Clocks Go Back on 25 October 2026: Prepare for Darker Driving
UK clocks go back on 25 October 2026. Prepare for darker journeys with practical checks for your lights, windscreen and car, plus the context behind AA data.
The UK clocks go back on Sunday 25 October 2026. For drivers, the practical change is an earlier sunset by the clock: a familiar journey home may soon take place in darkness.
With just over two weeks to prepare, it is a useful time to check visibility, deal with known faults and allow more time for autumn journeys.
Get your car ready for darker journeys
Due a service? Check the available options for your vehicle and arrange a suitable booking.
Explore car servicingWhen do the clocks go back in 2026?
GOV.UK confirms that clocks move back one hour at 2am on 25 October, returning the UK to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Many phones update automatically; check your car clock separately if it does not.
What does the AA's 11% figure actually mean?
An AA report published on 23 October 2024 found that its Accident Assist service received 11% more collision-related calls in the two weeks after the October 2023 clock change than in the two weeks before it.
This is historical data from one service, not a measurement of all UK crashes or a new finding for 2026. It does not establish that the clock change alone caused the increase. The useful message for this autumn is to prepare for reduced daylight and changing road conditions.
Check lights before your next evening drive
On a safely parked car, check headlights, rear lights, indicators and number-plate lights. Ask someone to help check the brake lights. Clean dirty lenses and arrange a repair if a light is not working properly.
Use dipped headlights when appropriate and avoid dazzling other road users. Do not rely on daytime running lights alone: on some vehicles, they do not illuminate the rear lights.
Make sure you can see through the windscreen
Clean the glass inside and out, top up screenwash using the product instructions, and check that the wipers clear the screen without leaving significant streaks. Test the demister before setting off and clear misted windows fully.
If a wiper is damaged or a washer is not working, deal with it before a wet, dark journey. Keep sunglasses available for low daytime sun, but remove them when light levels fall.
Adjust your driving to autumn conditions
Leave more space behind the vehicle ahead and reduce speed where visibility or grip is poor. Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, standing water and wet leaves, particularly on unlit roads. Allow time for unfamiliar routes rather than rushing to make up a delay.
Check tyre condition and pressures using your vehicle manufacturer's guidance. Our autumn tyre safety guide covers the tyre checks in more detail.
Do not leave an existing fault until winter
A warning light, unusual braking behaviour or a recurring starting problem needs attention on its own merits. A routine service is not a guarantee that every fault will be found or that a vehicle is safe to drive.
If you need help identifying a problem, see our diagnostic inspection service. If the car may be unsafe, stop using it and seek appropriate assistance.
Related articles
- Tyre Safety Month 2026: Essential Checks Before Autumn Journeys
- Drivers Delay MOTs and Repairs as Costs Rise: What to Prioritise
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Get an online quoteSources: GOV.UK clock-change dates and the AA's October 2024 report using 2023 Accident Assist data. Published 9 October 2026. Hero image: original AI-generated illustration.