Three driving changes are being introduced in May, motorists have been told. The shake-up includes a major update to the Road Safety Strategy, as well as changes to driving tests and HMRC VAT rates.
Road Safety Strategy - May 11
The Labour Party government introduced the Road Safety Strategy back in January. After the announcement, the Government launched five consultations to garner feedback. Drivers and organisations wishing to give their feedback to the consultation have until Monday, May 11, at 11.59pm.
At the time, Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, said: "Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities. For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point. We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone, from new drivers taking their first lessons to older motorists wanting to maintain their independence. The measures we are announcing today will save thousands of lives over the coming decade."
Independent road safety campaigner, Meera Naran MBE, whose 8-year-old son Dev died in a road traffic collision, said: "I welcome this much-anticipated road safety strategy and am pleased to see a number of measures set out to reduce road deaths and serious injuries. I am especially grateful to the Secretary of State for giving me her word that she would honour Dev and recognise the importance of legislative change to adopt the General Safety Regulations, as Dev’s Law and for delivering on that commitment. I look forward to working closely with the department to ensure that the appropriate steps are taken to establish a robust and effective framework."
Driving Tests - May 12
From May 12, 2026, rules will change, allowing only the learner driver to book the test, whereas the driver or the instructor can book now. Similarly, the learner driver will have the sole responsibility to manage the test from May 12. When booking, they will have to confirm that they are the learner taking the test and agree to a new set of terms and conditions.
Roads Minister Simon Lightwood said the move would reduce long waiting lists and prevent slots being sold at inflated prices. "Learners deserve clear, honest access to tests – not being ripped off by third-party sites," Lightwood said. "Learning to drive is hard enough without an unfair booking system. These changes put learners back in control, stop the system being gamed, and help make sure tests go to those who really need them. I welcome DVSA's action to make things fairer and support learners on their journey to becoming safe, confident drivers."
VAT - May 1
HMRC will introduce new VAT road fuel scale charges for the next 12 months. The road fuel charges can be added to a VAT return to account for the private consumption of fuel on a business vehicle. The new measures, which will officially launch on May 1, will apply until April 30, 2027, and depend on the vehicle's CO2 emissions output.
