UK drivers are facing a significant shift in regulations as a series of new laws and rule changes come into effect from the start of 2026. The changes, which began on January 1st, impact everything from the driving theory test to congestion charges and future tax policies for electric vehicles.
Immediate Changes: Theory Tests and Congestion Charges
From early 2026, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has revised the driving theory test to include enhanced first aid questions. Learner drivers will now be tested on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The agency aims to equip more drivers with life-saving skills to improve the UK's cardiac arrest survival rates. The update does not alter the test's cost, duration, or overall difficulty, and learning materials have already been updated.
In a separate move, Transport for London's congestion charge has increased. As of January 1, 2026, the daily charge rose to £18 if paid on or before the travel day, up from £15. The fee for paying within three days after travel is now £21, increased from £17.50. Furthermore, the 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount for zero-emission cars ended on Christmas Day 2025.
Electric car drivers registered on the Auto Pay system can now receive a 25% discount, making the daily charge £13.50. Drivers of electric vans, HGVs, and quadricycles are eligible for a 50% discount, reducing their daily charge to £9.
Upcoming Policy Shifts and Financial Impacts
Later in the year, further substantial changes are scheduled. From July 2026, VAT will apply to Advance Payments and Insurance Premium Tax to scheme leases within the Motability scheme. The organisation estimates this will increase the average upfront cost of a vehicle by approximately £400 over a standard three-year package. The Department for Work and Pensions confirmed that vehicles 'substantially adapted for wheelchair users' will be exempt.
Tax changes are also coming for company car users. Benefit in Kind (BiK) rates, which rose by 1% in April 2025, are scheduled for another 1% increase in the 2026-27 financial year. From April 6, 2026, the BiK rate for electric vehicles will rise from 3% to 4%.
In a positive move for some EV owners, the government has increased the Expensive Car Supplement (ECS) threshold for zero-emission cars. From April 2026, only EVs with a list price exceeding £50,000 will pay the supplement, up from the previous £40,000 threshold. This change applies retrospectively for many vehicles registered from April 1, 2025.
Future Road Safety and Regulatory Proposals
The government's delayed Road Safety Strategy could introduce stricter laws. There is growing speculation, backed by opticians' concerns, that drivers over 70 may face mandatory eye tests as part of their three-year licence renewal. Currently, the process relies on self-reporting of medical conditions.
Other potential measures include aligning the drink-drive limit for England and Wales with Scotland's stricter threshold of 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, down from 80mg. Seatbelt laws could also be toughened, adding three penalty points to the existing maximum £500 fine for non-compliance.
From spring 2026, the DVSA will implement a rule change to tackle test booking backlogs, allowing only learner drivers themselves to book practical tests. Looking further ahead, a new per-mile electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) is planned for April 2028. This would charge electric car drivers 3p per mile and plug-in hybrid drivers 1.5p per mile, with mileage checked during MOT tests.
Finally, all new cars and vans sold must meet the stringent Euro 7 emission standards from November 29, 2026, aiming to significantly reduce vehicle pollution.
