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10 Major UK Driving Law Changes Hitting In 2026: What Every Driver MUST Know Now

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The UK motoring landscape is on the verge of its most significant shake-up in a decade, with a wave of new driving laws, regulations, and taxes set to be implemented throughout 2026. These changes, which include everything from how you book your driving test to mandatory health checks for older drivers and new taxation for electric vehicles, are part of the government’s push to modernise the system, improve road safety, and meet net-zero targets.

As of today, December 19, 2025, several key pieces of legislation and confirmed policy changes are on the calendar, impacting every demographic of road user—from learner drivers and new motorists to long-term licence holders and those transitioning to electric vehicles. Ignoring these updates could lead to unexpected fines, licence issues, or failure to pass a test. Here is the definitive breakdown of the major laws and rules you need to prepare for.

The 2026 Road Safety & Licence Renewal Revolution

The year 2026 will see significant policy shifts aimed at improving the safety of vulnerable road users and ensuring all drivers maintain the necessary standards to be on the road. The focus is particularly sharp on new drivers and those in the older age bracket.

1. Mandatory Eyesight Tests for Over-70s Licence Renewal

One of the most impactful and widely discussed proposals within the new Road Safety Strategy is the introduction of compulsory eyesight tests for older drivers.

  • The Rule: Drivers aged 70 and above may be required to undergo a formal, mandatory eyesight test every three years when renewing their driving licence.
  • Current System: The current system relies on drivers self-declaring that they meet the minimum eyesight standard when they renew their licence every three years after age 70.
  • Why It Matters: This change is designed to reduce road accidents caused by deteriorating vision, a critical factor in safe driving, and moves away from the current self-declaration model to a more rigorous medical check.

2. New CPR and Defibrillator Theory Test Questions

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has confirmed a major overhaul of the driving theory test to equip all new drivers with essential life-saving skills.

  • The Rule: From 2026, the driving theory test will include new questions specifically covering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use a defibrillator.
  • Impact on Learners: All new drivers will need to study and understand these first-aid procedures as part of their preparation, making the theory test more comprehensive and socially responsible.

3. Anti-Bot Driving Test Booking Rules

To combat the widespread issue of third-party companies and bots bulk-buying and reselling driving test slots at inflated prices, the booking system is being reformed.

  • The Rule: From spring 2026, only the learner driver will be permitted to book their own practical driving test. Instructors and third-party agents will be blocked from making the booking.
  • The Goal: This measure, confirmed by the government, aims to free up test slots, reduce waiting times, and ensure a fairer system for all learner drivers across the UK.

The Electric Vehicle (EV) Tax and Emissions Overhaul

For years, electric vehicles have enjoyed favourable tax treatment, but 2026 marks a significant turning point as the government begins to normalise EV taxation to compensate for lost fuel duty revenue and to align with its long-term fiscal strategy.

4. Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) Tax Rate Increase for EVs

Company car drivers using electric vehicles will face a slight increase in their BiK tax rate.

  • The Rule: From April 6, 2026, the Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate for zero-emission electric vehicles will increase from the current 3% to 4%.
  • Context: While still significantly lower than the rates for petrol and diesel vehicles, this is part of a planned, incremental increase to ensure the tax system is sustainable as EV adoption grows.

5. Luxury Car Tax Threshold Rises for EVs

A piece of positive news for high-end electric car buyers is the adjustment to the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) 'luxury car' supplement.

  • The Rule: The Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) luxury car tax, which applies to cars costing over £40,000, will see its threshold rise for electric car owners from April 2026.
  • Impact: This adjustment provides a small financial incentive for the purchase of premium electric vehicles, helping to offset the initial purchase cost.

6. The Introduction of Euro 7 Emissions Standards

New regulations governing vehicle emissions will come into effect, impacting all new cars and vans sold in the UK and Europe.

  • The Rule: From November 2026, the new Euro 7 emissions standards will be implemented.
  • The Requirement: All new cars and vans sold must comply with these stricter standards, which require vehicles to produce less harmful emissions. This regulation is a crucial step towards improving air quality in urban areas.

Future Technology, Penalties, and Proposed Road Law Reforms

Beyond licence and tax changes, 2026 will also see the formalisation of laws around self-driving technology and the potential introduction of new safety measures that could fundamentally alter how we drive.

7. The Automated Vehicles Act (AVA) Legalisation

Following its introduction in 2024, the Automated Vehicles Act is expected to fully legalise the use of self-driving cars on UK roads, marking a monumental shift in legal liability.

  • The Rule: The AVA establishes that when a vehicle is in 'self-driving mode', the vehicle itself—or rather, the manufacturer/insurer—will be responsible for any accidents, not the person in the driver's seat.
  • Driver Role: Drivers will become 'users' when the car is self-driving, but they must be ready to take back control when prompted. This is a critical legal distinction for the future of motoring.

8. Mandatory Speed Limit Warnings on New Vehicles

As part of the government’s commitment to improving road safety, there are proposals to mandate new safety technology in all new vehicles.

  • The Proposal: All new vehicles sold in the UK may be required to include Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology, which provides mandatory speed limit warnings to the driver.
  • Function: While initially a warning system, the technology has the capability to automatically limit the vehicle’s speed, though the UK government may allow drivers to override the system.

9. Potential Lowering of Drink-Driving Limits

The new Road Safety Strategy, which is set to be unveiled, includes proposals for stricter enforcement and lower limits for driving under the influence of alcohol.

  • The Proposal: The government is considering lowering the drink-driving limit across England and Wales to align with the stricter limits already in place in Scotland.
  • Current vs. Proposed: The current limit in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. The proposed change would bring it down to 50mg, similar to most of Europe.

10. London Congestion Charge Increase

For drivers who regularly commute into the capital, the cost of driving in central London is set to rise.

  • The Rule: The daily London Congestion Charge is expected to increase from its current rate of £15 to £18.
  • Impact: This increase will make driving in the city centre significantly more expensive and is part of the ongoing effort to reduce traffic congestion and encourage the use of public transport and walking/cycling in the city.

Preparing for the New Era of UK Motoring

The collective effect of the 2026 changes signals a definitive shift towards a more regulated, safety-conscious, and technologically integrated driving environment. For current drivers, the most immediate concerns are the potential new licence renewal rules for over-70s and the evolving taxation landscape for electric vehicles.

Learner drivers must adjust to the new theory test content and the reformed booking system, which should, in theory, make securing a test slot easier. Furthermore, the proposals for lower drink-drive limits and mandatory speed warnings highlight a future where driver behaviour is increasingly monitored and influenced by in-car technology and stricter enforcement.

Drivers should keep a close eye on official government announcements from the DVLA, DVSA, and Department for Transport (DfT) throughout 2025 and 2026, as the exact implementation dates and final details of some proposed laws are confirmed.

10 Major UK Driving Law Changes Hitting in 2026: What Every Driver MUST Know Now
uk drivers new laws 2026
uk drivers new laws 2026

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