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Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C)

8 questions

All types8Multiple choice4True / False2Matching2
Question 1Question →

You purchase a used car from a motor dealership. Which part of the vehicle registration certificate (V5C) should the trader give you to keep until your new certificate arrives from the DVLA?

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Answer: The green 'new keeper' supplement slip

Answer

The green 'new keeper' supplement slip (V5C/2)
When buying a vehicle from a registered motor trader or dealership, the trader notifies the DVLA of the change of keeper and hands the green 'new keeper' supplement slip (V5C/2) to the buyer. This slip acts as temporary documentation and allows the new keeper to tax the vehicle immediately while the DVLA produces and posts the updated registration certificate.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the transaction type and roles involved in the vehicle transfer
A motorist is purchasing a vehicle from a commercial motor dealer.
Vehicle transfer rules distinguish between what the commercial seller retains and what is handed to the customer.
2
Determine the specific portion of the V5C designated for the incoming registered keeper
The green 'new keeper' slip (V5C/2) is the designated section for the buyer.
The dealer registers the sale with the DVLA, while the customer requires the V5C/2 reference number immediately to tax the vehicle.

Key Concept

V5C transfer procedures and the green new keeper supplement slip
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 2Question →

The Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C) issued by the DVLA serves as definitive legal proof of ownership of the vehicle.

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Answer: False

Answer

False
The statement is false because the Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C) clearly states on its front page that it is not proof of ownership. Its legal purpose is solely to identify the registered keeper who is responsible for taxing, licensing, and administering the vehicle.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the legal function of the Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C).
The V5C records the vehicle details and names the registered keeper.
The DVLA issues the V5C primarily for taxation, registration, and road safety enforcement.
2
Evaluate whether the registered keeper is legally equivalent to the vehicle owner.
The registered keeper is the person responsible for day-to-day use, road tax, and offences, but not necessarily the legal property owner.
The V5C document prominently carries an official notice stating that it is not proof of ownership.

Key Concept

The distinction between the registered keeper named on the V5C and the vehicle's legal owner
Question 3Question →

The Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C) records key details about the vehicle and its registered keeper. Match each scenario involving a vehicle on the left with the correct action required regarding the V5C logbook on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Selling a vehicle to a private buyer
Moving to a new permanent home address
Repainting the vehicle in a different colour
Selling or transferring a vehicle to a motor trader

Matches

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Answer

Selling a vehicle privately pairs with notifying the DVLA and giving the green slip to the buyer; moving to a new address pairs with updating registered keeper address details with the DVLA; repainting the vehicle pairs with recording the modification on the V5C and sending it to the DVLA; transferring to a motor trader pairs with completing the motor trade section and handing the rest of the V5C to the dealer.
The registered keeper is legally bound to keep the Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C) up to date. Specific actions apply to each situation: private sales require completing the change of keeper and issuing the green slip; address changes require immediate DVLA notification; vehicle alterations require amending the vehicle specification section; and trade transfers require using the designated motor trade section.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify private sale requirements
Recognise that the seller must notify the DVLA directly while handing the green new keeper supplement (V5C/2) to the buyer.
The registered keeper remains legally accountable until the DVLA is officially notified of the change of keeper.
2
Identify address change requirements
Link moving house with updating the registered keeper address online or by returning the amended V5C.
Maintaining an up-to-date address ensures the registered keeper receives critical notices, vehicle tax reminders, and safety recalls.
3
Identify vehicle modification requirements
Link changes in vehicle specifications (like colour or engine size) with updating the vehicle details section of the V5C.
The DVLA vehicle database must accurately match the physical and technical specifications of the vehicle on the road.
4
Identify motor trade transfer requirements
Link selling to a motor trader with completing the dedicated trade section of the V5C.
A simplified procedure applies when transferring ownership into the motor trade rather than to an individual end user.

Key Concept

Legal obligations of the registered keeper for updating the Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C) upon changes in keeper details, vehicle status, or technical specifications
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 4Question →

You have moved to a new house and permanently changed your address. What must you do with your vehicle registration certificate (V5C)?

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Answer: Update the details and notify the DVLA immediately

Answer

Update the details and notify the DVLA immediately
As the registered keeper of a vehicle, you are legally required to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) immediately whenever you permanently change your name or address. This ensures all official vehicle documentation, tax reminders, and legal notices reach you.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the legal obligation of a registered keeper upon changing personal address.
The registered keeper must ensure all vehicle registration details held by the licensing authority are current.
The DVLA uses the V5C address to send crucial statutory correspondence, including vehicle excise duty reminders and safety recall notices.
2
Select the required action and appropriate authority.
Notify the DVLA promptly with the updated address details.
Failing to notify the DVLA of an address change is an offence and may lead to a fine.

Key Concept

Registered Keeper Obligations for Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C) Updates
Estimated Time:45s
Question 5Question →

You sell your car in a private sale to another motorist. What must you do as the registered keeper with the vehicle registration certificate (V5C)?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Complete the sale details to notify the DVLA and hand the new keeper the green slip

Answer

Complete the sale details to notify the DVLA and hand the new keeper the green slip
When disposing of a vehicle privately, the registered keeper is legally required to notify the DVLA immediately (online or by post) and provide the new keeper with the V5C/2 green slip. This updates the national vehicle register and releases the seller from ongoing keeper liabilities.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the official governing body responsible for maintaining vehicle registration records
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is the only statutory agency handling vehicle registration records.
Ensures the notification is directed to the correct authority rather than private businesses such as insurers or MOT garages.
2
Apply the legal procedure for transferring vehicle keeper details during a private sale
The seller completes the transfer online or sends the completed section to the DVLA, while handing the green 'new keeper' supplement (V5C/2) to the buyer.
Relieves the seller of legal liability as the registered keeper and provides the buyer with temporary proof of keeper status.

Key Concept

Registered Keeper Transfer Responsibilities for V5C
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 6Question →

Registered keepers are legally obligated to update the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) when circumstances surrounding a vehicle change. Match each vehicle-related circumstance with the correct action required for the Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C).

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Repainting the vehicle to alter its primary exterior colour
Selling the vehicle directly to a private individual
Scrapping an unroadworthy vehicle at an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF)
Changing your legal surname following marriage

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Each circumstance matches its legal V5C requirement: repainting requires recording the modification on the V5C and returning it to DVLA; private sales require the seller to notify DVLA while providing the green V5C/2 slip to the buyer; scrapping requires handing the V5C to the ATF and notifying DVLA; and name changes require submitting updated details with proof to DVLA.
The pairings correctly reflect the statutory duties of the registered keeper under DVLA regulations: physical modifications require updating the V5C; vehicle sales require the seller to notify DVLA while providing the buyer with the green slip; scrapping requires using an approved ATF and notifying DVLA; and name changes require submitting official proof alongside the amended V5C.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the modification requirement for vehicle alterations.
Altering vehicle body colour requires updating the V5C changes section and notifying DVLA to ensure the vehicle register remains accurate.
Vehicle registration details must match the physical characteristics of the car for identification and enforcement purposes.
2
Identify the procedure for private vehicle sales.
The registered keeper must notify DVLA of the transfer and provide the buyer with the green V5C/2 slip.
The seller retains legal responsibility for vehicle tax and penalties until DVLA is formally notified of the disposal.
3
Identify the procedure for vehicle end-of-life disposal.
The vehicle is given to an Authorised Treatment Facility along with the V5C, and DVLA is notified of the scrapping.
Proper disposal at an approved facility ensures legal de-registration and the issuance of a Certificate of Destruction.
4
Identify the requirement for personal detail updates.
A change of legal name requires sending the completed V5C with supporting evidence directly to DVLA.
The keeper's personal details must be legally accurate on official DVLA records.

Key Concept

The registered keeper is legally responsible for keeping DVLA informed of all changes to their personal details, vehicle characteristics, and vehicle disposal status using the V5C.
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 7Question →

You modify your vehicle by replacing the engine with one that has a different cylinder capacity. What must you do regarding your vehicle registration certificate (V5C)?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Update the relevant section of the certificate with the new engine details and send it to the DVLA

Answer

Update the relevant section of the certificate with the new engine details and send it to the DVLA
The registered keeper is legally required to notify the DVLA of significant vehicle changes, such as alterations to engine size, cylinder capacity, fuel type, chassis, or colour. This is done by completing the changes section on the V5C registration certificate and returning it to the DVLA so an updated certificate can be issued.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the nature of the vehicle modification
Changing the engine cylinder capacity represents a major technical alteration that affects vehicle taxation, emissions categorization, and registration records.
The DVLA requires official technical records to match the exact specification of the vehicle on the road.
2
Apply the registered keeper's statutory duty for the V5C
The registered keeper must complete the changes section of the V5C registration certificate with the new engine number and capacity and return it to the DVLA.
Maintaining accurate vehicle and keeper details with the licensing authority is a legal obligation.

Key Concept

Registered keeper duty to notify the DVLA of major vehicle modifications using the V5C
Question 8Question →

When taking a UK-registered vehicle out of the country permanently (for 12 months or more), the registered keeper must send the 'notification of permanent export' section of the V5C certificate to the DVLA and retain the remaining parts of the document to register the vehicle abroad.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: True

Answer

True: The registered keeper must detach and send the permanent export section to the DVLA while retaining the remainder of the V5C certificate to register the vehicle in the destination country.
When permanently exporting a UK-registered vehicle (12 months or more), the registered keeper is legally required to notify the DVLA by completing and sending the permanent export section of the V5C. Retaining the remainder of the certificate is mandatory so that the new licensing authority in the destination country can verify the vehicle's details and complete foreign registration.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the legal classification of taking a vehicle abroad for 12 months or more.
Taking a vehicle abroad for 12 months or longer is legally classified by the DVLA as a permanent export.
Establishing this classification determines the specific V5C section and procedures that apply.
2
Determine the proper handling of the different sections of the V5C registration certificate.
The 'notification of permanent export' section must be sent to the DVLA, while the main body of the V5C is kept by the keeper.
The DVLA must update the UK national register to confirm the vehicle is no longer kept in the UK, while the overseas authority requires the primary certificate to issue local registration.

Key Concept

Permanent Vehicle Export and V5C Retention Obligations
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C) Practice Questions — UK Driving Theory Test | Examkin