Long awaited changes to driving licence regulations for electric vans are due to come into force from 10 June 2025.
The government has confirmed the amendments which will see Category B drivers able to drive higher gross vehicle weight battery electric vans.
New legislation will allow holders of a Category B driving licence to operate fully electric van or hydrogen-powered van with a maximum authorised mass (or gross vehicle weight) of up to 4.25 tonnes.
Read the article Can you drive a van with a normal car licence?
Currently a Category B licence only permits a driver to drive up to 3.5-tonnes - unless they have so-called Grandfather Rights. The reason for this alteration is to account for the additional weight zero emissions vehicles have due to the size of their batteries.
One key benefit of this change is that it will remove the need to have five hours of additional training for Category B licence holders wanting to operate a 4.25-tonne electric van. Previously, alternatively fuelled vans between 3.5 tonnes and 4.25 tonnes already had a gross vehicle weight derogation, but drivers were still required to undergo this extra training.
The new rules effectively bring heavier ZEVs in line with their petrol and diesel counterparts in terms of licensing requirements.
The rule change will include all vans, minibuses, SUVs, trucks, and any other vehicle typically drivable with a Category B licence up to 3.5 tonnes, but drivers will now be able to tow using a 4.25-tonne ZEV as well.
Towing will be permitted as long as the total weight of the van and trailer does not exceed seven tonnes. The van must also be plated to have a suitable overall towing capacity.
Drivers who passed their Category B driving test before 1 January 1997 (Grandfather Rights) will retain the ability to drive vehicle and trailer combinations up to 8.25 tonnes.
The updates to the regulations are expected to help encourage the adoption of zero-emission light commercial vehicles by simplifying the licensing and removing the training requirements.
