Clocks go back 25 October: darker drives and what UK drivers need to know

The clocks go back one hour on Sunday 25 October, and that is the main change affecting UK motorists that day. No new driving law takes effect on that date. According to the Daily Post, the change ends British Summer Time and returns the UK to Greenwich Mean Time.

It affects every driver, but commuters and school-run parents will notice first. The first full working day on the new time is Monday 26 October, when evening journeys will be noticeably darker.

Darker roads: what drivers need to check now

The Daily Post reported that potholes, pedestrians, cyclists, standing water and debris are all harder to spot on poorly lit roads. James Harding, a motoring expert at Blackcircles.com with 16 years of experience, said: “Unlit roads can be more dangerous, especially to cars with less powerful headlights. Reduced visibility often means that sharp bends, debris and standing water can appear much later than they usually would.”

Harding’s advice is to check tyre pressure and tread before setting off, because grip matters most when you cannot see the road surface. He also advised checking tyres promptly if you notice vibrations, a steering pull or lost pressure after a rough, dark road. RAC guidance, as reported, adds that condensation inside the windscreen and dirt outside can impair vision and increase headlight glare, so clear the glass fully before you leave.

What the Highway Code says about lights and stopping

The Highway Code says drivers must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when they cannot see for more than 100 metres. Lights must not dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. The Code also says stopping distances in wet conditions are at least double those on dry roads.

In practice, if you can only see 100 metres of wet road, you need to be travelling slowly enough to stop well inside that distance, and a dry-road habit will not do. The Daily Post also noted that slowing down in good time is preferable to a sharp last-second swerve if a pothole appears late. A sensible plan is to check tyres and lights this week, clean the windscreen inside and out before Sunday, and leave extra room behind the vehicle ahead from Monday 26 October.

Proposed driving law changes: what is confirmed and what is not

The only primary legal source we reviewed is a 2026 statutory instrument (SI 2026/741) published on legislation.gov.uk. The page text available to us does not set out what it changes or when it takes effect, so we cannot say it applies on 25 October. Drivers should read the instrument and the accompanying explanatory memorandum, or check DVLA guidance, before assuming anything.

Other reported changes sit on different dates. Cambridge News reported that the fuel duty freeze would be lifted from September 2026 and that Euro 7 rules would apply from November 2026, citing the Express for the Euro 7 date. Essex Live said the Government’s road safety strategy was expected to include a cut in the drink-drive limit in England and Wales from 35 to 22 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath, compulsory eyesight tests for over-70s renewing licences, and three penalty points for not wearing a seatbelt. Those were anticipated measures, and the sources do not confirm they have become law.

Your questions answered

What are the new driving laws on 25 October?

No new driving law takes effect on that date. The only confirmed change is the clocks going back one hour. A 2026 statutory instrument is published, but its content and start date are not shown in the material we have.

Do 70 year olds have to retake a driving test?

No source says so. Essex Live reported a proposal for compulsory eyesight tests for over-70s when they renew their licence, which is not a driving test. Confused.com’s Rhydian Jones welcomed the idea, but the proposal is not confirmed as law in the sources.

Which medical conditions stop you from driving?

The sources do not list conditions. Essex Live noted that the current system relies on drivers reporting their own medical conditions. Check the DVLA’s guidance for your condition.