Driving law changes in 2025 could see new licence restrictions, eye tests and rules for older motorists

Ahead of the next 12 months, GB News has rounded up the most important driving law changes which could be made that could impact you.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk

Driving licences

In recent months, road safety experts have continued to call for a new form of driving licence to be introduced to ensure that all Britons are safe behind the wheel following concerns around certain motorists.

A Graduated Driving Licence (GDL) system has been touted as a suitable option as this would place certain restrictions on drivers who have recently passed their test to maintain focus and driving ability.

Potential restrictions include a ban on same-age passengers, a curfew to prevent young people driving at night and a lowering of the blood alcohol limit for a temporary period of time.

One campaigner, Crystal Owen, has been one of the biggest supporters of the GDL system after her son Harvey and three other teenagers died after their car veered off a road in Llanfrothen, Wales last year.

She said her son had been "let down by an outdated driving licence system" and that changes were necessary to ensure all road users are safe, no matter when they passed their test.

A DfT spokesperson told GB News: "Every death on our roads is a tragedy and our thoughts remain with the families of everyone who has lost a loved one in this way.

"Whilst we are not considering Graduated Driving Licences, we absolutely recognise that young people are disproportionately victims of tragic incidents on our roads, and we are considering other measures to tackle this problem and protect young drivers."

​Eyesight assessments

The Association of Optometrists has called for changes to be made to require motorists to prove their vision is good enough when they apply for their first licence and when they renew.

Speaking to GB News, a spokesperson for the Department for Transport highlighted NHS guidance which states that adukts should have their eyes tested every two years.

They added that while the DfT "do not have plans to change eyesight requirements" for driving, it will continue to explore ways to improve road safety.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Major car tax changes launching this year could see petrol and diesel drivers hit with £5,490 bill
• Drivers fined £200m from Low Traffic Neighbourhoods as 'cash-hungry councils squeeze taxpayers dry'
• Local authority prepares to introduce more 20mph speed limits next year impacting hundreds of roads

Elderly drivers

Following the death of three-year-old Xander Irvine in Edinburgh, Sheriff Principal Ross called for changes to the self-certification of fitness to drive at the age of 70 and "short initial cognitive assessments" for drivers over 80.

Edith Duncan, who was 91 at the time, struck Irvine and his mother Victoria after she "lost control" of her Kia Picanto in 2020. Duncan had age-related dementia, with a ruling stating that she was "unfit to drive or hold a driving licence".

A spokesperson for the DVLA said: "Road safety is our absolute priority and we are carefully considering the sheriff’s recommendations.

"All drivers must ensure that they meet the medical standards for driving and notify us of the onset or worsening of a medical condition affecting their ability to drive."

Tariffs

Many car brands and governments around the world have called for measures to be taken to prevent Chinese manufacturers from dominating the electric vehicle market with cheaper list prices than established marques.

The European Union, United States and Canada have all placed massive tariffs on Chinese manufacturers and imports of electric vehicles, with the UK potentially following suit in 2025.

A Government spokesperson told GB News: "We are always vigilant to international developments and are very clear that any decision over the implementation of tariffs has to be the right one for our domestic automotive industry."