UK Driving Law Changes in 2026: Driving Test, Car Tax, and Licence Rule Updates
Drivers are facing a range of potential rule changes in 2026, but not everything being discussed will become law.
Some updates have already been launched or scheduled, while others are still subject to Government consultation.
This guide clearly sets out what drivers can expect, separating confirmed changes from proposals that are still under review. Read on to learn about the driving law and regulatory changes that matter.
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Driving licence and testing changes
Confirmed: Practical driving test booking rules (from spring 2026)
The most significant confirmed change for learner drivers in 2026 affects how car driving tests are booked and changed.
- According to the GOV.UK website, new Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) booking rules will come into force from spring 2026:
- Learners must book their own driving test. (Instructors will no longer be able to book on their behalf.)
- Learners will be allowed no more than two changes to their test booking.
- Test changes will be limited to nearby test centres, preventing long distance switches.
In this context, a ‘change’ constitutes:
- Altering the date or time of a test.
- Changing the test centre.
- Swapping with another learner who already has a test booked.
What does this mean for learners?
Under the new rules, booking a driving test will require more planning. If you’re not fully confident about your availability, it may be better to wait before booking rather than using up your allotted changes.
New CPR and defibrillator theory test questions (expected early 2026)
From early 2026, driving theory tests will include expanded first aid questions, covering:
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
The aim is to improve drivers’ understanding of how to respond in a medical emergency.
What learners should do:
If you’re taking your theory test in 2026, make sure your revision materials include basic CPR steps and what a defibrillator is used for. Visit the GOV.UK website for more information on this topic.
Digital driving licences
Status: Planned, not yet available
The Government has confirmed plans for an optional digital driving licence, delivered through a new GOV.UK digital wallet. Physical photocard licences will remain valid - and drivers will not be required to switch in 2026.
What this means for drivers:
Digital driving licences have not yet launched in the UK, and while the Government has confirmed plans to introduce them via the future GOV.UK Wallet app, drivers still need to use their physical photocard licence for now.
Potential law changes from the Government’s road safety strategy
It’s important to note that the changes outlined in this section are under consultation and have not yet been confirmed.
They form part of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy, which was announced in August 2025 and formally launched in January 2026. The strategy sets out areas the Government wants to review and improve.
This means the Government is gathering views, details may change, and some proposals may never become law. Others, if approved, are likely to be introduced later.
Minimum learning period for drivers
Status: Under consultation
The Government is consulting on whether learner drivers should complete a minimum learning period, which could be up to six months, before taking their practical test. The aim would be to ensure learners gain experience in a wider range of driving conditions.
Visit the GOV.UK website to learn more about this consultation.
Stricter drink drive limits and alcohol interlock devices for offenders
Status: Under consultation
One of the most significant proposals under consideration is a reduction in the drink-drive limit in England and Wales, which has remained unchanged since 1967.
The current limit of 80mg per 100ml of blood (the highest in Europe) could be lowered to match Scotland’s stricter 50mg threshold. However, as of January 2026, no new limit has been confirmed, and no official implementation date has been set.
The Department for Transport is also consulting on preventative measures for repeat drink driving offenders, including the use of alcohol interlock devices, which prevent a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath.
This is part of the Government’s consultation on proposed changes to motoring offences.
Changes for learner motorcyclists
Status: Under consultation
Motorcycle safety is included within the strategy, with the Government consulting on potential improvements to training, testing, and licensing for learner motorcyclists. However, no specific rule changes have been confirmed as of January 2026.
Visit the GOV.UK website to learn more about this consultation.
Changes for learners, seniors, and driving licence updates
Status: Under consultation
Changes currently under consultation for driving licencing include:
- Mandatory eyesight testing for drivers aged 70 and over.
- Possible cognitive assessments for older drivers.
- Changes to penalties for motoring offences such as uninsured driving and illegal number plates.
Road tax and motoring cost changes in 2026
For some drivers, the biggest concern isn’t new regulations, it’s whether motoring is getting more expensive. A number of road tax and motoring cost changes will come into effect in 2026, and it’s worth knowing what could affect your annual bills.
Car tax and allowance changes (April 2026)
The current car tax bands, which were introduced on 1st April 2025, will continue to operate until 31st March 2026, after which revised charges will be implemented for the 2026/27 tax year.
Under the UK’s car tax system most drivers will pay:
- A first-year rate based on CO2 emissions.
- A standard annual rate thereafter.
You can check the GOV.UK website for the latest car tax information.
Electric cars and road tax in 2026
On April 1st 2025, road tax exemption for electric vehicles was removed. As of January 2026:
- EVs registered between 1st April 2017 and 31st March 2025 pay the standard annual rate (currently £195).
- EVs registered from 1st April 2025 pay a reduced first-year rate (currently £10), then the standard rate thereafter.
- Older EVs registered between 1st March 2001 and 31st March 2017 pay a low annual tax rate (currently set at £20).
New tax bands for EVs and all powertrains will come into effect on 1st April 2026. Visit the GOV.UK website for the latest car tax information.
Fuel duty
According to the 2025 Budget, which was announced on 26th November 2025:
- The 5p cut to fuel duty remains in place until 31st August 2026.
- This means the current rate of 52.95p per litre will remain, then increase gradually from September 2026, rather than rising all at once.
- From April 2027, fuel duty rates will be uprated annually in line with inflation.
What this means for drivers:
Before September 2026, changes in fuel prices are likely to be driven by oil prices and market conditions rather than by Government tax rises. Any increases linked to fuel duty are scheduled for later in the year.
Company car tax changes (April 2026)
With each tax year, company car drivers continue to see gradual Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax increases.
While EVs remain cheaper than petrol or diesel company cars, their tax advantage is slowly being reduced. However, despite these increases, EVs will continue to attract the lowest BiK rates over the coming years.
New BiK rates for the 2026/27 tax year will be introduced on April 1st 2026.
You can find all the BiK rates from 2025/26 through to 2029/30 in our car tax band guide.
Motability scheme changes (July 2026)
In November 2025, premium car brands including Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Alfa Romeo were removed from the Motability scheme.
From July 1st 2026, VAT and insurance costs will also increase for Advance Payment vehicles. However, exemption for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) will continue.
Electric car tax and Expensive Car Supplement changes (April 2026)
From 1st April 2026, the Expensive Car Supplement (ECS) rules will change for fully electric cars:
- New EVs with a list price between £40,001 and £50,000 will no longer be liable for the ECS.
- The ECS will still apply to all petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars with list prices exceeding £40,000 – and EVs with a list price over £50,000.
The ECS is an additional annual charge which is paid on top of standard car tax. It applies from the second to the sixth year after a car is first registered.
As of January 2026, the ECS is set at £425, and is due to rise to £440 from April 1st 2026 for the 2026/27 tax year.
Congestion Charge increases and new charges for EVs (launched Jan 2026)
The Congestion Charge scheme levies a daily charge on vehicles travelling within the City of London and London’s 32 boroughs during its hours of operation.
On January 2nd 2026, the following changes were implemented:
- The standard Congestion Charge increased from £15 to £18 if paid on the day (or £21 if paid later).
- The full exemption for EVs was revoked.
- However, EVs that are registered for Auto Pay will receive a 25% discount meaning they’ll pay £13.50 per day.
- Electric vans, HGVs, and quadricycles are eligible for a 50% discount (working out at £9 per day).
Please note: If you fail to pay the Congestion Charge by midnight on the third day after travel, you will be liable for a £180 Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), discounted to £90 if paid within 14 days.
For more information, please visit the Transport for London (TfL) website.
Self-driving cars and the future of autonomous driving
The UK Government has confirmed that a passenger piloting system for self-driving vehicles will begin in spring 2026, with early trials of autonomous passenger services such as taxis, private hire vehicles, and buses operating under a permitting regime.
Other key changes for 2026
Electric car charging price cap (launched in January)
Starting on January 1st 2026, a new electricity price cap of £1,758 came into effect. This marks a 0.2% price increase, meaning EV owners with home charging access will see a small increase in running costs.
This price cap will remain until the end of March 2026.
Fuel Finder Scheme (Confirmed for February)
The Government’s Fuel Finder Scheme, which is set to launch on February 2nd, will compel petrol forecourts to share pricing data with consumers.
The new initiative, which was announced during the Autumn Budget aims to improve fuel price transparency - and help consumers save more at the pump.
Fuel stations will have to share up-to-date petrol and diesel prices, so drivers can quickly compare costs and choose the cheapest options using apps and sat-navs.
New ZEV mandate targets for 2026
The Government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate requires manufacturers to sell more electric cars and vans each year. This initiative aims to expedite the adoption of electric vehicles ahead of the scheduled 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
Each manufacturer must ensure a minimum percentage of their new car sales are zero-emission (fully electric). The target percentage rises every year. If a manufacturer falls short, they can face financial penalties, unless they offset the shortfall in other approved ways.
In 2026, the target for cars and vans rose to 33% and 16% respectively. You can see the ZEV targets from 2025-30 below:
| Year | Cars | Vans |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 28% | 16% |
| 2026 | 33% | 24% |
| 2027 | 38% | 34% |
| 2028 | 52% | 46% |
| 2029 | 66% | 58% |
| 2030 | 80% | 70% |
Source: GOV.UK
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