The need for additional training to drive zero-emission vans weighing up to 4.25t is to be removed, the UK Government has said.
Under a derogation, electric LCVs are allowed to weigh up to 4.25t, rather than the usual 3.5t for ICE vehicles, to account for the extra weight of batteries.
However, until now there has been a requirement for extra driver training to be carried out before a 3.5-4.25t vehicle could be driven.
The government said it was laying secondary legislation before Parliament to enable standard category B licence holders to be able to drive zero-emission vehicles up to 4.25t, with the change expected to come into force in Spring, subject to Parliamentary approval.
The government has also confirmed the further year’s extension for the Plug-in Van Grant which was announced in October’s Budget.
The scheme provides grants of up to £2,500 towards purchases of zero-emission vans weighing up to 2.5t, and up to £5,000 for such vans weighing up to 4.25t.
The scheme, which is said to have supported more than 80,000 vehicle purchases since its launch, had only previously been confirmed for the 2024-25 financial year.
