A major update to UK driving licence regulations came into effect on 10th June, allowing more flexibility for drivers of heavier electric vehicles – a change set to accelerate the adoption of greener fleets.
Under the new rules, standard category B licence holders can now legally drive zero-emission vehicles weighing up to 4.25 tonnes, aligning these EVs with their petrol and diesel counterparts. This rule, initially applied to goods vans, now includes a wider range of vehicle types including electric minibuses, SUVs, and trucks; provided the additional weight is due to the vehicle’s battery.
Another significant change: the mandatory five-hour training requirement has been scrapped, streamlining the process for companies and drivers looking to make the shift.
What this means for fleet operators
The update also modifies towing rules for electric vehicles. A trailer can now be towed as long as the combined weight does not exceed 7,000kg, opening up more options for logistics and utility applications. Drivers who passed their test before January 1, 1997, benefit from an even higher combined limit of 8.25 tonnes.
Still some roadblocks ahead
While the licence changes mark a significant step forward, operators are still facing regulatory hurdles. Rules around vehicle testing, drivers’ hours, tachographs, and speed limiters remain misaligned with the needs of electric LCVs (light commercial vehicles) in the 4.25-tonne range.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that further regulatory updates are under review and will be communicated “in due course.”
Toby Poston, chief executive of the BVRLA, called the changes “long overdue,” adding that out-of-date regulations continue to slow down fleet decarbonisation. He stressed the need for further reforms and fiscal incentives to encourage broader EV adoption.
EV market momentum is growing
Electric LCV registrations in the 4.25-tonne class grew by 77.5% in April, now representing 8.3% of the UK market, up from just 4% the previous year. Still, electric vans between 3.5 and 4.25 tonnes remain a niche within this growth, making up just 4.4% of monthly registrations.
With infrastructure and legislation slowly catching up to innovation, today’s licence changes are an encouraging step, but there’s still work to be done to fully unlock the potential of electric fleets.
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