From 10 June 2025, major changes to driving licence entitlements for zero-emission vans have come into force, designed to make it easier for businesses and drivers to adopt electric fleets. These changes have key implications for MOT garages, MOT testers, and suppliers in the EV van space. (Original source: EV Fleet World – New licence rules for heavier electric vans come into effect)
What’s changing?
- Standard Category B licence holders can now drive zero-emission (electric or hydrogen) vehicles with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of up to 4.25 tonnes.
- The previous extra requirement—five hours of additional training for B-licence holders operating alternatively-fuelled vans between 3.5 and 4.25 tonnes—has been removed.
- The change accounts for the additional weight of batteries or hydrogen systems, aligning allowances more fairly.
- Drivers may also tow using a 4.25-tonne zero-emission vehicle, provided the combined MAM of vehicle and trailer does not exceed 7.0 tonnes.
- Those who passed their B licence before 1 January 1997 retain the ability to drive vehicle and trailer combinations up to 8.25 tonnes.
Why the change matters
These updates are welcomed by the fleet industry as removing a barrier to EV van adoption. The British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA) has described the changes as “long overdue.”
However, industry voices caution that further regulatory alignment is still needed for these heavier electric vans. That includes:
- Switching their testing regime from heavy goods vehicle rules into the Class 7 MOT network
- Adjusting the MOT schedule (for example, first test after three years, then annually) to match diesel vans of similar weight classes
- Removing tachograph and drivers’ hours rules and other heavy-vehicle burdens for EV vans in this class
Implications for MOT garages, testers and suppliers
For those in the MOT sector, this change introduces both opportunities and challenges:
- Increased testing volume – More heavier electric vans may enter your testing queue. Ensure your equipment, staff training, and processes are ready.
- Adapt to EV characteristics – Heavier battery loads, regenerative braking, and different weight distribution will affect testing approaches.
- Customer education – Inform fleet customers and drivers of the licence change and its benefits. Many may not realise they’re now eligible to use heavier EV vans.
- Parts and standards – Suppliers of EV van parts (batteries, chassis, structural components) need to ensure components meet the standards for heavier loads.
- Advocacy and compliance – Keep an eye on further regulatory updates (DfT consultations) to adapt your services, especially around testing and compliance frameworks.
Takeaway
The 2025 licence change is a significant step in easing the transition to zero-emission van fleets, by removing training barriers and aligning licence rules with EV realities. For MOT testers, garages, and suppliers, it signals a shift: heavier electric vans are no longer niche—they’re becoming standard.
If your workshop isn’t ready for these changes, now’s the time to prepare. EV van entrants will bring new demands—but also new revenue opportunities for those ready to meet them.
Original source: EV Fleet World – New Licence Rules for Heavier Electric Vans Come Into Effect
