By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-09-30 15:00:42 | Updated at 2026-09-30 16:18:11
1 hour ago
Motorists are being warned of new driving law changes being introduced over the coming weeks that could see some people face additional restrictions when behind the wheel.
As diesel hits a record high price of almost £2 per litre, the Government's Autumn Budget could provide some much-needed relief for millions of drivers around the country.
With new rules being introduced over the next month, GB News has rounded up the most important driving law changes in October that could impact you.
Driving licences
Young people in Northern Ireland will be exposed to new driving licence rules in October under sweeping road safety changes.
From October 1, Graduated Driving Licences will be rolled out to "reduce the disproportionate involvement of new - primarily young - drivers in fatal and serious road traffic collisions".
In 2024, 164 people were killed or seriously injured in collisions where a car driver aged between 17 and 23 was responsible.
Several important driving law changes are being introduced in October
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This same age group accounted for 24 per cent of fatal or serious collisions, despite making up just eight per cent of licence holders.
To combat the concerning figures, the Department for Infrastructure has confirmed new limits on new drivers as part of a new Road Safety Strategy Action Plan.
Plans will include a mandatory minimum learning period of six months before a learner driver can undertake their practical driving test.
They will also be banned from driving at night for six months if they are under 24, in addition to an age-related nighttime passenger restriction for newly qualified drivers.
John Healey will deliver his first Budget on October 28
Budget
All eyes will be on Chancellor John Healey at the end of October as the Government considers a number of significant changes impacting millions of drivers.
Immense pressure has been put on Labour to reduce the rate of fuel duty in response to record diesel prices and the consistently rising cost of petrol.
Nationwide prices currently stand at 174.54p for petrol and 199.72p for diesel, while more than a third of forecourts are selling diesel for more than £2 a litre.
While Labour announced earlier this year that it would be scrapping the planned 5p fuel duty rise, an extra 3p per litre will be added from January next year.
Drivers, motoring organisations and politicians have called on the Government to intervene and protect millions of petrol and diesel car owners from high prices.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "I'm considering everything that might help people in very difficult times and I will be honest and say every possible measure is being looked at."
The Chancellor could also introduce new car tax rules, changes to the Zero Emission Vehicle sales mandate and changes to company car tax.
Oxford Street
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan confirmed that the world-famous Oxford Street would be pedestrianised to transform the shopping district.
Vehicles and bikes will be banned between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street from Monday, October 26.
Transport for London confirmed that preparation works are already underway in the Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street and Great Portland Street areas.
Sir Sadiq Khan said: "It's happening. Oxford Street is going traffic-free on Monday 26 October.
"The transformation of the nation's high street into a world-class pedestrianised space will begin in earnest four weeks from today."
Consultations in the area showed that many businesses were in favour of the area being pedestrianised to stimulate economic growth and footfall across the busy street.
A traffic-free trial day was held last September featuring stalls and outlets from major brands including the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball and The Body Shop.
