Driving Licence Rules Change for UK Electric Vans in 2025

The UK government has introduced changes to driving licence rules to make it easier for drivers to operate electric vans and other zero-emission vehicles. Under the new regulations, drivers holding a standard Category B licence will now be allowed to drive electric vehicles weighing up to 4.25 tonnes. This change aligns electric vans with their petrol and diesel counterparts, which have a lower weight limit due to the absence of heavy batteries.

As part of broader regulatory updates affecting electric vehicles, the government has also confirmed that EVs will be subject to standard vehicle tax from 2025. These changes reflect a shift in policy to integrate electric and conventional vehicles under similar legislative frameworks.

The Department for Transport (DfT) laid the legislation before Parliament on February 25, with the rule expected to take effect in the spring, subject to parliamentary approval. The revision removes the five-hour mandatory training previously required for drivers of heavier electric vans and also includes adjustments to towing allowances.

Weight Limit Increase for Electric Vehicles

Previously, Category B licence holders were restricted to driving vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes unless they completed additional training. However, electric vans often exceed this weight limit due to the extra mass of their batteries. To support the transition to electric vehicles, the government has raised the weight limit for zero-emission vehicles to 4.25 tonnes, ensuring that businesses and individuals can operate them without additional licensing requirements.

The new weight allowance will apply to various vehicle types, including vans, minibuses, SUVs, and light trucks. This change builds on a previous government decision in 2018, which first increased the weight limit for alternative-fuel vehicles from 3.5 tonnes to 4.25 tonnes.

Removal of Training Requirements and Towing Allowance Changes

In October 2023, the previous government had announced plans to eliminate the mandatory five-hour training for electric van drivers. However, these changes were delayed due to the general election and were only recently reintroduced by the new administration. By removing the training requirement, the government aims to reduce barriers to electric vehicle adoption and streamline fleet operations.

Additionally, adjustments will be made to the towing rules for electric vans weighing up to 4.25 tonnes. Although the specific details are yet to be finalized, this change is expected to provide more flexibility for businesses using electric vans for transportation and logistics.

Industry Reactions and Further Consultations

Industry experts have welcomed the new rules but continue to push for further regulatory changes. Many fleet operators argue that electric vans should not be subjected to the same strict regulations as heavier commercial trucks.

Duncan Webb, fleet director at the AA, stated:

"Having to adhere to stricter ‘truck’ regulations was an absolute blocker to fleets moving away from diesel to electric vans."

The government is currently conducting a consultation titled "Zero Emission Vans: Regulatory Flexibility," which addresses concerns related to vehicle testing, driver hours, tachographs, and speed limiters for electric vans. The consultation, which closes on March 3, is reviewing the possibility of transferring the annual testing of 4.25-tonne zero-emission vans to the MOT network, similar to lighter commercial vehicles.

Government Incentives and Support for Electric Fleets

As part of its commitment to increasing electric van adoption, the government has extended the plug-in van grant until April 2026. This incentive provides up to £5,000 off the cost of an electric van, helping businesses reduce the upfront expenses of transitioning to zero-emission vehicles.

Additionally, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) and other industry groups are urging the government to remove strict "truck" regulations for 4.25-tonne electric vans. They argue that aligning them with light commercial vehicles (LCVs) up to 3.5 tonnes would further accelerate the shift to electric fleets.

The trade association, alongside organizations such as the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) and Logistics UK, has launched the Zero Emission Van Plan to push for better fiscal support, improved charging infrastructure, and regulatory reforms.