Confirmed new driving DVLA laws in May 2026 as further big rule changes planned
Laws changes as well as for learners, include mandatory eye tests for over 70s which could lead to licence withdrawn, drink driving and young motorists
The DVLA has warned drivers of key changes which are taking place next month. There are a number of law changes currently being considered by the government as part of the road safety strategy.
The strategy sets out an ambitious plan to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035, with an even more stretching target of 70% for children under 16.
Key changes being considered in the consultaitons are minimum learning period for learner drivers, eye tests for older drivers and lowering the alcohol limit for driving to help prevent causes of collisions.
Some changes are coming in next month - in a bid to give learner drivery more chance of securing tests and stop people selling test slots. Under the change from = May 12 2026, people will need to book their car driving test themselves on GOV.UK. Driving instructors will not be allowed to book it for you.
From May 12, it will be against the law to book or change a driving test for someone else. From June 9, location changes for a booked test will be limited to the three nearest test centres.
The steps are aimed at making it harder for people to profit by using automated programmes – known as bots – to quickly book available slots and resell them for profit. Tests have a standard fee of £62, but a National Audit Office (NAO) report published in December last year found learners are paying up to £500 to book a slot on the black market.
Roads minister Simon Lightwood said: “Learning to drive is hard enough without an unfair booking system. Learners deserve clear, honest access to tests – not being ripped off by third-party sites.
“These changes put learners back in control, stop the system being gamed, and help make sure tests go to those who really need them.”
The average waiting time for a test in Britain was 22 weeks in September 2025, compared with about five weeks in February 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic.
The road safety strategy could make a big difference for many UK drivers - especially older ones with manadatory sight tests for the over 70s planned. The government will consult on lowering the drink drive limit in England and Wales, which has remained unchanged since 1967 and is currently the highest in Europe.
In 2023, 1 in 6 road fatalities involved drink driving, but a consultation will explore the use of preventative technology, such as alcohol interlock devices and new powers to suspend driving licences for those suspected of drink or drug driving offences.
Inexperience behind the wheel is costing lives. Drivers aged 17 to 24 represent just 6% of licence holders but are involved in 24% of fatal and serious collisions, the government said To address this, the DfT will consult on introducing a 3 or 6-month minimum learning period, giving learner drivers more time to develop their skills in varied conditions, such as night driving, adverse weather and heavy traffic.
With the number of older drivers continuing to rise as Britain’s population ages, a consultation on mandatory eyesight testing for those over 70 will be launched, while options for cognitive testing will also be developed to protect all road users.
New measures will also target the growing problem of illegal number plates, including ‘ghost’ plates designed to fool camera systems, while also cracking down on uninsured drivers and vehicles without a valid MOT.
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.”
For more information on the consultation click here.
