Driving rules in the UK change more often than most people realise, and a lot of what you read online is either out of date or mixes up laws with proposals. This guide sets out what has actually changed, what is only being consulted on, and what it means if you are learning to drive in Oxford.
What has actually changed
For learners in England, as of September 2026.
What Has Actually Changed
The biggest changes affecting learners in England in 2026 are the new driving test booking rules and, locally, the Oxford traffic filters trial. These four rules matter most on lessons and after you pass.
- AOnly learners can book and manage testsSince Tuesday 12 May 2026, only the learner can book, change or cancel their practical driving test. Driving instructors and third parties can no longer do this for you. Each booking can be changed a maximum of two times, and changing the date, time or test centre, or swapping with another learner, each counts as one change. Changing several details in one go still counts as one change. From Tuesday 9 June 2026, if you move your test to a different centre, you can only choose one of the three test centres nearest to your original booking.
- BHolding and using a phone is illegalIt is illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet or any device that can send or receive data while driving, including when you are stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic. The penalty is 6 penalty points and a £200 fine. Hands free use is allowed, for example through a dashboard holder, a windscreen mount or voice commands, as long as the device does not block your view of the road.
- CThe new driver rule: 6 points within two yearsIf you get 6 or more penalty points within two years of passing your test, your licence is revoked. Points you received while holding a provisional licence count towards this total, so a single phone offence means going back to a provisional licence.
- DHighway Code changes for walking and cyclingThe Highway Code was updated on Saturday 29 January 2022. It introduced a hierarchy of road users, clearer priority for pedestrians waiting to cross at junctions, and guidance to leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30mph. In a city like Oxford, these rules come up on almost every lesson.
Two more changes worth knowing
20mph default limit in Wales. Since Sunday 17 September 2023, the default speed limit in built up areas in Wales has been 20mph. This applies in Wales only. In England the default in built up areas is still 30mph, although many roads in Oxford have signed 20mph limits.
Oxford traffic filters. Oxfordshire County Council started a trial of six traffic filters on Monday 28 September 2026, at Hythe Bridge Street, Thames Street, St Cross Road, St Clement's Street, Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way. The trial can run for up to 18 months, and private cars need a permit to pass through a filter during its operating hours.
- At Oxon Driving Tuitions we no longer book practical tests for learners
- We are always happy to talk you through the process and help you judge when you are ready
- Read our guide to Oxford's traffic filters
Proposals That Are Not Law Yet
In January 2026 the government published a new road safety strategy. Several ideas in it have been reported as if they were already rules. At the time of writing, these are proposals only.
Minimum learning period
A proposal for learners to wait a set period (three to six months has been suggested) before taking the practical test. The consultation closed on Monday 11 May 2026.
Graduated licence for England
Restrictions for new drivers, such as limits on young passengers or night driving, are being explored but have not been introduced in England.
Lower drink drive limit
A reduction in England and Wales from 35 to 22 microgrammes of alcohol per 100ml of breath, in line with Scotland, is being consulted on.
Eyesight tests at 70 and over
A proposal to replace self declaration with formal eyesight testing when drivers aged 70 and over renew their licence.
Northern Ireland has its own licensing system. A graduated driver licensing scheme starts there on Thursday 1 October 2026, with a six month minimum learning period, R plates for two years after passing, and night time passenger restrictions for newly qualified drivers under 24. This does not apply to learners in England. If you are learning now, none of the proposals above change your lessons or your test today. We will update this page if any of them become law.
What This Means If You Learn in Oxford
None of this needs to make learning harder. These are the habits that keep you on the right side of the rules.
Manage your own test
Book and manage your practical test yourself, and use your two changes carefully.
Phone out of reach
Keep your phone out of reach while you drive, both now and after you pass.
Expect Oxford's roads
Expect your instructor to spend time on cyclists, pedestrians at junctions and 20mph roads, as these come up constantly around Oxford.
Watch the filters
Be aware of the traffic filters if you practise in a private car with family or friends.
The most reliable sources are the Highway Code on GOV.UK, DVSA announcements and, for local changes, Oxfordshire County Council. Be careful with social media posts announcing "new driving laws", as many describe proposals rather than rules.
Driving Law in 2026: Your Questions Answered
Is there a graduated driving licence in England?
Can my driving instructor still book my test?
Is using a phone hands free legal?
Do I have to wait six months before taking my test?
Learn with instructors who keep up to date
Our instructors teach in and around Oxford every day and keep up with DVSA and local changes, so you do not have to.
