Driving across the UK in 2026 brings fresh challenges as authorities roll out stricter measures to boost road safety and adapt to greener transport. These updates target everything from fuel costs to learner rules, catching even careful motorists off guard. Staying informed helps avoid fines and keeps journeys smooth.
Fuel Duty Shift
The long-standing fuel duty freeze wraps up in September 2026, likely hiking petrol and diesel prices at pumps nationwide. This move aims to refill government coffers amid rising electric vehicle adoption, squeezing traditional drivers hardest. Expect a ripple effect on daily commutes and long hauls alike.
EV Tax Adjustments
Electric vehicle owners face new hurdles, with company car Benefit-in-Kind tax rates climbing from April 2026 to reflect growing market maturity. Meanwhile, pricier EVs dodge a luxury tax hit, offering relief to high-end buyers. Congestion charges now snag EVs too, ending their free city rides in places like London.
Learner Driver Rules
Learners must now book practical tests themselves from early 2026, cutting out instructor proxies to promote responsibility. Proposals float a minimum learning period before testing, ensuring newbies log enough hours for real-world readiness. These tweaks promise fewer novice errors on busy roads.
| Change | Old Rule | New Rule 2026 | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Duty | Frozen since 2011 | Ends Sep 2026 | Higher pump prices |
| EV Congestion Charge | Exempt | Now charged | City driving costs up |
| Learner Test Booking | Instructor handles | Learner direct | More accountability |
| Theory Test | Basic questions | Adds first-aid/CPR | Better emergency prep |
| Drink-Drive Limit | 80mg/100ml (E/W) | Proposed lower | Stricter enforcement |
Road Safety Strategy
The government’s bold Road Safety Strategy spotlights lower drink-drive limits in England and Wales, alongside alcolocks for repeat offenders. Harsher seatbelt penalties loom, with fines doubling for non-compliance to save lives. Autonomous emergency braking becomes standard on new cars, nudging tech into everyday motoring.
Older Driver Checks
Drivers over 70 could soon face mandatory eyesight and cognitive tests under the strategy, weeding out risks without blanket bans. This responds to stats showing age-related declines in reaction times. Routine renewals turn proactive, prioritizing public safety over convenience.
Theory Test Overhaul
From 2026, theory exams weave in first-aid and CPR scenarios, sharpening responses to crashes or medical emergencies. Driving tests trim routine stops from four to three, stretch independent driving to 20 minutes, and dial back emergency stops. These shifts mirror real roads, building confident habits early.
Enforcement Crackdowns
MOT checks tighten with automated cameras spotting expired tests or uninsured rides, while ghost plates face raids. Digital licences gain traction for quick police scans, slashing paperwork hassles. Uninsured drivers risk vehicle clamps on the spot, making compliance non-negotiable.
Number Plate Purge
Illegal and cloned plates draw heavy heat in 2026, with AI cameras flagging fakes at borders and urban zones. Penalties spike for dodgers evading taxes or charges, curbing crime rings. Law-abiding owners breathe easier as tech cleans up the roads.
FAQs
Q: Will fuel prices definitely rise?
A: The freeze ends September 2026, pointing to increases unless reversed.
Q: Do EVs still get city perks?
A: No, congestion charges apply now in key areas.
Q: When do over-70 tests start?
A: Proposed in the safety strategy; watch for confirmation.