Motorists face several key changes in March, with petrol, diesel and electric car owners set to be affected by a series of updates. The month starts off with tweaks to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) advisory fuel rates and the launch of new registration plates.
Meanwhile, driving test tweaks and MOT rules are among the series of changes coming into effect at the end of the month. Express.co.uk takes a closer look at what’s changing in March and why.
HMRC sets advisory fuel rates that firms use to reimburse employees for business travel in company cars. The fees are updated quarterly, every three months, to ensure they are kept up-to-date due to the regular fluctuation of fuel fees.
Petrol and diesel fuel rates remain the same from April, but charges for LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) vehicles are set to change. Those driving LPG vehicles up to 1,400cc will be offered slightly lower rates, with their advisory fuel rates dropping from 11p per mile to 10p.
LPG vehicles with an engine size of 1,401-2,000cc also fell, from 13ppm to 12ppm, with cars fitted with an engine greater than 2,000cc dropping from 21ppm to 19ppm.
The DVLA releases the latest batch of number plates twice per year, with the ‘26’ designs fitted to all brand-new cars registered after March 1. As is tradition, officials have already confirmed that several combinations considered offensive have been banned.
More than 400 plates were taken off the roads ahead of March 1, including phrases such as ‘GO26 WAR’ and ‘TE26 ROR’.
The DVSA has revealed that crucial driving test updates with major changes are coming in before the end of March.
The DVSA confirmed learner drivers will now only be allowed to make two changes to their car driving test appointment after they’ve booked it. The new rule aims to reduce cancellations and, hopefully, make a dent in car driving test waiting lists.
MOT testers must complete at least three hours of training between April and March every year. The DVSA explained that MOT tester status will be suspended if examiners do not pass the annual assessment by the end of March.
However, this is unlikely to affect road users, with previous data suggesting that more than 98% of MOT testers passed their annual training in 2024.
