Driving Rules Are Changing in 2025

30 July 2025 | W.E.U Admin | News

TAGS: Rules, Transport

Major changes are coming to UK roads in 2025. These include updates to licensing for older drivers, tax changes for electric vehicles, new commercial driving standards, and enhanced safety measures. Whether you drive for work, commute daily, or assist family members with transport needs, it’s crucial to stay informed.

Licence Renewals for Drivers Over 70 (from July 2025)

Drivers aged 70 and over will continue to renew their licences every three years. However, new requirements may apply. Those flagged as high-risk could be asked to provide certified medical declarations or undergo additional vision or cognitive tests. Random DVLA checks will also be introduced.

What this means: Most older drivers will not be affected, but those with health conditions or selected at random should expect extra paperwork, possible costs, and longer waiting times. Planning ahead—especially for GP and eye appointments—can make the process smoother.

Learn more about licence renewals.

Electric Vehicles to Start Paying Road Tax (from April 2025)

Until now, electric vehicles (EVs) have been exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). That exemption ends in 2025. New EVs will pay £10 in their first year and £190 annually from 2026. Vehicles over £40,000 will also incur a luxury supplement.

What this means: If you’re planning to buy an EV, factor in these new charges. While EVs remain cheaper to operate overall, the tax advantage is narrowing.

Fuel Duty and a New App for Price Comparison

Fuel duty will stay frozen until at least March 2026. Additionally, a government-backed app, Fuel Finder, will launch later in 2025, providing real-time petrol and diesel prices across stations.

What this means: While prices remain high, increased transparency will help drivers find fairer local deals, particularly useful for those covering long distances for work.

HGV Safety Permits Required in Greater London (by 4 May 2025)

All HGVs over 12 tonnes operating in Greater London must obtain a Direct Vision Safety Permit. Vehicles with low visibility scores will need retrofitting with Progressive Safe Systems.

What this means: Employers must secure permits and complete safety upgrades. Non-compliance can result in significant fines.

Details on HGV safety permits.

Smart Tachographs for Cross-Border Drivers (by 19 August 2025)

International HGV drivers must upgrade to Smart Tachograph v2 devices. These units log border crossings and loading data, and include tamper-prevention features.

What this means: Drivers on EU routes should ensure their vehicles comply to avoid penalties.

Company Car Tax (Benefit in Kind) Is Rising

From April 2025, the Benefit in Kind (BiK) tax rate will increase by 1% across all company car bands, including EVs. Zero-emission cars will move from 2% to 3%.

What this means: If you use a company car via salary sacrifice, expect slightly higher costs.

Congestion Charge for EVs (from 2 January 2026)

Electric and hydrogen vehicles will lose their £15 daily congestion charge exemption in London.

What this means: EV drivers in central London—such as delivery workers and carers—should budget for additional daily charges.

Euro 7 Emission Standards (from 2026)

New cars and vans must meet Euro 7 rules from 2026, featuring tighter emissions limits and requirements for cleaner brakes and tyres.

What this means: While current vehicles aren’t affected, new models will be subject to stricter standards.

Autonomous Vehicles: Trial Rollouts

The UK will begin self-driving vehicle trials in 2026, backed by legislation ensuring strict safety standards.

What this means: No immediate changes, but automation could reshape transport and logistics roles in the long term.

AI Safety Camera Trials

Trials using AI to detect seatbelt and mobile phone offences conclude by March 2025.

What this means: A national rollout could deliver quicker fines and less tolerance for minor traffic infractions.

CPC Qualification Routes for Lapsed Drivers

Returning professional drivers will benefit from flexible online learning options, a dedicated “return to driving” module, and separate routes for national vs international qualifications.

What this means: Requalifying becomes simpler for lapsed drivers—provided training standards remain robust.

MOT-Style Checks in Guernsey

Guernsey may introduce inspections every three years for vehicles over five years old, aligning with European practices.

What this means: UK-based drivers aren’t directly affected yet, but similar measures could emerge depending on future trade agreements.

Industry Developments to Watch in 2025

AESC’s EV battery Gigafactory opens in Sunderland, creating 1,000 jobs
Chery, a Chinese automaker, enters the UK market with low-cost EVs and petrol cars
DVSA aims to cut driving test delays and improve HGV testing standards
New car registration plates (‘75’) will debut in September 2025

Key Points at a Glance

Over-70s licence renewal: More checks for flagged health issues
EV road tax: Introduced April 2025, narrowing cost advantage
Fuel duty freeze: Extended to 2026, plus the Fuel Finder app launch
London HGV permits: Mandatory by May 2025, safety systems required
Smart Tachographs: Required for EU-bound HGVs by August 2025
Company car BiK tax: +1% across all bands
EV congestion charge: Exemption ends January 2026 in London
Euro 7 standards: New vehicles from 2026
Autonomous vehicles: Trials begin in 2026
AI safety cameras: Trial ends March 2025
Driver CPC routes: Easier re-entry for lapsed drivers
Guernsey inspections: Proposed MOT-style checks

“Speak to our WEU office if you need support navigating these changes. Our job is to ensure no member is left behind as the transport rules evolve. We want our members to be informed, and this guidance is designed to help you understand what these changes can mean.”

Stephen Morris, General Secretary of the Workers of England Union