Seasons change, and so do driving regulations. As we head into Autumn, here’s a look at a few things you’ll want to bear in mind.
Drink driving limits.
Like those now-brown leaves, drink driving limits may be about to drop – in England at least. As we’ve covered before, Scotland has had lower drink drive limits than apply south of the border for quite some time. The Government is now looking at the potentially dropping the English drink drive limit down to the Scottish level (which is 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath).
As the very keen mathematicians amongst you will have already calculated, that’s a drop of 37.5% percent. So, there’s a significantly higher chance of going over the limit if you were to have a drink. And remember there’s no way of telling for sure how much it would take to put you over the limit, as we all process alcohol differently.
Digital driving licenses.
Driving licenses are easy to lose and a hassle to replace. So having a digital version would be super handy. And that should be something you can do before the year is out. A pilot scheme should be starting via the Gov.UK Wallet in late 2025.
Driving tests.
In May, the DVSA began a 3-month trial across 20 test centres to try out a new driving test format. That trial is now over and results are being reviewed. If it went well, it could mean changes to how all tests go – including:
- More independent driving.
- Greater use of sat-nav.
- Where possible, more time on high-speed and/or rural roads.
- Less likelihood of being asked to do an emergency stop.
As well as the practical, the theory test will also change, with questions on CPR and defibrillators to be included from 2026.
MOT changes.
Some MOT changes came into effect this year that already apply. These are mostly aimed at reducing fraudulent ghost MOTS (where a certificate is given without the car even being tested). Garages now have to submit photographic evidence of the car being tested, and apply a stricter, wider range of tests.
This blog is for general information only and isn’t intended to replace official advice, so be sure to check Government sources for the letter of the law.
