United Kingdom 2026 Driving Rule Changes
Official Source: Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
Last Updated: 2026년 1월 15일
Summary
The UK introduces 2026 changes including updated theory tests with first-aid questions, new test booking rules, stricter medical declarations for older drivers, fuel duty increases, and Euro 7 emissions standards.
Key Changes
Theory Test Adds First-Aid Questions
Effective 2026년 1월 1일
No first-aid questions
Theory test focused on Highway Code and hazard perception only
CPR and AED questions included
Expanded questions on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator use
Official Source: DVSA Theory Test Updates
Instructor's Tip
“The theory test now includes questions about CPR and how to use a defibrillator. You don't need to be an expert, but know the basics: chest compressions at 100-120 per minute, and how to follow AED voice instructions.”
Changes by Category
📋Licensing(4)
Theory Test Adds First-Aid Questions
Effective 2026년 1월 1일
No first-aid questions
Theory test focused on Highway Code and hazard perception only
CPR and AED questions included
Expanded questions on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator use
Official Source: DVSA Theory Test Updates
New Driving Test Booking Rules
Effective 2026년 3월 1일
Anyone could book
Driving instructors and third parties could book tests on behalf of learners
Learner must book directly
Only the learner driver can book and manage their test; maximum 2 changes per booking
Official Source: DVSA Booking Policy
Driving Test Format Changes (Already in Effect)
Effective 2025년 11월 1일
Fixed 10-min independent driving
Test included fixed 10 minutes of independent driving with equal sat-nav/sign use
Extended independent driving up to full test
Examiners can extend independent driving from 20 minutes to full test duration; 80% of tests now use sat-nav; more time on faster rural roads
Official Source: DVSA Test Changes
Stricter Medical Declarations for Over-65s
Effective 2026년 1월 1일
Self-declaration checkbox
Drivers over 70 simply ticked a box saying they were fit to drive
Detailed medical declaration
More comprehensive health questions; mandatory eye test proposals under consideration
Official Source: DVLA Medical Fitness
🌱Environmental Zones(3)
Fuel Duty Freeze Ends
Effective 2026년 9월 1일
Frozen since 2011
Fuel duty held at 52.95p per litre for over a decade
Rises with inflation
Fuel duty will increase in line with inflation from September 2026
Official Source: HM Treasury
Electric Vehicle Tax Changes
Effective 2026년 4월 6일
Various EV exemptions
EVs exempt from vehicle tax and had lower BiK rates
BiK rises to 4%, higher threshold
Company car BiK rate rises from 3% to 4%; expensive car supplement threshold rises to £50,000 for EVs
Official Source: HMRC Vehicle Taxes
Euro 7 Emissions Standard
Effective 2026년 11월 29일
Euro 6d standard
Current emission limits for new vehicles
Euro 7 standard
Stricter limits including brake and tire particle emissions; applies to all new car types
Official Source: UK Vehicle Type Approval
Instructor Tips
Re: Theory Test Adds First-Aid Questions
Instructor's Tip
“The theory test now includes questions about CPR and how to use a defibrillator. You don't need to be an expert, but know the basics: chest compressions at 100-120 per minute, and how to follow AED voice instructions.”
Re: New Driving Test Booking Rules
Instructor's Tip
“This change fights test-slot scalping. From spring 2026, learners must book their own tests - instructors can't do it for you. Plan ahead because you can only change your booking twice.”
Re: Driving Test Format Changes (Already in Effect)
Instructor's Tip
“These changes came into effect November 2025 after trials. You'll spend more time on independent driving (up to the full test) and more time on faster roads. Missing a turn isn't a fault, but unsafe reactions are assessed negatively.”
Re: Stricter Medical Declarations for Over-65s
Instructor's Tip
“The DVLA is taking medical declarations more seriously for older drivers. From 65, expect more detailed health questions when renewing. Mandatory eye tests for over-70s may come later.”
Re: Fuel Duty Freeze Ends
Instructor's Tip
“After more than a decade frozen, fuel duty is going up. This doesn't affect your driving skills, but it does mean slightly higher fuel costs from autumn 2026.”
Re: Electric Vehicle Tax Changes
Instructor's Tip
“EVs are still much cheaper to tax than petrol/diesel, but the benefits are reducing. Company car drivers see BiK go from 3% to 4%. The expensive car supplement now starts at £50,000 for EVs instead of £40,000.”
Re: Euro 7 Emissions Standard
Instructor's Tip
“Euro 7 doesn't just measure exhaust - it also measures particles from brakes and tires. All new vehicle types from November 2026 must comply. This makes cleaner vehicles even cleaner.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What first-aid questions are on the UK theory test now?
Can my driving instructor still book my test for me?
How has the UK driving test changed?
Do older drivers face stricter rules in 2026?
Sources & Methodology
All rule changes are sourced from official government transport agencies and legal publications. AutoviaTest is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government agency. Rules may be subject to change before their effective dates.
Information last verified: 2026-01-15
Primary Sources:
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) — Official regulatory body
- DVSA Theory Test Updates — Theory Test Adds First-Aid Questions
- DVSA Booking Policy — New Driving Test Booking Rules
- DVSA Test Changes — Driving Test Format Changes (Already in Effect)
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