Now I've got the new computerised MOT, and insurance is all kept in a 
centralised database, I thought I'd try taxing it online too.

Ha!

First problem - get insurance arranged (cover note on the way) but the girl 
on the phone hadn't heard of the Motor Insurance Database hence she had no 
idea when my new cover would actually be recorded so DVLA can check. Fair 
enough, it's a new thing, bound to take a while to filter through. I thought 
I'd chance it and apply for the tax disc anyway..

Nice DVLA web site, easy to follow. Says the disc will be here in 4-5 days 
by post. Alarm bells ring.

I just rang DVLA to check. And I was right to be concerned. You can't 
legally drive it on the road until the disc arrives!

So it's a case of wait for the cover note to arrive, then off to the Post 
Office for me then...