New rules affecting drivers and businesses arrive in May 2026, bringing changes to how driving tests are booked, fresh HMRC fuel rules, and a host of road-safety proposals under consultation. These shifts could alter everyday routines for learner drivers, fleet managers and older motorists.
What changes motorist should expect this May
Several measures come into force across the month. Some are administrative, aimed at reducing test backlogs. Others alter tax accounting for fuel and widen a public consultation on tougher road-safety laws.
- DVSA test-booking reforms take effect in mid-May.
- New HMRC VAT road fuel scale charges apply from the start of the month for 12 months.
- A government consultation on road-safety proposals, including possible eye tests for older drivers, closes in May.
How DVSA is changing driving test bookings and responsibility
To tackle the backlog of practical driving tests, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is shifting who is allowed to make bookings.
- From 12 May 2026, only the learner may book their driving test.
- The learner must confirm they are the test taker and accept updated terms and conditions.
- Responsibility for managing the test, including cancellations and rescheduling, will rest with the learner.
Officials say the move aims to reduce fraudulent bookings and free up more test slots. Instructors and third parties will no longer be able to make bookings on behalf of candidates after the change.
HMRC updates: VAT road fuel scale charges explained
HM Revenue & Customs introduces revised VAT road fuel scale charges on 1 May 2026. These charges are designed for businesses that provide fuel for employees’ private use.
The rates apply until 30 April 2027 and are tied to a vehicle’s CO2 emissions. Businesses may choose one of several approaches when dealing with VAT on fuel:
- Recover the VAT in full and pay the prescribed road fuel scale charge.
- Opt not to recover any VAT and make no scale charge adjustment.
- Track private-versus-business miles precisely and reclaim VAT proportionally.
For the 2026–27 accounting period, the VAT-inclusive scale rates start at £661 for vehicles emitting less than 120 g/km of CO2. Rates increase in 5 g/km bands and reach £2,314 for cars emitting 225 g/km or more. Firms can apply the rates across 12-, three- or one-month accounting periods.
Road-safety strategy: consultations and proposed reforms
The government has set out a strategy that seeks to cut deaths and serious injuries on roads by a significant margin over the coming decade.
- Ministers are pursuing a target to reduce fatalities and serious injuries by 65% by 2035.
- Data showed an average of around four road deaths per day in 2024, prompting the ambitious target.
- Five consultations were launched to gather views on policy options to enshrine measures into law.
Among the ideas under review are mandatory eye checks for older drivers and stiffer penalties for certain motoring offences. The consultations are open for feedback through 11 May 2026 at 23:59.
What drivers and businesses should do now
Practical steps can help avoid disruption when rules change.
- Learners: prepare to manage your own test bookings from 12 May. Make sure contact details and accounts are up to date.
- Instructors: review booking practices with pupils and confirm who will handle test administration going forward.
- Employers and fleets: check vehicle CO2 figures and decide which VAT method suits your record-keeping before 1 May.
- Stakeholders: if you want to influence road-safety proposals, submit responses before the 11 May deadline.
Political context and public reaction
The package of measures has been framed as a response to persistently high road casualties. Proponents say tougher regulation and clearer tax rules will save lives and cut bureaucracy. Critics warn mandatory checks for older drivers could be stigmatizing unless carefully designed.
Labour has backed sweeping action to reduce casualties, and ministers are seeking broad input through the consultation process. Responses received this month may shape the next phase of legislation.
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- New VAT Fuel Rates Launch May 1: Drivers Face Up to £2,314 in Charges
- DVSA Announces Major Driving Test Changes: Restrictions Imposed on Some Motorists
- Millions face driving licence delay: Labour warns of new motoring laws
- Elderly driver restrictions: Labour unveils major change and mandatory eye tests
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