Most non-drivers do not realise exactly how much paperwork is associated with legally owning a car.

The first step in the paper trail is to pass the driving test. In order to take a driving test the novice must have a valid provisional licence. If they are successful and pass both parts of the driving test, the practical and the theory, a driving licence will be awarded by the DVLA at a cost of £50.

The driving licence will then allow the driver to be able to take their car out on the road on their own, but before this can happen the driver must ensure that they have paid their road tax, that they have proof of car ownership, that they are insured and that their car has a valid MOT certificate.

A short Google search will help the novice driver decide what type of insurance will work best for them, or alternatively if they have bought their car from a dealer the dealership may be able to help with the insurance paperwork. Age, health and residential area are all determining factors that the insurance companies take into consideration when calculating the costs of car insurance. An online car giant may often have very competitive deals, and these giants are well worth some research in terms of buying cars and helping the novice driver with car finance and car insurance.

The trail of paper increases should the police stop one for speeding or any other road traffic offence. Points are sometimes added on to a driving licence for speeding or careless driving.

When first buying a car it has to be registered with the DVLA and the government website is a mine of information in order to ensure that the newly acquired motor is legal and ready to use.