As vehicle technology and road systems evolve, driving laws and MOT requirements are updated to reflect new safety standards. Several changes were introduced in 2019 that affected how vehicles are tested, how motorists use motorways and how drivers interact with cyclists and road regulations.
Below is a clear breakdown of the key updates.
Updated MOT Rules
New MOT defect categories were introduced to make results clearer and more consistent:
- Dangerous — Direct risk to road safety or the environment. Fail.
- Major — Could affect safety or the environment. Fail.
- Minor — No immediate safety impact but should be repaired soon.
- Advisory — Potential future issue.
- Pass — Meets legal standards.
Additional items were added to the MOT test for the first time, including:
- Under‑inflated tyres
- Contaminated brake fluid
- Brake pad warning lights and missing pads/discs
- Reverse lights (vehicles newer than September 2009)
- Daytime running lights (vehicles newer than March 2018)
With MOT standards tightening that year, our guide to what MOT advisories really mean helps drivers understand which issues need attention before new rules catch them out.
Motorway Rules for Learner Drivers
Learner drivers were permitted to use motorways for the first time, provided:
- They are accompanied by an approved instructor
- The vehicle has dual controls
- Motorway lessons remain optional, not compulsory
This change aimed to improve driver confidence and safety.
Smart Motorway Enforcement
Drivers using closed lanes marked with a red “X” on smart motorways became subject to:
- £100 fines
- Three penalty points
Closed lanes are used to protect motorists and emergency services during incidents. Cameras were upgraded to identify drivers who ignore lane closures.
Passing Cyclists
New guidance reinforced safe passing distances. Drivers could receive a £100 fine if they fail to leave adequate space.
The Highway Code recommends:
- At least 1.5 metres (4.9ft) when passing cyclists at typical speeds
This aims to reduce collisions and improve safety for vulnerable road users.
Diesel Car Tax Changes
From April 2019, Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for diesel cars was adjusted based on emissions:
- Higher first‑year rates for vehicles emitting 191–225g/km CO₂ (up to £500 increase)
- Smaller increases for cleaner vehicles emitting 111–130g/km CO₂ (around £40 increase)
The change encouraged the adoption of lower‑emission vehicles.
For more guidance on looking after your vehicle, visit our maintenance guidance hub.
And as legal responsibilities around vehicle ownership continued to evolve, our car tax cancellation guide breaks down how to stay compliant when changes affect how and when tax must be updated.
Key Takeaway
The 2019 updates focused on improving road safety, modernising MOT standards and encouraging cleaner vehicle choices. Understanding these changes helps drivers stay compliant and maintain their vehicles to the correct standard.
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