Rights, tax and driving

Test atoms

Learn these as compact test facts. Then practise recognising the same fact in different wording.

Spot the correct statement

The real test often asks you to recognise a correct sentence, not write an answer from memory. You should be able to spot statements like these:

• Forced marriage is a criminal offence in the UK; arranged marriage is different if both people freely agree.

Main role map

What to remember

• Modern rights are linked to Magna Carta, the Habeas Corpus Act and the Bill of Rights 1689.
• The UK helped draft the European Convention on Human Rights and signed it in 1950.
• The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporated the European Convention into UK law.
• Protected rights include life, freedom from torture, freedom from slavery, liberty, fair trial, freedom of thought and religion, and freedom of expression.
• Equality law protects people from unfair treatment because of characteristics such as age, disability, sex, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sexuality and marital status.

Safety and equality

• Domestic violence is a serious crime and emergency help should involve the police.
• Female genital mutilation is illegal in the UK, including taking someone abroad for it.
• Forced marriage is a criminal offence; arranged marriage is different if both people freely agree.

Tax and driving

• Income tax funds services such as roads, education, police and armed forces.
• PAYE collects income tax from employment income through employers.
• Self-employed people usually deal with tax through self-assessment.
• National Insurance helps fund state benefits and services such as the state pension and NHS.
• A National Insurance number records tax and National Insurance against a person’s name.
• The minimum age to drive a car or motorcycle is 17, and drivers need a licence, insurance and vehicle registration.
• A non-UK licence may usually be used for up to 12 months before UK licensing rules apply.

Do not mix these up

• Equal rights law protects people from unfair treatment in important areas of life.
• Forced marriage is illegal. Arranged marriage is different if both people freely agree.
• PAYE is tax collected through employers.
• Self-employed people usually use self-assessment.
• National Insurance helps fund benefits and services.
• The minimum age to drive a car or motorcycle is 17.

Key words

Habeas Corpus Act, Bill of Rights 1689, European Convention on Human Rights, Human Rights Act 1998, equal opportunities, domestic violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, PAYE, self-assessment, National Insurance, National Insurance number, DVLA, SORN, MOT.

The Bill of Rights also appears in Tudors and Stuarts. Practise this topic in government and law practice.

Quick check