Important changes that allow car drivers to drive high gross vehicle weight electric vans officially take effect today.
The government confirmed the changes to the driving licence regulations in 28 May covering all zero emission vehicles between 3.5 and 4.25 tonnes. Today's change will allow Category B licence holders to operate heavier battery electric vans and hydrogen-powered vans.
Under the new legislation, drivers with a standard Category B driving licence can now drive fully electric or hydrogen-powered vans with a gross vehicle weight of up to 4.25 tonnes.
Previously a Category B licence only permitted drivers to operate vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, unless they either possessed "Grandfather Rights" or had completed a five hour training course.
Read more on driving licence rules for vans
It's hoped that the change to the licencing for van drivers will promote the uptake of zero emission vans and level the playing field when it comes to payload compared to their diesel equivalents.
While alternatively fuelled vans between 3.5 tonnes and 4.25 tonnes already benefited from a gross vehicle weight derogation, drivers were still obligated to undergo supplementary training. Drivers will no longer have to do five hours of additional training previously required for Category B licence holders to operate a 4.25-tonne electric van.
The new rules effectively align heavier zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) with their petrol and diesel counterparts in terms of licensing requirements.
The rule change also includes minibuses, SUVs, trucks, and any other vehicle typically drivable with a Category B licence up to 3.5 tonnes.
Drivers will also be allowed to tow using a 4.25-tonne ZEV, provided the combined weight of the van and trailer does not exceed seven tonnes.
It is also a requirement that the van is plated to have a suitable overall towing capacity. Drivers who passed their Category B driving test before January 1, 1997 (those with "Grandfather Rights") will continue to retain their ability to drive vehicle and trailer combinations up to 8.25 tonnes.
Read more on towing in our towing guide, the best vans for towing
