK, and other EC countries.
Gibraltar and other designated countries.
As long as your home country’s licence is valid you are allowed to drive private cars in the UK. However you need to apply to exchange your licence for a Full UK one before the 12th month since you have been resident in the UK.
Other International Licences:
People holding international licences from Countries other than the ones stated above are allowed to drive on their home country licence or the International Driving Permit for 12 months after arrival in the UK, provided it remains valid during this time period. They would have to apply for a provisional driving licence, and then pass their practical test just before the 12th month since they first became resident in the UK. Read the rest of this entry »
How to Get a Provisional Driving License in Ireland
The system of licensing learner Drivers is under scrutiny and may well change in Ireland in the coming year or so. In the meantime the procedure is very straightforward but takes a little organising.
(1) First you must study for, book and then pass the Driver Theory Test which was introduced in 2001. The theory test is a multi choice test done on computer and most major towns have a designated Theory Test Centre.
(2) The pass mark is 35 out of a total of 40 questions.
(3) Booking can be done by phone and usually you will get a Test appointment inside about ten days.
(4) You will get the result immediately.
(5) It is advisable to study for the Test via the official Book or preferably the C.D. Rom which enables you to replicate the test on your own computer.
(6) Recent revisions to the question bank have taken place as road regulations continue to evolve.
(7) This is an important stage in your Learning to drive so take it seriously and study.
The next phase of getting your Provisional License should have already been dealt with before you sit the Theory Test since after passing the Theory Test you can go straight to the Local Motor Tax Office and obtain your Provisional License.
Requirements are as follows:-
(1) Theory Test Pass Certificate.
(2) Provisional License Application Form.
(3) Provisional License Fee.
(4) Two Passport Photographs in Colour.
(5) Identification. Either Passport or Original Birth Certificate
(6) Eye Test Certificate from a registered Optician.
(7) Items 2 to 6 should be dealt with while you are waiting for your Theory Test.
Some additional important notes especially for Recent Immigrants:-
(1) You are not allowed to Drive without a Provisional License.
(2) You must be accompanied by a fully Licensed Driver when you start Driving.
(3) A Provisional License from any other Country cannot be exchanged for an Irish Provisional License.
(4) A Full Driving License from a Country outside the E.U will mostly not be eligible for exchange for a full Irish License. There are a few exceptions. Read the rest of this entry »
VW Parts, Repairs, and Services
When it comes to upgrading, repairing, or doing regular maintenance on your VW, you only have a couple options as to where to go for the work. Dealerships and general mechanics will only be able to do light maintenance work and general repairs, but they usually do not have the knowledge to perform upgrades for your VW, especially if you are really looking to customize your car. The best thing to do is to find a reputable, local performance shop that specializes in your brand of car, and takes pride in creating some of the most customized Volkswagens on the streets.
A performance shop that is only meant for the Volkswagen line of cars will have nearly any part imaginable available to you. This is especially convenient for the group of enthusiasts that drive the classic VW models. Some parts are usually hard to find, even stock parts from the factory, and other parts might have to be customized to work, which is why you should choose to go to a custom shop. These parts can be as simple as a new steering wheel, or they can be as complicated as a rare transmission that is nearly impossible to find. It all depends on what model Volkswagen you drive, but you will feel confident an enthusiast ran performance shop will have the part for you at a fair price. Read the rest of this entry »