New driving licence rules for alternatively-fuelled vehicles

We will be introducing new rules for vehicles that run partly or exclusively on alternative fuels. This applies, for example, to electric cars and hybrid cars, which are heavier than petrol cars due to the large and heavy batteries they need to store enough electrical energy.

What does this mean in practice?

• When you have held a Category B or BE driving licence for two years, you will be allowed to drive vehicles up to 4,250 kg.
• The vehicle must be powered wholly or in part by alternative fuels.
• The changes also apply to emergency response vehicles.
• The change does not apply to camper vans and motorhomes (RVs). A separate scheme for these will be introduced in November 2029.

For Category B driving licences

• You can drive alternatively-fuelled vehicles over 3,500 kg and up to 4,250 kg.
• You can pull a trailer with a vehicle up to 3,500 kg. Anything heavier than this requires a Category B96 or BE driving licence.

For driving licences for Category B with code 96

• You can drive a car and trailer with a combined maximum authorised mass of 4,250 kg.
• If you intend to tow a heavier trailer (up to 3,500 kg) or the car weighs 4,250 kg, you will need a Category BE driving licence.

For Category BE driving licences

You can drive a vehicle combination with

• a tractor unit up to 4,250 kg
• a trailer up to 3,500 kg
• a combined maximum authorised mass up to 7,750 kg