Six new law and rule changes in 2025 that will impact UK drivers

London: Drivers in the UK need to get ready for some big changes in 2025. There are six key updates that could really affect how you drive and what you pay.

First off, if you own an electric vehicle, get ready to start paying Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for the first time. This kicks in from April 1, and it’s a big shift since EV drivers haven’t had to pay this tax before. The first-year rate will be £10, but after that, it jumps to the standard rate of £190. Plus, if your electric car is worth over £40,000, you’ll face an extra charge of £410 a year.

And it’s not just electric cars that are seeing changes. If you drive a petrol, diesel, or hybrid vehicle, expect your first-year VED rates to rise significantly. For example, a new Ford Puma could see its rate double from £220 to £440. Ouch!

Now, if you’re driving in London, there’s more news. Starting December 25, 2025, electric vehicle owners will no longer be exempt from the £15 congestion charge. So, if you’re planning to drive in the city, make sure to budget for that charge.

On a brighter note, the government is rolling out a ‘Fuel Finder’ scheme. This will help you find the cheapest petrol and diesel prices by allowing you to compare prices in real-time through apps and websites. It’s all about making it easier for drivers to save some cash at the pump.

There’s also an investigation into car finance mis-selling that’s set to wrap up in May 2025. If you’ve been affected, you might be in line for some compensation. So, keep an eye out for those results!

Lastly, the DVSA is working on cutting down the long wait times for driving tests. They’re planning to hire more examiners and make it easier to change or cancel test bookings without losing money. This should help learners get their tests done faster.

So, buckle up! 2025 is going to bring some changes that could impact your driving experience in the UK.