2026 Highway Code Updates: What Every Driver Needs to Know About New Safety Regulations

Road safety remains a top priority for the UK government, and the 2026 updates to the Highway Code and driving laws reflect this commitment. These changes introduce new rules designed to protect vulnerable road users, improve test booking procedures, and adjust vehicle-related taxes. Drivers must understand these updates to stay compliant and contribute to safer roads.

!Eye-level view of a pedestrian crossing at a busy junction with cyclists waiting

New Rules on Junction Priority and Safety

The 2026 Highway Code continues to enforce the "Hierarchy of Road Users," a principle introduced in 2022 that prioritizes the safety of the most vulnerable. This means drivers must give way to pedestrians and cyclists who are crossing or waiting to cross at junctions. The goal is to reduce accidents by clarifying who has priority in these situations.

For example, if you approach a junction and see a cyclist waiting to cross, you must stop and allow them to proceed before you move. This rule applies even if you have a green light or right of way under previous laws. The emphasis on vulnerable users aims to lower collision rates, especially in urban and rural areas where visibility can be limited.

Changes to Driving Test Bookings Starting Spring 2026

Booking a driving test will become more regulated to reduce the backlog and improve fairness. From spring 2026, only learners themselves will be allowed to book their driving tests. Driving instructors and third-party booking services, including automated bots, will be banned from making or rescheduling test appointments on behalf of learners.

This change helps prevent unfair advantages and reduces fraudulent bookings, ensuring that test slots are available to genuine candidates. Learners should prepare to manage their own bookings and cancellations, keeping in mind the new requirement to provide at least 10 working days' notice for any changes.

Updates to the Theory Test

The theory test will now include questions on first aid and CPR. This addition reflects the importance of basic emergency skills for all drivers. Knowing how to respond in a medical emergency can save lives, especially in accidents where immediate action is critical.

Learners should study these new topics alongside traditional road rules and hazard perception. The inclusion of CPR questions encourages a broader understanding of safety beyond just driving skills.

!Close-up view of a learner driver taking a theory test on a tablet

Vehicle and Tax Changes Affecting Drivers

Several tax and cost changes will impact drivers starting in 2026:

• Fuel Duty: The temporary 5p per litre cut on fuel duty will end in September 2026. This means fuel prices are expected to rise, increasing the cost of driving for petrol and diesel vehicles.

  
  

• Electric Vehicle (EV) Taxation: Company car tax (Benefit-in-Kind) for electric vehicles will increase from 3% to 4%. Additionally, from 1 April 2025, new electric vehicles will no longer be exempt from road tax. Most EV owners will pay an annual fee of £195.

  
  

These changes reflect the government's efforts to balance environmental goals with revenue needs. Drivers considering an EV should factor in these new costs when planning their budgets.

Operational Rules for Safer Driving

The 2026 updates also include stricter operational rules to improve road safety and reduce nuisances:

• Driving Test Cancellations: Learners must give at least 10 working days' notice to cancel or reschedule a test. This rule helps reduce last-minute cancellations that waste valuable test slots.

  
  

• Lighting Rules: Drivers must avoid dazzling other road users with headlights or fog lights. Stricter enforcement will target those who misuse lights, which can cause accidents or discomfort.

  
  

• Engine Idling: Authorities will increase enforcement against leaving engines running while parked. This measure aims to reduce pollution and noise, especially in residential areas and near schools.

  
  

What These Changes Mean for Drivers

The 2026 Highway Code updates focus on protecting vulnerable road users, improving the fairness of driving tests, and adjusting costs related to vehicle use. Drivers should:

• Always give way to pedestrians and cyclists at junctions.

• Take responsibility for booking and managing their own driving tests.

• Prepare for new theory test questions on first aid and CPR.

• Expect higher fuel costs and new taxes on electric vehicles.

• Follow stricter rules on lighting and engine idling.

  
  

By understanding and adapting to these changes, drivers can contribute to safer roads and avoid penalties.

The Department for Transport supports these updates with campaigns and enforcement to ensure compliance. Staying informed and proactive will help all road users navigate the new rules confidently.