Official changes from the last month that affect transport managers, operators, drivers, tradespeople and the self-employed, in plain English with a link to the source.
Updated every Monday. Items drop off after a month. Last updated 25 October 2026.
TAX · HMRC
Self Assessment: 100 days left to file your 2025 to 2026 return
HMRC says the deadline to file your 2025 to 2026 Self Assessment return and pay any tax owed is 31 January 2027, and around 12 million people are expected to file. Filing early tells you what you owe sooner and gets any refund paid faster. If you have signed up to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, you still file this return in the usual way.
Who it affects: Sole traders, CIS subcontractors, landlords and anyone else who files a Self Assessment return
MOT: approved LED replacement bulbs now allowed in halogen headlamps
From 14 October 2026, approved LED replacement (LEDr) bulbs fitted in compatible halogen headlamps can be accepted at the MOT for class 3, 4, 5 and 7 vehicles, which includes cars and light vans. DVSA's special notice explains the approval stickers testers will look for and when a converted headlamp should still fail. The change only covers approved bulbs in compatible headlamp units.
Who it affects: Van operators and drivers of vehicles that take an MOT (HGVs have an annual test instead)
HMRC updates its Making Tax Digital videos and webinars
HMRC has updated its page of free videos and live webinars on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax for sole traders, landlords and agents. They cover who MTD applies to, how to choose recognised software and how to get your business ready. You can register for the live webinars in advance on GOV.UK.
Who it affects: Sole traders and landlords getting ready for Making Tax Digital
Over £30,000? Six months until Making Tax Digital starts for you
HMRC is urging sole traders and landlords with turnover over £30,000 to sign up for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax now, ahead of the 6 April 2027 start. Turnover means gross income from self-employment and property before expenses, and around 1,077,000 more people will need digital records and quarterly updates. People already in MTD because their turnover is over £50,000 have their second quarterly update due on 7 November.
Who it affects: Sole traders (including CIS subcontractors) and landlords with turnover over £30,000
TRANSPORT · Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain
Traffic Commissioners publish their annual report and 2026 to 2029 objectives
The Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain have published their annual report for 2025 to 2026, with licensing and regulatory statistics and their strategic objectives for 2026 to 2029. Their two aims stay the same: an operator licensing system that keeps unfit operators out while limiting the burden on compliant ones, and a safe road transport industry with fair competition. The report also covers driver welfare, road safety, smarter regulation, AI and maintenance recognition schemes.
Who it affects: Goods vehicle and PSV operators and transport managers
TRANSPORT · Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain
School minibus operator suspended after maintenance and drivers' hours failings
After a public inquiry in September 2026, a Deputy Traffic Commissioner cut a school's restricted PSV licence from two vehicles to one, suspended it for 14 days and ordered an independent compliance audit. Vehicles were not maintained to the declared inspection schedule, the undertakings on maintenance records and drivers' hours were not met, and one minibus had failed its MOT with a tyre cut to the cord. The directors had left compliance to staff who were not qualified for it.
Who it affects: Operators, transport managers and directors who hand compliance to someone else
We check GOV.UK each week for new announcements and guidance from DVSA, the Traffic Commissioners, the Department for Transport, DVLA and HMRC. The summaries are written automatically with AI and published without a human check, so always read the official update before acting on it. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.