Many in the UK who unwrapped a new drone this Christmas may face a rude awakening next week, when they will have to take a theory test before being allowed to fly outdoors.

From 1 January, those intending to fly drones or model aircraft weighing 100g or more outside must complete a Civil Aviation Authority (CCA) online theory test to get a Flyer ID – something previously only needed for heavier drones.

The regulator believes up to half a million people in the UK may be impacted by its new requirements.

CAA spokesperson Jonathan Nicholson said with drones becoming a “common Christmas present” it was important people knew how to comply with the law.

“With the new drone rules coming into force this week, all drone users must register, get a Flyer ID and follow the regulations,” he said.

“We want people to enjoy their drones but it’s vital that they have checked the new rules and know how and where to operate their drone safely before they fly.”

The CAA’s requirements are based on the weight or class of drones and model aircraft.

Where previously a Flyer ID was only required for devices weighing 250g or more, it will soon be required to fly a drone weighing 100g or more outdoors.

In addition to completing a theory test to obtain a five year Flyer ID license, those who own a drone weighing 100g or more with a camera must also register with the CAA to get an Operator ID.

According to the CAA, the new rules are designed to be easier to understand, as well as allow for “safe expansion” of drones across the UK.

Its requirements also apply to children, but vary for different age groups.

Children under the age of 13 must obtain a Flyer ID and have a parent or guardian present when completing the free flyer theory test to get one.

Meanwhile those aged 12 or younger must be supervised by someone over 16 to fly drones, with parents also required to obtain an Operator ID.

The CAA also wants existing drone owners and ID holders to acquaint themselves with the rules, which sets out where drones should not be flown and how to protect peoples’ privacy when piloting those equipped with cameras.

It says flying a drone or model aircraft without necessary IDs is against the law, and punishable by fines or, in severe cases, with prison sentences.

But Dr Alan McKenna, a law lecturer at the University of Kent, said effective enforcement would likely be “a case of resources”.

He told the BBC while he believed most people would seek to abide by new UK requirements for flying drones outdoors, some may look to “fly under the radar”.

“You’re always going to get people who make mistakes or can’t be bothered,” Dr McKenna said – adding concerns about the impact of rising drone use on the environment, privacy and safety were “wider issues” at play.

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Britain’s high streets have endured a difficult year, as numerous major retail and hospitality brands closed stores, with some long-standing mainstays shutting down permanently.

This trend emerged against a backdrop of strained consumer finances, persistent inflation throughout much of the year, and escalating operational costs for businesses.

Consequently, many firms initiated restructuring efforts or entered administration.

Here are some of the major brands with closed sites across this year:

– Poundland

Poundland is among chains to have suffered over the year from pressure on shoppers despite its value proposition.

The group was sold for £1 as a result and launched a major restructuring plan.

This involved the initial closure of 57 stores in a move which put more than 1,000 jobs at risk.

The company, which was bought by investment firm Gordon Brothers, has since announced further tranches of closures and is set to have shut more than 100 sites by the start of 2026, as part of efforts to trim its estate from around 800 sites to between 650 and 700 shops.

– WH Smith

WH Smith had been a stalwart of UK high streets since its first store opened in 1792, selling everything from crime fiction to confectionery.

However, the brand disappeared from the high street after the group sold off all its UK high street retail shops to private equity company Modella Capital to focus on its travel locations, where it will still operate under the brand.

As a result, Modella revealed plans to rebrand the chain as TGJones.

As it pushed forward with efforts to sell off the high street arm, the group pushed forward with the closure of 20 stores.

– Claire’s

The UK arm of fashion accessories business Claire’s tumbled into administration this year after its US owner entered bankruptcy.

Modella Capital once again appeared in the picture, striking a deal to save 156 stores.

However, 145 shops – employing around 1,000 workers – were not part of the deal and closed as a result.

– Pizza Hut

In October, Pizza Hut confirmed that 68 of the brand’s UK restaurants would shut after the business running its franchise in the country entered administration.

It also shut 11 delivery sites as part of a restructuring which put 1,210 workers at risk of redundancy.

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DC London Pie, the firm running Pizza Hut’s UK dine-in restaurants, appointed administrators after being impacted by a slowdown in the sector.

American hospitality giant Yum! Brands, which owns the global Pizza Hut business, bought the remaining UK restaurant operation in a rescue deal, saving 64 sites.

– Bodycare

Bodycare was among the brands to disappear from UK high streets for good after it shut all its roughly 150 stores.

The retailer was founded in 1970 in Lancashire and sold beauty products, fragrances and other bathroom items.

It employed as many as 1,000 people early this year but came under pressure from rising costs and a shortfall in funding, which also affected supplier relationships and led to stock shortages.

– Quiz Clothing

Fashion chain Quiz shut 23 of its stores after entering administration in February, in a move which hit around 200 workers.

It closed the shops despite being bought in a pre-pack administration deal by a subsidiary of the founding Ramzan family.

Quiz had started the year searching for emergency funding but fell into insolvency after failing to secure a deal.

– Leon

Leon is closing around 20 of its restaurants after launching a major restructuring in December.

The company said it will shut the doors of the worst-performing of its 71 stores.

It came after the group was bought back by co-founder John Vincent from supermarket group Asda.

– Select Fashion

Select Fashion was another chain to cease trading in 2025, after the womenswear business came under pressure from growing losses.

The business closed all its roughly 80 stores earlier this year and entered liquidation after failing to find a buyer.

– Homebase

Home improvement firm Homebase shut 65 shops between January and March after falling into administration late in 2024.

Retail group CDS, run by The Range owner Chris Dawson, snapped up the brand but was unable to save all its stores.

Bosses at Homebase have said recent years were “incredibly challenging” for DIY stores, blaming “a decline in consumer confidence and spending” after the pandemic.

– New Look

Elsewhere in retail, high street fashion chain New Look shut 15 of its stores in the UK over the year.

The group also revealed that it would exit the Republic of Ireland, shutting all its 26 shops in the country, hitting 347 workers, in the face of squeezed consumer spending.

– Starbucks

In September, Starbucks launched an overhaul which resulted in the closure of some of its UK coffee shops.

The group did not disclose exactly how many sites would shut but closed 10 locations in October as part of the process.

– Fired Earth

Upmarket tile retailer Fired Earth slid into administration in October, resulting in the closure of its 20 UK showrooms, and 133 job cuts.

Rival Topps Tiles bought the Fired Earth brand, IP, website and around £2.5 million worth of stock but could not save any of the chain’s stores.

– Brewdog bars

Scottish craft brewery and bar business Brewdog shut 10 of its sites in July, including its first-ever venue in Aberdeen.

The closure plan, which was part of a shake-up of Brewdog’s hospitality arm, put almost 100 jobs at risk.

– Monki

At the start of the year, European fashion giant H&M announced plans to close its seven stores under its Monki brand.

It said a “limited number” of these would be transformed into its sister brand Weekday but still closed a number of shops permanently.

– River Island

Retail chain River Island shut 33 shops as part of a restructuring to help support its future.

The fashion group pushed through a formal restructuring plan amid fears that the company could collapse into administration without action.

It also secured rent reductions on 71 other stores as part of the plan.

– Hobbycraft

In April, the arts and craft retailer revealed plans to shut nine of its stores, in a move it said would hit up to 126 workers.

It comes after Modella Capital bought the retail business last year.