Straight answers to practical questions about driving, travelling, parking and getting around Northern Ireland.
A dealer must not misdescribe or misleadingly omit material information about a vehicle.
It often sells for less because of its recorded history, repair uncertainty and future resale considerations.
No. Categories A and B are not permitted to return to road use as complete vehicles.
Category N is an insurance total loss recorded as non-structural damage.
Category S means the insurer recorded structural damage and deemed the car a total loss.
It is a warning sign if you cannot independently verify the seller's identity, address and authority to sell.
Free checks cover useful DVLA, MOT and recall information, but not every finance, theft or insurance-loss risk.
Yes, where it can be located and checked; government buying advice recommends matching engine and VIN details to the V5C.
No. The real cost includes likely repairs, servicing, tyres, insurance, tax and any unresolved faults.
A registration change can complicate searching, so ask for evidence of previous plates and check the underlying VIN and history.
Use a traceable method and pay only after you have confirmed the car, seller and paperwork.
Advisories identify defects or wear noted during testing that may soon need attention.
Ask for documentary history and distinguish previous keepers from owners.
Obtain a dated invoice identifying the dealer, vehicle, price and anything promised as part of the sale.
Before, whenever possible. A deposit can create contractual obligations and may not automatically be refundable.
Check how the car starts, steers, brakes, changes gear and behaves over a normal range of speeds.
It is sensible for a costly or unfamiliar vehicle, especially when its history or condition is unclear.
Not reliably; use a vehicle-history check and ask the seller directly.
Yes. DVLA's online vehicle enquiry shows tax or SORN status.
Use DVLA's vehicle information checker with the registration number.
Yes. The official MOT history service shows recorded mileages for available tests.
No. The V5C identifies the registered keeper, not necessarily the legal owner.
Find the VIN stamped or displayed on the car and compare every character with the V5C.
Use the official recall checker and confirm with the manufacturer whether the particular vehicle has outstanding work.
No. An MOT checks specified safety and environmental items at the time of the test; it is not a warranty or complete mechanical inspection.
Not without checking it against the car's history and condition.
No, but missing records increase uncertainty about maintenance and may affect value.
Check the V5C, VIN, MOT history, mileage, outstanding finance, write-off history and seller identity before transferring money.
No, not as a substitute for slowing down and giving way. A horn may alarm pedestrians and will not reliably warn someone with combined sight and hearing impairment.
Yes. The Highway Code advises patience and enough time for older pedestrians to cross at their own pace.
