FROM 10 June 2025, The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles has confirmed a number of changes to the regulation of heavier zero-emission vans.
Reported by the BVRLA, the changes come into force on 10 June 2025 and bring driving licence rules for heavier zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) in line with petrol and diesel commercial vehicles.
The BVRLA said it had been pushing for these changes and awaited the outcome of further consultation surrounding MOTs and drivers hours on 4.35t ZEVs 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“Out-of-date regulations are hampering the transition to a cleaner, greener van fleet, so we welcome any modernisation to reflect the profiles of today’s vehicles.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.”
What are the ZEV licence changes?
- 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 current requirement for additional training 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.
- The regulation changes cover 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.
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