Every driving rule change in October from DVLA to Highway Code 

Motorists will face five major driving rule changes this October with every petrol, diesel and electric car owner at risk. 

Millions of drivers across the UK will notice changes with five new laws coming into effect over the next 31 days. 

One of the biggest overhauls to UK private parking rules is the headline change with every motorist stopping in a town or city likely to notice the difference. 

Meanwhile, new driving licence changes for those with medical conditions and updated HGV requirements are also pencilled in. 

The Autumn Budget will round out the month with fuel duty increases likely to hit combustion owners in the pocket. 

New private parking rules - October 1 

The British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC) have come together to launch a new code of practice for private parking firms.

The Highway Code urges motorists to always use "off-street parking areas" instead of the side of the road. 

Among other changes, the new guidelines introduce a mandatory 10-minute grace period while the £100 cap on parking fees will remain. An appeals charter has also been launched to create clear parameters for drivers to make a case against any charge.

BPA Chief Executive Andrew Pester previously said: "We are delighted to release a single sector Code across our private parking sector. This is a key milestone as we work closely with Government, consumer bodies, and others to deliver fairer and more consistent parking standards for motorists. We will continue to push for a positive outcome for all."

Ofgem price cap rise - October 1

Ofgem’s energy price cap will rise by 10 percent from the start of October with electric vehicle owners likely to be affected. Experts at Carmoola have warned the cost of charging an EV will rise with fees up around £1.29 per charge. 

On average, motorists will now pay £14.70 to top up their vehicles compared to just £13.41 under the old cap. If drivers charge their cars twice a week, owners will pay just over £134 more every year.

Driving licence changes - October 5

Motorists suffering from medical conditions in Jersey will notice updates to their driving licence applications and renewals this October. 

New policies around when ​​drivers must submit medical evidence will bring the country into line with the DVLA in the UK and officials in the EU. 

Jersey Consumer Council said: "Vision standards have been enhanced for both Group 1 and 2 categories to include peripheral vision and an updated acuity test. 

"Diabetes, epilepsy, and seizure standards have also been updated, which will now allow more people to hold a Group 2 category licence."

HGV safety updates - October 28 

Certain HGVs will need to install extra safety technology to be compliant on many routes from later this month. 

Transport for London said: "From 28 October 2024, HGVs over 12 tonnes will need to hold at least a three-star rating or fit the Progressive Safe System to operate in Greater London. Installing the Progressive Safe System does not change the vehicle's star rating, but increases the overall safety of the vehicle.”

The Progressive Safe System includes advanced technology such as nearside detection systems, camera monitoring, and collision prediction tools. Motorists could be fined up to £550 per day if they are not found not to have the right equipment in a major blow.

Autumn Budget - October 30 

Rachel Reeves is expected to raise fuel duty for petrol and diesel owners in the first Budget from the Labour Party for almost 15 years. A 5p cut introduced under the Conservatives in 2022 is likely to be axed with fuel duty reversing to at least 57.95p per litre. 

However, a higher 10p per litre rise has not been ruled out, which could see drivers paying over £260 more to fill up a 50-litre family car once a week.