Your role in the community

The final section of the handbook is about what is expected of you day to day: paying tax, serving on a jury if called, and taking part in local life.

From chapter 5 of the handbook: The UK government, the law and your role

Ways to remember it

Drive a car at 17, ride a moped at 16, and get an MOT once a car is over 3 years old.

What you need to know

Income tax is paid on earnings, and most employees have it deducted automatically through PAYE.
Self-employed people pay income tax through self-assessment, completing a tax return each year.
National Insurance contributions help pay for the NHS, the state pension and other benefits.
You can start work before you have a National Insurance number, as long as you have permission to work in the UK.
You must be 17 to drive a car or motorcycle, and 16 to ride a moped.
Drivers must have a driving licence, insurance and a valid MOT certificate if the vehicle is over three years old.
The book says a driving licence from outside the EU can be used for up to 12 months, and one from an EU country for as long as it is valid.
Volunteering is a way of taking part in community life, and many charities depend on volunteers.
School governors and members of school boards are volunteers who help run local schools.
Recycling and reducing waste are ways of looking after the environment, and most councils collect recycling.

Our summary, in our own words. The test can ask about anything in the chapter, so read the official handbook too.

Practice questions on your role in the community

All 10 of our questions on this topic. Say your answer before you open it: trying to answer first helps you remember it.

How do most employees pay income tax?
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- It is deducted automatically through PAYE
Most employees have income tax deducted automatically through PAYE. Self-employed people use self-assessment.
How do self-employed people pay income tax?
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- Through self-assessment, completing a tax return each year
Self-employed people pay through self-assessment, completing a tax return each year.
What do National Insurance contributions help pay for?
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- The NHS, the state pension and other benefits
National Insurance helps pay for the NHS, the state pension and other benefits.
Can you start work in the UK before you have a National Insurance number?
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- Yes, if you have permission to work in the UK
You can start work before your National Insurance number arrives, as long as you have permission to work in the UK. The number makes sure the tax and National Insurance you pay are recorded against your name.
How old must you be to drive a car in the UK?
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- 17
You must be 17 to drive a car or motorcycle, and 16 to ride a moped.
A vehicle over how many years old needs a valid MOT certificate?
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- Three years
Drivers need a licence, insurance, and an MOT certificate if the vehicle is over three years old.
If your driving licence is from a country outside the EU, how long can you use it in the UK?
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- Up to 12 months
The book says a licence from outside the EU can be used for up to 12 months. A licence from an EU country could be used for as long as it was valid.
Changed since the book: The UK has since left the EU, so check gov.uk for the rules that apply to your licence now.
Why is volunteering encouraged?
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- It is a way of taking part in community life, and many charities depend on it
Volunteering is a way of taking part in community life, and many charities depend on volunteers.
What do school governors do?
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- Volunteer to help run local schools
School governors and members of school boards are volunteers who help run local schools.
How can residents help look after the environment?
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- By recycling and reducing waste
Recycling and reducing waste are ways of looking after the environment, and most councils collect recycling.

Ready for the full test?

Chapter 5 practice test: Your role in the community · 10 questions · 19 minutes if you take it timed

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