Drivers Warned Of Major DVLA And Road Rule Changes Coming In Throughout 2026.​​

As the UK enters 2026, drivers are being warned about a range of new motoring rules and potential legal changes, some of which have already come into effect, while others are expected later in the year as part of the government’s forthcoming Road Safety Strategy.

One confirmed change from the start of 2026 affects learner drivers. The DVSA has updated the driving theory test to include expanded first aid content, with new questions focusing on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). The aim is to improve life-saving skills and boost cardiac arrest survival rates in the UK, without increasing the cost, length or overall difficulty of the theory test.

Further changes may be introduced later in 2026 following the publication of the government’s delayed Road Safety Strategy. One proposal being discussed is a change to the way driving licences are renewed for people aged over 70, as currently, drivers in this age group must renew their licence every three years and self-declare any medical conditions. Under the proposed plans, a compulsory eyesight test could become part of the renewal process, following concerns raised by opticians about the number of drivers with inadequate vision continuing to drive.

The Road Safety Strategy may also include tougher rules on drink-driving. The current legal alcohol limit of 80mg per 100ml of blood could be reduced to 50mg, bringing England and Wales in line with the lower limit already in place in Scotland. Seatbelt laws could also be strengthened, with drivers caught not wearing a seatbelt being fined up to £500. Under the proposed changes, offenders could also receive three penalty points on their driving licence in addition to the fine.

Vehicle standards are also set to change in 2026, as all new cars and vans will be required to meet the new Euro 7 emissions standards from late in the year. These rules are designed to further reduce pollution by tightening limits on exhaust emissions as well as emissions from brakes and tyres, with the standards coming into force on 29 November 2026.​

Another confirmed change affects the taxation of zero-emission vehicles. From April 2026, the Vehicle Excise Duty Expensive Car Supplement threshold for electric vehicles will rise from £40,000 to £50,000. This means electric cars priced between £40,000 and £50,000 will no longer be subject to the supplement, while the threshold for petrol and diesel vehicles remains unchanged. The change will apply retrospectively to most zero-emission vehicles registered from April 1, 2025.

Finally, a further rule change planned for spring 2026 will affect learner drivers booking practical tests. Under the new system, only the learner driver will be allowed to book their own driving test. The DVSA says this measure is intended to reduce the backlog of tests and prevent block booking and the resale of appointments.

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