Buying a car without a driving licence (UK).
Buying a car without a driving licence (UK).
Author
Discussion

alowe

Original Poster:

4 posts

97 months

Wednesday 27th September 2017
quotequote all
If I want to buy a car as a gift but don't have a driving license, is this ok?

I have no intention of ever getting in the car, let alone driving it.

SantaBarbara

3,244 posts

126 months

Wednesday 27th September 2017
quotequote all
No problem that I can envisage

DoubleD

22,154 posts

126 months

Wednesday 27th September 2017
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Will you get someone else to test drive it for you?

papa3

1,507 posts

205 months

Wednesday 27th September 2017
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Would only be an issue for test drive or finance. No requirement to have a licence to buy a car.

alowe

Original Poster:

4 posts

97 months

Wednesday 27th September 2017
quotequote all
I forgot to mention that I'd be buying a used car, not brand new as I can't afford a brand new car.

papa3

1,507 posts

205 months

Wednesday 27th September 2017
quotequote all
alowe said:
I forgot to mention that I'd be buying a used car, not brand new as I can't afford a brand new car.
Makes no difference.

anonymous-user

72 months

Wednesday 27th September 2017
quotequote all
you buy it as a gift how will you transport it, will it be in the other persons name, you will need to sort insurance and tax out as well.

alowe

Original Poster:

4 posts

97 months

Wednesday 27th September 2017
quotequote all
The Spruce goose said:
you buy it as a gift how will you transport it, will it be in the other persons name, you will need to sort insurance and tax out as well.
Just got off the phone after long conversation. The person I was speaking to pointed out exactly as you have. Upon sale of the car the previous owner cancels their insurance and tax. That makes the car uninsured and untaxed unless it is insured and taxed by the new owner.

I cannot get insurance or tax without a driving license, so it doesn't seem so cut and dry after all. The regulations seems to make it very tricky (and potentially illegal) to buy a 2nd hand car as a gift.

I've discovered a possible work around that doesn't require me buying the car in advance and thereby avoids the potential problems with insurance and tax. Will investigate that further...

brman

1,233 posts

127 months

Wednesday 27th September 2017
quotequote all
alowe said:
Just got off the phone after long conversation. The person I was speaking to pointed out exactly as you have. Upon sale of the car the previous owner cancels their insurance and tax. That makes the car uninsured and untaxed unless it is insured and taxed by the new owner.

I cannot get insurance or tax without a driving license, so it doesn't seem so cut and dry after all. The regulations seems to make it very tricky (and potentially illegal) to buy a 2nd hand car as a gift.

I've discovered a possible work around that doesn't require me buying the car in advance and thereby avoids the potential problems with insurance and tax. Will investigate that further...
I think the main issue is insurance. You could potentially get the car delivered to your drive so you don't have to drive it, then declare it SORN so it doesn't need tax. If you wish you could then get SORN insurance (fire and theft only) to cover it.
This all assumes the seller is willing to deliver. Plus it assumes you have a drive or other off road location to store it.

anonymous-user

72 months

Wednesday 27th September 2017
quotequote all
All you need is someone with a licence and buy day insurance. it is risky if it crashes as you won't be fully covered. You could get it transported, but it is a bit risky. I would go car shopping with your friend let them choose a car in budget and sort it out there.

Edited by The Spruce goose on Wednesday 27th September 18:46

alowe

Original Poster:

4 posts

97 months

Wednesday 27th September 2017
quotequote all
Thanks for the responses. Learnt some useful things.

DoubleD

22,154 posts

126 months

Wednesday 27th September 2017
quotequote all
So how are you going to take it out on a test drive?