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HSADriving

Driving News & Updates

Clear, practical information for UK learner drivers and motorists, covering driving tests, DVSA and DVLA updates, Highway Code guidance and safer driving.

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HSA Driving Information Hub

Driving news and information that helps you make better decisions

Practical updates for learner drivers and motorists, covering driving tests, official changes, road safety and the knowledge needed for more confident independent driving.

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All driving news and guidance

Illustrative photo for DVLA 2026–2030 Strategy: Digital Driving Licences and Vehicle Services
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DVLA 2026–2030 Strategy: Digital Driving Licences and Vehicle Services

DVLA's strategy published 19 October 2026 outlines digital driving licence and vehicle service improvements. Find out what is planned and what has not changed.

Illustrative photo for New MOT LED Headlight Rules 2026: Which Replacement Bulbs Are Accepted?
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New MOT LED Headlight Rules 2026: Which Replacement Bulbs Are Accepted?

DVSA changed MOT inspection rules on 14 October 2026 for certain approved LED replacement bulbs in halogen headlights. Learn the requirements and common MOT failures.

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UK Petrol and Diesel Car Phase-Out: What the October 2026 EV Review Means

The UK zero-emission vehicle mandate consultation closed on 23 October 2026. Understand the 2030 and 2035 plans and what has not changed for motorists.

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North London Driving Test Waiting Times: September 2026 DVSA Figures

Compare September 2026 DVSA historical driving test waiting times at Hendon, Barnet, Mill Hill, Pinner and Enfield in North London.

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Borehamwood and London Driving Test Waiting Times: East, South and West Compared

September 2026 historical driving test waiting times for Borehamwood and centres across East, South and West London, compared with North London.

Automatic Driving LessonsLearner DriversDriving Confidence+2

Why Automatic-First Learning Can Reduce Driving Workload

HSA Driving explains how starting in an automatic car can reduce control workload for some learners, allowing more attention for observation, planning, hazards and road awareness.

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Barnet A1000 Lane Planning: A Safer Commentary-Driving Approach

HSA Driving explains how learners can plan lane changes on the A1000 in High Barnet using early observation, mirrors, timing and calm positioning rather than last-second reactions.

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Barnet Country Road Driving: Risk Management for Learner Drivers

HSA Driving explains how learners can manage speed, bends, cyclists, narrow roads and changing limits on country roads around Barnet using observation, planning and safe positioning.

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How HSA Assesses Driving Test Readiness

HSA Driving explains what practical test readiness really looks like and how a structured two-hour assessment can identify whether a learner is ready, needs more training, or should postpone.

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Independent Driving and Sat-Nav: How to Stay Safe Without Instructor Prompts

HSA Driving explains how learner drivers can use sat-nav directions safely while maintaining observation, lane planning, hazard awareness and independent decision-making.

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Undue Hesitation on the Driving Test: How to Make Safer Decisions

HSA Driving explains undue hesitation for learner drivers: when waiting is sensible, when delay becomes a problem, and how observation, planning and judgement improve decisions at junctions and roundabouts.

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UK Pavement Parking Rules: 2026 Update

English local transport authorities have new powers to enforce pavement and verge parking. See what changed, what did not, and how to assess online claims.

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DVSA Trials New Driving Test Booking Platform

The DVSA trialled its Driver Services Platform at Durham test centre. See what the booking-system trial means for learner drivers.

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Common UK Driving Test Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Learn common reasons candidates fail the UK practical driving test, based on DVSA guidance, and how to prepare for each assessment area.

Manual DrivingLearner DriversDriving Basics

How to Use a Manual Gearbox: A Step-by-Step Guide

A beginner-friendly, step-by-step guide to using a manual gearbox, covering the main controls, moving off, hill starts and common mistakes to avoid.

Highway CodeRoad SafetyLearner Drivers

The Highway Code: What Learner Drivers Should Keep in Mind

A learner-focused look at established Highway Code habits, including hand-held phone rules and the Dutch reach, with pointers to official GOV.UK guidance for current rule changes.

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DVSA Driving Test Waiting Times: August 2026 Data

The DVSA August 2026 update includes 7, 14 and 21-week waiting-time breakdowns. Learn what the data means for test planning.

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DVSA Driving Test Appointment Releases: 2026 Guide

An update to DVSA appointment-release guidance explains when new test slots are released and the 2026 rules learners should know.

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Official information

Check important rules at the source

Driving rules and official procedures can change. Use the relevant GOV.UK service for current legal requirements, test services and official guidance.