New Driving Laws for 2026 in the UK

Yes. From April 2025 onwards, electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), and this continues into 2026. Most EVs will pay a standard annual rate, similar to petrol and diesel cars, with more expensive EVs also affected by the luxury car supplement. This change reflects the government’s move to balance declining fuel duty revenues.

Yes. New measures are being introduced to reform the driving test booking system. Learner drivers will need to book and manage their own tests directly, limiting the role of third-party resellers and bots. There will also be tighter restrictions on how often tests can be changed, aimed at reducing waiting times and improving fairness.

While national speed limits remain the same, enforcement is becoming stricter. In 2026, more average-speed cameras and AI-enabled enforcement technology are being rolled out across the UK, including on local and residential roads. This means drivers are more likely to be caught for speeding, mobile phone use, and seatbelt offences.

Proposed changes in 2026 may see England and Wales move closer to Scotland’s lower drink-drive limit. The government is also considering tougher penalties for offenders, including alcohol interlock devices for repeat convictions. While not all measures are fully confirmed, a tougher stance on drink- and drug-driving is a key focus of the new road safety strategy.