Motorists face a wave of changes to road laws that they need to be aware of in the New Year to avoid fines.

These include a requirement to leave enough space when overtaking cyclists, and a range of new standards for MOT tests.

But there are also some new freedoms for drivers, such as the ability for learner drivers to use motorways if accompanied by an instructor.

New rules in 2019 include a requirement to leave enough space when overtaking cyclists, and a range of new standards for MOT tests. File photo

Changes to the Highway Code include:

Overtaking cyclists

Drivers need to leave enough space for cyclists when they overtake them or face a £100 fine. The Highway Code states there should be 4ft 11in (1.5 metres) between the car and cyclist - around the width of a car door.

Learners on motorways

People learning to drive will be able to use motorways if accompanied by an instructor. Previously, they were only allowed to do so after getting a licence.

Smart motorways

The government is considering a £100 fine for drivers who use lanes marked 'x' in smart motorways. Lanes are closed if there is an accident ahead. Using them could also result in points being docked from you licence, under new proposals.

There are also new categories for cars going through a MOT, which were introduced last year . These are:

Dangerous - Direct or immediate risk to road safety or the environment. Leads to a Fail.

Major - Could affect the vehicle’s safety, put other road users at risk or affect the environment. Fail.

Minor - No significant effect on safety, but should be repaired as soon as possible.

Advisory - Could become more serious in the future.

Pass - Meets the current minimum legal standards.

This graphic, released by Dorset Police, shows the minimum distance motorists must leave when they overtake cyclists

Drivers must also be aware of new checks for under-inflated tyres, contaminated brake fluid, reversing lights (for cars made since September 2009), brake pad warning lights or missing brake disks and daytime running lights (for vehicles produced since March 2018).

There are also plans to bring in new graduated licences for newly passed drivers.

These would place new requirements on new drivers, which the RAC believes could include:

Driving curfews – restricting new drivers from roads during certain times

Passenger numbers – legal limits on how full a new driver’s car can be

Lower alcohol limits – reduction in the legal threshold for blood readings

Speed limits – new drivers restricted to slower speeds

Engine sizes – power output limits put on the new drivers’ vehicles

Mandatory ‘P’ plates – required for up to two years after passing a test.

What is changing with MOT tests? There are new categories for cars going through a MOT. These are: Dangerous - Direct or immediate risk to road safety or the environment. Leads to a Fail. Major - Could affect the vehicle’s safety, put other road users at risk or affect the environment. Fail. Minor - No significant effect on safety, but should be repaired as soon as possible. Advisory - Could become more serious in the future. Pass - Meets the current minimum legal standards. Drivers must also be aware of new checks for under-inflated tyres, contaminated brake fluid, reversing lights (for cars made since September 2009), brake pad warning lights or missing brake disks and daytime running lights (for vehicles produced since March 2018). Advertisement

Drivers of diesels were hit with an increase in road tax rates from April 1.

Rather than a flat rate of £140 per year, Vehicle Excise Duty will now be calculated from a vehicle's carbon dioxide emissions.

Cars emitting between 191 and 225g of CO2 will pay £500, the top rate, while for those at the 111 to 130g/km level the rate will only increase by £40.

An RAC spokesman told MailOnline: 'Our recent survey found 65% of drivers admit to never reading the Highway Code after passing their test.

'The Christmas period would be a great chance to take a look at the Highway Code and get up to speed.

'There's a lot of new rules, and fines, motoring costs enough - you don't want extra fines or expense.'