Six Major Driving Changes Arriving in March Across Birmingham and UK
Motorists in Birmingham and throughout the United Kingdom are set to encounter several significant driving alterations this March, as new regulations come into effect. These updates span from adjustments at petrol stations to the introduction of pay-per-mile tax proposals, impacting everything from vehicle taxes to MOT inspections.
Advisory Fuel Rates Adjust on March 1
Starting March 1, HMRC will implement updated advisory fuel rates, which companies utilize to reimburse employees for business travel in company cars. These rates are revised quarterly to reflect the ongoing fluctuations in fuel costs. While petrol and diesel rates remain unchanged from April, drivers of LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) vehicles will see reductions. For instance, vehicles with engines up to 1,400cc will drop from 11p per mile to 10p, and those between 1,401-2,000cc will decrease from 13p to 12p per mile.
New '26' Number Plates Launch on March 1
From March 1, 2026, new vehicles will feature number plates with a "26" identifier, as part of the DVLA's biannual registration updates. Although the plates themselves are unchanged, they can influence resale values, potentially making nearly-new models with older plates more affordable. Darryl Bowman from Cuvva warns that this plate shake-up could lead to insurance issues, as many drivers may assume coverage without verifying details, risking penalties like fines or vehicle seizure.
Pay-Per-Mile Car Tax Consultation Deadline on March 18
Drivers have until March 18 to provide feedback on the proposed Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED), announced in last year's Autumn Budget. Chancellor Rachel Reeves outlined that eVED would charge electric car owners 3p per mile and hybrid owners 1.5p per mile starting in 2028, marking a shift toward a pay-per-mile system.
Fuel Duty Freeze Extended Throughout March
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed that the planned fuel duty increase scheduled for March 23, 2026, will not proceed. Instead, the freeze will extend for an additional five months. This 5p per litre cut, initially introduced in March 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, will be reversed in stages, with reductions planned for September, December, and March 2027.
Driving Test Modifications Effective March 31
Beginning March 31, 2026, learner drivers will face new restrictions, allowing only two changes to their driving test bookings, down from the current six. Permitted adjustments include altering the date, time, test centre, or swapping with another learner, though multiple changes can still be made simultaneously.
MOT Test Rules Updated on March 31
MOT testers must complete a minimum of three hours of training annually between April and March. Failure to pass the required assessment by March 31 will result in suspension of MOT tester status, as mandated by the DVSA to ensure compliance and safety standards.
