UK Driving Licence - Main Changes in 2025

1st October 2025

Digital driving licences (voluntary rollout)
The UK government is introducing a digital version of driving licences via a new Gov.uk wallet/app. It will sit alongside the existing photocard licence (i.e. physical licences are not being abolished).

You'll be able to use it to prove your identity (e.g. at checkouts, for age verification) and potentially share licence data securely with insurers, employers, etc.

It's voluntary, not mandatory.

Higher weight limit for zero‑emission vehicles under Category B
From 10 June 2025, holders of a Category B licence (i.e. standard car licence) will be allowed to drive electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) up to 4,250 kg (instead of the 3,500 kg limit that applies to petrol/diesel) without needing a higher class licence.

Changes to fees and test regulations
Under The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2025, which come into effect 15 May 2025, there are amendments to fees and rules for certain manoeuvre tests / off‑road tests etc.
Legislation.gov.uk

Extended driving period for Ukrainian licence holders
From 3 March 2025, people who arrived under the relevant scheme (following the Russian invasion) may drive in Great Britain on their Ukrainian licences for up to 54 months (4 years and 6 months), instead of being required to switch to a UK licence after 12 months.

some of the proposed or under‑discussion changes to UK driving licences / motoring rules for later in 2025 (or beyond) — not all are confirmed, but they're things to watch:

Proposed / Potential Changes

Mandatory vision / eye tests at licence renewal for older drivers
There is discussion of requiring compulsory eye tests every few years (for example, every 3 years) when renewing a licence, especially for older drivers. This is part of a broader push to make sure drivers maintain sufficient vision standards.

Lowering drink‑driving limits & tougher drug‑driving enforcement
Some proposals suggest lowering the permitted alcohol limit (in line with Scotland’s stricter limits) and enabling roadside saliva tests for drug‑driving.

Tougher seatbelt, uninsured driving, and penalty point rules
As part of road safety reforms, there are proposals to increase enforcement and penalties for seatbelt non‑use, uninsured driving, and possibly stricter rules on penalty points.

Extension of licence‑exchange allowances for Ukrainians
The current scheme allows Ukrainian licence holders to drive in Great Britain under certain rules. There are confirmed changes making this more generous: holders may now have up to 54 months (4.5 years) instead of earlier limits before needing to exchange or comply with UK licence rules.

"Zero‑emission vehicle" weight allowances in Category B
This is not just proposal — it’s already being legislated: holders of Category B (standard car) licences will be allowed to drive zero‑emission (electric / hydrogen) vehicles with a higher maximum authorised mass (MAM) (up to 4,250 kg) — exceeding the traditional 3,500 kg limit — without needing a higher class licence.

Also, the rules on towing and trailer combinations for zero‑emission vehicles are being relaxed (restrictions removed) in draft regulations.

Changes to test‑booking rules / test relocation restrictions
There is a consultation and proposals by DVSA to change how learners can swap test dates, change test locations, or limit how many times a test can be moved or swapped.

More time to exchange non‑UK licences / existing exchange schemes
Beyond the Ukrainian scheme above, there are consultations about extending or modifying the time limits for motorists from abroad to exchange foreign licences for UK ones