UK Driving Law Changes 2026: What Learners and New Drivers Need to Know

UK driving rules change regularly, and it can be hard to tell what has actually come into force from what is only being discussed. This guide replaces our earlier article on the December 2024 changes and focuses on what matters in 2026 for learners and new drivers in England, Scotland and Wales.

We have split it into changes that are already in force and proposals that are still being considered. Rules can change, so always check GOV.UK for the latest position.

The biggest change for learners in 2026 is to how car driving tests are booked. DVSA brought in new rules in stages:

• 31 March 2026: you can only make 2 changes to a test booking (down from 6). Changing several details at once, such as date and centre together, counts as one change.
• 12 May 2026: only the learner driver can book, change or cancel their own car test. Instructors and third-party services can no longer do it for you, and using unofficial services that scan the booking system for cancellations is not allowed.
• 9 June 2026: you can only move your test to one of the 3 test centres nearest to the one where it is booked, or back to the centre you first booked.
• 19 June 2026: if DVSA moves your test, for example because of bad weather, your changes are reset to 2 and you can use them online.

Updating your address or contact details, or adding or removing your instructor's reference number, does not count as a change.

• Book your own test on GOV.UK and keep your login details safe.
• Choose your test centre carefully, because you can only switch between nearby centres later.
• Talk to your instructor before you book, so your test date matches when you are likely to be ready.
• Ignore websites or social media accounts offering to book or swap tests for you.

You can read about local options on our driving test centres page.

In January 2026 the Department for Transport published its first road safety strategy in over a decade, with a target to cut deaths and serious injuries on the roads by 65% by 2035. It launched several consultations. At the time of writing, none of the following are law. The consultations have closed and the government has said it is analysing the responses.

The government consulted on introducing a minimum learning period of three or six months for car learners. The idea is a minimum gap between passing your theory test and taking your practical test, so learners get experience of different conditions such as night driving, bad weather and heavy traffic. It also asked for views on a minimum number of supervised driving hours and a set learning syllabus.

The consultation closed on 11 May 2026. No decision has been announced, so today you can still book a practical test once you have passed your theory test.

A separate consultation on penalties for motoring offences, which also closed on 11 May 2026, asked for views on:

• Lowering the drink-drive limit in England and Wales, including the option of a lower limit for newly qualified drivers
• Alcohol interlocks for some drink-drive offenders
• Penalty points for not wearing a seat belt
• Tougher penalties for driving without insurance, without a valid MOT or without a licence
• Tackling illegal and "ghost" number plates designed to fool cameras

For now, the drink-drive limit in England and Wales is still 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, unchanged since 1967. Scotland already has a lower limit of 50mg. The safest approach is not to drink at all if you are driving.

The strategy also proposed consulting on compulsory eyesight tests for drivers over 70. This does not affect learners directly, but it may matter to family members who drive.

If you are buying your first car, note that electric cars have had to pay vehicle tax since April 2025. From 1 April 2026, the threshold for the "expensive car" supplement on zero-emission cars registered from 1 April 2025 rose from £40,000 to £50,000. Petrol and diesel cars above £40,000 still pay the supplement.

These rules are not new, but they matter most in your first years of driving:

• Mobile phones: it is illegal to hold and use a phone while driving, including when stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic. The penalty is 6 penalty points and a £200 fine.
• The two-year rule: if you get 6 or more penalty points within 2 years of passing your test, your licence will be revoked. A single phone offence is enough, and you would have to reapply for a provisional licence and pass both tests again.
• Theory test certificate: your theory pass is valid for 2 years. If you do not pass your practical test in that time, you will need to take the theory test again.

If you are a new driver who wants more confidence on busy roads or motorways, our Pass Plus course or refresher lessons can help.

• Check GOV.UK for driving test, licence and Highway Code updates.
• Read consultation outcomes on GOV.UK when they are published, rather than relying on headlines.
• Ask your instructor if you are unsure how a change affects you.

Ready to book? Send us an enquiry through our contact page or call or WhatsApp us on 07758 837589. We are open 7 days a week, 7am to 11:30pm.