Motorists urged to check MOT, tax, licence and vehicle details ahead of major compliance changes
As the UK moves towards a more digital-first licensing system and tighter compliance checks, motorists are being warned that new DVLA and DVSA rule changes rolling into 2026 could lead to a rise in avoidable fines, according to vehicle data experts at My Car Reg Check.
From digital driving licences and stricter renewal processes to changes around MOT, vehicle tax and test bookings, drivers who fail to keep their details up to date could face penalties of £100–£1,000 or more, depending on the offence.
What’s changing as the UK heads into 2026?
Digital-first driving licences
Drivers will increasingly be expected to manage licence details online, with digital licences becoming more widely used. While physical cards will remain valid, failing to update address, medical or entitlement information digitally could trigger enforcement issues.
Driving test rule changes already in force
Learner drivers now need to give 10 working days’ notice to cancel or move a driving test. Missing this window means losing the test fee — something catching out thousands of learners each month.
Stricter MOT and vehicle status checks
With enforcement increasingly automated, driving without a valid MOT or tax is more likely to be detected via ANPR and roadside checks, rather than physical stops.
Vehicle registration and modification rules
While some classic and restored vehicles now face fewer reporting requirements, drivers are still responsible for ensuring their vehicle’s registration status, MOT category and tax class are correct — errors can still result in fines or invalid insurance.
Electric vehicle tax changes
EVs are no longer exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty. Drivers assuming their EV is still “tax-free” in 2026 risk penalties for untaxed vehicles.
The most common fines drivers face — and how to avoid them
According to My Car Reg Check, these are the mistakes most likely to cost drivers money next year:
- Driving without a valid MOT – fine up to £1,000
- Untaxed vehicles – fines from £80 up to £1,000
- Outdated licence details – £100 fine
- Missed driving test changes – loss of full test fee
- Incorrect vehicle records – risk of fines and invalid insurance
“Most of these penalties are completely avoidable,” says Marketing Executive Sarah Jenkins from My Car Reg Check. “We’re seeing more drivers caught out not because they’re breaking the law intentionally, but because the system is becoming more automated and less forgiving. If your records aren’t right, the fines now come quickly.”
How drivers can protect themselves in 2026
My Car Reg Check recommends drivers take five minutes to:
- Check MOT and tax status regularly — not just once a year
- Ensure licence details (address, name, medical info) are up to date
- Confirm vehicle records after buying, selling or modifying a car
- Double-check EV tax status rather than assuming exemptions
- Track key dates like MOT expiry and test bookings
“As rules tighten and digital enforcement expands, ignorance is no longer a defence,” Sarah adds. “A quick vehicle check can save drivers hundreds of pounds — and a lot of stress.”
