Updated Driver Safety Regulations
To help improve road safety across the UK, new regulations focusing on driver responsibility and fitness are expected to be introduced from 2026.
Lower Drink Driving Limit
One proposed change to drink driving laws in the UK is a reduction in the legal drink-driving limit in England and Wales from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg per 100ml, bringing it closer in line with Scotland’s stricter standards. While not yet confirmed if this change will come into effect, strengthening drink-driving laws will further discourage driving after consuming alcohol and reduce the risk of serious accidents.
Mandatory Eyesight Checks for Older Drivers
In addition, mandatory eyesight checks are expected to be put in place for older drivers when renewing their driving licence. These tests are designed to ensure that all drivers meet the minimum vision standards required for safe driving.
Does it affect you?
If you occasionally drive after drinking, the lower legal limit means even small amounts of alcohol could put you over the limit, increasing the risk of penalties.
If you are renewing your licence as an older driver, you may be required to complete an eyesight check to ensure you meet minimum vision standards.
Self-Driving Cars to Hit UK Roads
2026 is expected to mark the introduction of self-driving vehicles in the United Kingdom. While this technology may feel new to many drivers, automated systems have been extensively trialled and tested across the UK since 2015.
These trials have helped ensure that self-driving vehicles meet strict safety and performance standards before being approved for public use.
Pilot schemes for self-driving taxis, buses, and private-hire vehicles are expected to begin in 2026, with full availability to the public anticipated in 2027. This gradual rollout will enable the widespread use of self-driving vehicles on British roads while maintaining safety.
Does it affect you?
It will be a personal choice whether you opt for a vehicle with self-driving features. As technology becomes more familiar, it’s expected that more drivers will choose self-driving cars, following the same trend as those who have made the switch to electric vehicles in recent years.
Fuel Duty Freeze to End
The fuel duty freeze was first introduced in 2011, with a temporary 5p per litre cut added in 2022. Both the freeze and this cut have been extended through to September 2026, providing stability for drivers.
As of January 2026, no further extensions have been announced, meaning motorists could soon be paying more at the pump from September 2026.
The government’s Fuel Finder scheme officially went live on 2 February 2026. It requires all UK petrol stations to report their current petrol and diesel prices to a central government database and update any changes within 30 minutes. The price data is published as open data that you can access via API, email or more easily through third-party comparison websites and apps that show current fuel prices for drivers.
Does it affect you?
If you drive a petrol or diesel vehicle, the end of the fuel duty freeze could increase your costs at the pump. Planning ahead, reducing fuel consumption, or switching to an electric or hybrid vehicle can help manage long-term expenses.
Drivers considering an electric vehicle can also take advantage of the Electric Vehicle Grant, now extended until 2030, to help reduce the upfront purchase cost.
New Rules for Learner Drivers
Several changes have been made by the DVSA affecting both the theory test and the practical driving test booking process, ensuring learners are better prepared and more responsible on the road.
Theory Test Changes
The DVSA has updated the theory test for 2026. New questions now include a focus on CPR and, for the first time, defibrillators, helping learners understand how to respond to cardiac emergencies and boost survival rates on the road.
Driving Test Booking Changes
From later in Spring 2026, learners will need to book their own driving tests, whereas up until now, driving instructors could make bookings on behalf of learners.
This builds on rules introduced in April 2025, which require learners to give at least 10 working days’ notice if they need to cancel or reschedule a test.
Does it affect you?
If you are learning to drive, you will need to revise the updated theory test questions before taking your practical test, including the new CPR and defibrillator content.
You will also need to take responsibility for booking your own practical test and provide the correct notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.
The Introduction of Digital Driving Licenses
First announced at the beginning of 2025, digital driving licences are expected to become more widely available across the UK in 2026, allowing drivers to store and access their licence securely on their smartphone.
The introduction of digital driving licences is one of the biggest driving license law changes set to come in 2026. This change aims to modernise DVLA services, making it easier for motorists to check their driving licence details, renew their licence online, and prove their identity when required. Digital licences are also designed to reduce paperwork and improve security through encrypted systems.
Does it affect you?
Despite this update, physical photocard licences will remain valid, with digital versions introduced as an optional alternative rather than a full replacement. Most drivers will not need to take immediate action. However, as digital services expand, managing your driving records and identification is likely to become quicker and more convenient.
Motability Scheme Updates
From 25 November 2025, certain higher-value vehicles, including models from Audi and Mercedes-Benz, were removed from the Motability scheme.
From July 2026, further changes will be implemented, with VAT and insurance costs on Advance Payment vehicles set to rise. Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles will continue to be exempt from these additional charges.
Does it affect you?
If you use the Motability scheme, once all the new changes are in place, you may notice fewer high-value vehicle options and slightly higher costs on Advance Payment vehicles.
Vehicle Tax Changes
In 2026, driving law changes will see updates to both company car tax (BIK) and personal vehicle road tax, which will affect electric, low-emission, and high-value vehicles.
Company Car Tax (Benefit-in-Kind / BIK)
From 2026, company car tax rates will change. Fully electric vehicles will see BIK rates rise from 3% to 4%, while petrol, diesel, and high-emission vehicles could be taxed at rates of up to 37%. These changes continue to encourage the use of low-emission and electric vehicles.
Road Tax / Vehicle Excise Duty (VED)
For personal vehicles, there are some important updates. The Luxury Car Tax (also known as the Expensive Car Supplement) has been raised from £40,000 to £50,000, and this change comes into effect from 1st April 2026.
Since 1st April 2025, electric vehicles are no longer fully exempt from road tax. They now pay £10 for the first year before moving onto the standard VED rate. Despite this, electric and low-emission vehicles continue to benefit from lower road tax compared to petrol and diesel cars.
Does it affect you?
If you drive a company car, changes to BIK could increase your taxable income, particularly for high-emission vehicles. Choosing a low-emission or electric vehicle can help reduce these costs.
If you own a luxury or high-value personal vehicle, it’s important to budget for the additional VED charge, which comes into effect from April 2026. For electric vehicles that are two years old or older, overall VED costs will also increase, so it’s important to include this in your running costs.
