The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles has confirmed several changes relating to how heavier zero-emission vans are regulated. The changes come into force on 10 June 2025 and bring driving licence rules for heavier zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) in line with their petrol and diesel equivalents. Until then, current rules will continue to apply.
The BVRLA has been pushing for these changes for some time and eagerly awaits the consultation outcome for the 4.25t regulatory flexibilities, including MOTs and drivers’ hours, that closed back in March.
BVRLA Chief Executive, Toby Poston, said: “Out-of-date regulations are hampering the transition to a cleaner, greener van fleet, so we welcome any modernisation to reflect the profiles of today’s vehicles. These changes are long overdue and leave a couple of other urgent updates waiting in the wings.
“The BVRLA, in coalition with its Zero Emission Van Plan partners, continues to call for this red tape to be eliminated. Regulatory barriers remain a key blocker for van fleet decarbonisation, alongside the lack of fiscal support and concerns over charging. Government knows the levers that need to be pulled and we are optimistic that today’s changes mark the start of more progress to come.”
Standard category B licence holders will be able to drive zero emission vehicles up to 4.25t maximum authorised mass (MAM), to account for the additional weight of their batteries, or power-train.
The requirement for additional training, which is currently in place, will be removed. If the vehicles are fitted with specialist equipment for disabled passengers, this weight limit will be 5t, provided the extra 0.75t is only attributable to this specialist equipment.
This includes vans, minibuses, SUVs, trucks, and any vehicle that you can usually drive using a category B licence up to 3.5t. Drivers will also be able to tow using a 4.25t ZEV, up to a total combined MAM of 7t.
The same additional requirements that apply to driving minibuses up to 3.5tn, such as being 21 or over, will also apply to zero emission minibuses up to 4.25tn.
These rules will apply to electric or hydrogen zero emission vehicles only.
Guidance on these rules, as well as the safe handling of these vehicles, is published on GOV.UK: Driving an electric or hydrogen-powered vehicle.
View the legislation on the GOV.UK website: The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025
