Your UK motoring briefing and learner driving news, checked against original sources.
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Past editions are kept as originally published and may include advice or deadlines that have since changed. Always check the latest channel and the linked official source before acting.
13 editions
Archived edition · Link to this edition
From 21 October 2026, qualifying cross-pavement EV chargers in England no longer need planning permission. The cable runs through a purpose-built channel under the pavement so households without a driveway can use home electricity. Check your council’s installation process and obtain any required highway or landowner approval before arranging work.
Read the Department for Transport announcement ↗DfT’s guidance published on 23 October explains existing lighting duties rather than introducing a new rule. Dip full beam before passing other road users, check automatic lights have dipped, and keep lamp lenses clean. If dazzled, avoid staring at the headlights, reduce speed and be ready to stop safely. Check beam levelling when carrying a heavy load.
Read the DfT headlight guidance ↗National Highways announced on 23 October that the A417 between Shab Hill junction and A429 Burford Road is planned to close both ways from 11pm Friday 30 October to 6am Monday 2 November for Cowley junction work. A further closure between A46 Brockworth junction and Shab Hill is planned from 11pm Friday 6 November to 6am Monday 9 November. Follow signed diversions rather than satnav, allow extra time and check official updates before travelling.
Check National Highways dates and diversions ↗National Highways has moved the 23–26 October closure because of forecast high winds. The replacement closure is planned from 9pm Friday 30 October to 5am Monday 2 November: junctions 6–9 northbound and 9–7 southbound, with the M6 junction 4a southbound links to the M42 and specified M6 Toll links also affected. Follow signed diversions and allow extra time. The contingency weekend is 6–9 November if needed. Check official updates before travelling; the source gives no publication date for this revision.
Check the National Highways closure update ↗Archived edition · Link to this edition
From 21 October 2026, qualifying cross-pavement EV chargers in England no longer need planning permission. The cable runs through a purpose-built channel under the pavement so households without a driveway can use home electricity. Check your council’s installation process and obtain any required highway or landowner approval before arranging work.
Read the Department for Transport announcement ↗DfT’s guidance published on 23 October explains existing lighting duties rather than introducing a new rule. Dip full beam before passing other road users, check automatic lights have dipped, and keep lamp lenses clean. If dazzled, avoid staring at the headlights, reduce speed and be ready to stop safely. Check beam levelling when carrying a heavy load.
Read the DfT headlight guidance ↗National Highways announced on 22 October that the northbound entry and southbound exit slip roads at M5 junction 10 near Cheltenham are planned to close from early 2027 for improvement works. The closures are expected to last around two years, with the duration still under review. The M5 itself will remain open. Withybridge Lane will also close at times; check the council’s scheme page for confirmed dates, diversions and November information events before planning travel.
Read the National Highways announcement ↗Check council closure details and events ↗National Highways has moved the 23–26 October closure because of forecast high winds. The replacement closure is planned from 9pm Friday 30 October to 5am Monday 2 November: junctions 6–9 northbound and 9–7 southbound, with the M6 junction 4a southbound links to the M42 and specified M6 Toll links also affected. Follow signed diversions and allow extra time. The contingency weekend is 6–9 November if needed. Check official updates before travelling; the source gives no publication date for this revision.
Check the National Highways closure update ↗Archived edition · Link to this edition
From 21 October 2026, qualifying cross-pavement EV chargers in England no longer need planning permission. The cable runs through a purpose-built channel under the pavement so households without a driveway can use home electricity. Check your council’s installation process and obtain any required highway or landowner approval before arranging work.
Read the Department for Transport announcement ↗DfT’s guidance published on 23 October explains existing lighting duties rather than introducing a new rule. Dip full beam before passing other road users, check automatic lights have dipped, and keep lamp lenses clean. If dazzled, avoid staring at the headlights, reduce speed and be ready to stop safely. Check beam levelling when carrying a heavy load.
Read the DfT headlight guidance ↗National Highways announced on 22 October that the northbound entry and southbound exit slip roads at M5 junction 10 near Cheltenham are planned to close from early 2027 for improvement works. The closures are expected to last around two years, with the duration still under review. The M5 itself will remain open. Withybridge Lane will also close at times; check the council’s scheme page for confirmed dates, diversions and November information events before planning travel.
Read the National Highways announcement ↗Check council closure details and events ↗National Highways says the planned M42 closure for 23–26 October has been cancelled because of weather and safety concerns. The cancelled closure covered junctions 6–9 northbound and 9–7 southbound, originally scheduled from 9pm Friday to 5am Monday. This does not mean every nearby roadwork has been cancelled: check official travel updates before journeys towards Birmingham Airport or the NEC. The source does not display a publication date for this cancellation.
Read the National Highways M42 update ↗Archived edition · Link to this edition
From 21 October 2026, qualifying cross-pavement EV chargers in England no longer need planning permission. The cable runs through a purpose-built channel under the pavement so households without a driveway can use home electricity. Check your council’s installation process and obtain any required highway or landowner approval before arranging work.
Read the Department for Transport announcement ↗The Department for Transport has released £220 million in performance-based funding to councils across England on 21 October. Council reports indicate nearly 7,000 miles of resurfacing will be completed during 2026, over 10% more than last year. This is a national funding update; check your council’s roadworks information for individual local schemes and journey disruption.
Read the DfT road maintenance update ↗National Highways announced on 22 October that the northbound entry and southbound exit slip roads at M5 junction 10 near Cheltenham are planned to close from early 2027 for improvement works. The closures are expected to last around two years, with the duration still under review. The M5 itself will remain open. Withybridge Lane will also close at times; check the council’s scheme page for confirmed dates, diversions and November information events before planning travel.
Read the National Highways announcement ↗Check council closure details and events ↗National Highways says the planned M42 closure for 23–26 October has been cancelled because of weather and safety concerns. The cancelled closure covered junctions 6–9 northbound and 9–7 southbound, originally scheduled from 9pm Friday to 5am Monday. This does not mean every nearby roadwork has been cancelled: check official travel updates before journeys towards Birmingham Airport or the NEC. The source does not display a publication date for this cancellation.
Read the National Highways M42 update ↗Archived edition · Link to this edition
From 21 October 2026, qualifying cross-pavement EV chargers in England no longer need planning permission. The cable runs through a purpose-built channel under the pavement so households without a driveway can use home electricity. Check your council’s installation process and obtain any required highway or landowner approval before arranging work.
Read the Department for Transport announcement ↗The Department for Transport has released £220 million in performance-based funding to councils across England on 21 October. Council reports indicate nearly 7,000 miles of resurfacing will be completed during 2026, over 10% more than last year. This is a national funding update; check your council’s roadworks information for individual local schemes and journey disruption.
Read the DfT road maintenance update ↗From 14 October 2026, MOT testers in England, Scotland and Wales must accept ECE approved LED replacement bulbs in compatible halogen headlamps for class 3, 4, 5 and 7 vehicles. A secure approval sticker must be fixed to the vehicle and readable. Unapproved conversions are not covered; check compatibility before buying.
Read the DVSA MOT notice ↗National Highways says the planned M42 closure for 23–26 October has been cancelled because of weather and safety concerns. The cancelled closure covered junctions 6–9 northbound and 9–7 southbound, originally scheduled from 9pm Friday to 5am Monday. This does not mean every nearby roadwork has been cancelled: check official travel updates before journeys towards Birmingham Airport or the NEC. The source does not display a publication date for this cancellation.
Read the National Highways M42 update ↗Archived edition · Link to this edition
From 21 October 2026, qualifying cross-pavement EV chargers in England no longer need planning permission. The cable runs through a purpose-built channel under the pavement so households without a driveway can use home electricity. Check your council’s installation process and obtain any required highway or landowner approval before arranging work.
Read the Department for Transport announcement ↗The Department for Transport has released £220 million in performance-based funding to councils across England on 21 October. Council reports indicate nearly 7,000 miles of resurfacing will be completed during 2026, over 10% more than last year. This is a national funding update; check your council’s roadworks information for individual local schemes and journey disruption.
Read the DfT road maintenance update ↗From 14 October 2026, MOT testers in England, Scotland and Wales must accept ECE approved LED replacement bulbs in compatible halogen headlamps for class 3, 4, 5 and 7 vehicles. A secure approval sticker must be fixed to the vehicle and readable. Unapproved conversions are not covered; check compatibility before buying.
Read the DVSA MOT notice ↗UK drivers can now compare near real-time petrol and diesel prices for nearby forecourts in Google Maps. The government says the prices come from Fuel Finder, which covers around 99% of fuel sold on UK roads. Check the displayed pump price before filling up.
Read the government announcement ↗Archived edition · Link to this edition
From 21 October 2026, qualifying cross-pavement EV chargers in England no longer need planning permission. The cable runs through a purpose-built channel under the pavement so households without a driveway can use home electricity. Check your council’s installation process and obtain any required highway or landowner approval before arranging work.
Read the Department for Transport announcement ↗DVLA has updated its motor caravan body-type guidance and says owners whose applications were previously rejected can reapply under the changed policy. Check the required internal and external features and photographic evidence before applying. The V5C body-type description does not itself change speed limits or other legal requirements.
Read the updated DVLA guidance ↗From 14 October 2026, MOT testers in England, Scotland and Wales must accept ECE approved LED replacement bulbs in compatible halogen headlamps for class 3, 4, 5 and 7 vehicles. A secure approval sticker must be fixed to the vehicle and readable. Unapproved conversions are not covered; check compatibility before buying.
Read the DVSA MOT notice ↗UK drivers can now compare near real-time petrol and diesel prices for nearby forecourts in Google Maps. The government says the prices come from Fuel Finder, which covers around 99% of fuel sold on UK roads. Check the displayed pump price before filling up.
Read the government announcement ↗Archived edition · Link to this edition
DVLA has updated its motor caravan body-type guidance and says owners whose applications were previously rejected can reapply under the changed policy. Check the required internal and external features and photographic evidence before applying. The V5C body-type description does not itself change speed limits or other legal requirements.
Read the updated DVLA guidance ↗From 14 October 2026, MOT testers in England, Scotland and Wales must accept ECE approved LED replacement bulbs in compatible halogen headlamps for class 3, 4, 5 and 7 vehicles. A secure approval sticker must be fixed to the vehicle and readable. Unapproved conversions are not covered; check compatibility before buying.
Read the DVSA MOT notice ↗UK drivers can now compare near real-time petrol and diesel prices for nearby forecourts in Google Maps. The government says the prices come from Fuel Finder, which covers around 99% of fuel sold on UK roads. Check the displayed pump price before filling up.
Read the government announcement ↗The government is consulting on the pathway for new vehicle sales and the zero emission vehicle mandate. The review is open until 23 October 2026; its proposals are under consideration and do not change the rules today.
Read the consultation announcement ↗Archived edition · Link to this edition
The government says it is investing in road maintenance and resilience ahead of winter weather. For drivers, conditions can still change quickly: allow time, check the forecast and adapt your speed to visibility and grip.
Read the government update ↗From 14 October 2026, MOT testers in England, Scotland and Wales must accept ECE approved LED replacement bulbs in compatible halogen headlamps for class 3, 4, 5 and 7 vehicles. A secure approval sticker must be fixed to the vehicle and readable. Unapproved conversions are not covered; check compatibility before buying.
Read the DVSA MOT notice ↗UK drivers can now compare near real-time petrol and diesel prices for nearby forecourts in Google Maps. The government says the prices come from Fuel Finder, which covers around 99% of fuel sold on UK roads. Check the displayed pump price before filling up.
Read the government announcement ↗The government is consulting on the pathway for new vehicle sales and the zero emission vehicle mandate. The review is open until 23 October 2026; its proposals are under consideration and do not change the rules today.
Read the consultation announcement ↗Archived edition · Link to this edition
The government says it is investing in road maintenance and resilience ahead of winter weather. For drivers, conditions can still change quickly: allow time, check the forecast and adapt your speed to visibility and grip.
Read the government update ↗A new government funded roads policing centre is working with agencies to tackle illegal number plates and other offending on England’s road network. Make sure your vehicle’s registration plates meet the rules.
Read the enforcement announcement ↗UK drivers can now compare near real-time petrol and diesel prices for nearby forecourts in Google Maps. The government says the prices come from Fuel Finder, which covers around 99% of fuel sold on UK roads. Check the displayed pump price before filling up.
Read the government announcement ↗The government is consulting on the pathway for new vehicle sales and the zero emission vehicle mandate. The review is open until 23 October 2026; its proposals are under consideration and do not change the rules today.
Read the consultation announcement ↗Archived edition · Link to this edition
The government says it is investing in road maintenance and resilience ahead of winter weather. For drivers, conditions can still change quickly: allow time, check the forecast and adapt your speed to visibility and grip.
Read the government update ↗A new government funded roads policing centre is working with agencies to tackle illegal number plates and other offending on England’s road network. Make sure your vehicle’s registration plates meet the rules.
Read the enforcement announcement ↗The Competition and Markets Authority says the vast majority of UK petrol stations are now sharing price information through Fuel Finder. Comparing nearby prices can help motorists make a more informed choice before filling up.
Read the CMA report ↗The government is consulting on the pathway for new vehicle sales and the zero emission vehicle mandate. The review is open until 23 October 2026; its proposals are under consideration and do not change the rules today.
Read the consultation announcement ↗Archived edition · Link to this edition
DVSA says it releases a new week of appointments at 6am every Monday, including bank holidays, for dates 24 weeks ahead. Earlier slots can appear at any time when someone cancels or changes a booking or extra examiner time becomes available. There is no best time to look for an earlier slot.
Read the current DVSA appointment guidance ↗Car learners must book and manage their own practical test. DVSA allows two changes to an existing booking, and centre moves are limited to nearby locations. Speak with Jane about readiness and her availability before booking; use the official GOV.UK service.
Check the official booking rules ↗A realistic mock test can help you and Jane see which skills feel secure and what needs more practice. The official Ready to Pass guidance also suggests practising ways to manage nerves before test day.
Explore Ready to Pass advice ↗Taking your practical test in Redditch? Check the location and official booking links before your appointment. Appointment release dates are national guidance and do not guarantee a slot at any particular centre.
Open our Redditch test centre guide →Jane’s Redditch driving lessons can start with the basics, support nervous learners and help you prepare for independent driving. Ask about current availability rather than booking a test before you feel ready.
Explore driving lessons with Jane →Archived edition · Link to this edition
DVSA says it releases a new week of appointments at 6am every Monday, including bank holidays, for dates 24 weeks ahead. Earlier slots can appear at any time when someone cancels or changes a booking or extra examiner time becomes available. There is no best time to look for an earlier slot.
Read the current DVSA appointment guidance ↗Car learners must book and manage their own practical test. DVSA allows two changes to an existing booking, and centre moves are limited to nearby locations. Speak with Jane about readiness and her availability before booking; use the official GOV.UK service.
Check the official booking rules ↗