With the start of another year comes the usual roll out of new rules for drivers in the UK. Here is a list of new driver rules that DVLA is to implement from 2024.
- More Electric Cars
As PHV driver’s we are already aware that TfL implemented their ZEC vehicle requirement, which meant from 1 January 2023 they would only license electric vehicles as Private Hire Vehicles. In 2024, we are seeing DVLA take this push for more electric vehicles by requiring all car dealerships to sell more electric vehicles. Car dealerships will need to sell at least 22% electric vehicles or face fines. This rule starts from 1 January 2024.
- DVSA eyesight test
This rule is more for people who are taking their drivers licence test for the first time. Existing drivers might remember the quick eye test done before their driving test where they would need to read a vehicle registration plate number from about 20 metres away. The updates test will be done via a different method and will include testing a driver’s eyesight under different levels of light. The exact method of the new DVSA eyesight test is yet to be announced.
- HGV Safety Rules
We PHV drivers spend a lot of time on the road, and we often see accidents that are caused by heavy goods vehicles (HGV’s). Often such accidents can be devastating and to reduce the number of lives lost in such incidents, the DVLA along with TfL will bring in new safety rules for HGV drivers from 28 October 2024. HGV driver’s will need to have a safety permit to enter Greater London and they will be marked with a star system, which will require HGV’s to be at a specific star level or face fines.
- Fuel Duty
The 2024 spring budget will see a change in our fuel duty, which will impact the price of fuel. Currently fuel duty has been frozen since January 2011 to prevent a rise in inflation. We assume they will increase the fuel duty again to claw back some of the costs from the fuel duty freeze.
- Digital Driving Licence
This is something the DVLA has been talking about for a while, the plan for 2024 was to introduce a new digital driving licence to replace the existing card licence. The last decade we’ve seen the DVLA update their digital services, so it comes with no surprise that they plan to launch a digital driving licence. This is a good idea as it will reduce the time it takes to get your licence after passing your driving test and most people are now used to having their bank cards in a digital format on their phones.
In reality, we doubt Digital Drivers Licence will be launched in 2024, however we may see DVLA start testing the option and once it’s officially announced they will probably roll it out as people renew their driving licence.
It’s been a busy 2023 and we hope everyone who trained with us has a great end to the year and a fantastic start to 2024. Thank you and happy new year from the team at TFLSERU.co.uk
