Buying car privately - Tax and Insurance

[Daaaveee]

Hi guys,

Firstly apologies if this seems like a stupid query, but would like to understand the situation fully based on the recent tax changes, to avoid another 5 hour round trip!

I'm going to view a car on Saturday (nothing to exotic, just a little 2 seater to keep in the garage for the weekend to tinker with, to the tune on £1500).

I have full intention of buying it and driving it away on the day providing everything looks as described, however as far as I am aware I will need to make a trip to the post office with the completed new owner part of the V5 in order to tax it before driving away? So therefore as far as I understand the process will be:

1. Pay for car and fill out V5.
2. Call insurance company and arrange cover to begin immediately.
3. Go to post office (not in new car!) with V5 in hand and ask to tax the car.
4. Return to car and drive away legally, taxed and insured.

Is this correct?

Am I right in thinking that the post office will be able to see if the car is insured in my name as soon as I have paid the insurance company and they have updated their records?

[Daaaveee]

Thanks everyone - very helpful. Much easier than going down to the PO.