Changes to driving rules for 2025
The beginning of the month saw the introduction of the 2025 registration plates, the first of the two annual number plate changes from the DVLA. The new ‘25’ plate came in as of 1st March and then from 1st September this changes to a ‘75’ plate.
As we move further into the year there are more changes afoot with motorists facing new driving rules and regulations that we all need to be aware of.
Road tax changes
From April 1st all electric, zero and low emission vehicles which were previously exempt from paying road tax will now have to pay an annual fee as per other petrol and diesel vehicles.
The price charged will depend on the year of vehicle registration and its category.
Also from April 1st, all cars and commercial vehicles will see an increase in road tax rates.
Standard Road Tax:
- For cars registered after 1st April 2017 a rise to £195 per year.
- The standard road tax for commercial vehicles will increase to £290 annually.
Expensive Car Supplement:
- Cars costing more than £40,000 when new will face an additional £425 per year, applicable from the second to the sixth year on the road.
New Cars:
- First-year road tax will be based on the car’s CO2 emissions, which differs from the standard rate.
Older Cars
- Cars registered between 1/3/2001 and 31/3/2017 will continue to have road tax based on emissions every year.
- Cars emitting 0-100g/km CO2 will now pay £20 annually (previously exempt).
- Cars emitting more than 100g/km CO2 will see annual increases in road tax by £5 to £25, depending on the emissions band.
In addition, BIK (Benefit-in-Kind) tax will also rise by 1% for all vehicles, including petrol, diesel, and electric. This change will affect both company drivers and employees who use a vehicle as part of their benefits package.
Mandatory Driver Assistance Systems
All newly manufactured cars in 2025 will be required to have a mandatory driver assistance system fitted, including features such as Lane Keep Assist and Emergency Braking.
These systems are aimed at helping drivers maintain control of their vehicle and respond quickly to possible hazards.
Booking a Driving Test
The DVSA has introduced changes to its booking system where only instructors or businesses employing them will be able to book tests for students and only for learners they are qualified to teach.
This is intended to reduce driving test waiting times and the DVSA has set a new goal of reducing wait times to seven weeks by the end of December 2025.
Also on the cards are digital driving licences.
Fuel Price Finder scheme
By the end of 2025 all fuel stations in the UK must share real-time fuel prices through the new ‘Fuel Finder’ scheme. This will help drivers find the cheapest place to fill up.
Slowdown in Scotland
Scotland are rolling out a nationwide default speed limit of 20mph in urban and residential areas.
HGV Permits for London
From 4th May, all HGVs operating in Greater London must have a safety permit under Transport for London’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS). The permits are free of charge and assess the driver’s visibility of vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians.
Be sure to keep up to date on the latest rules of the road and if you have any queries ask our staff when you rent your vehicle from us. We are always happy to help.
Photo courtesy of Karsten Würth on Unsplash
