Major new DVLA driving licence changes are set to be introduced in just two days with updates coming into effect from June 10. As of Tuesday, electric car owners will enjoy the benefit of extra driving licence entitlements, allowing them to get behind the wheel of heavier vehicles. 

Motorists within a category B ‘car licence’ will now be allowed to drive electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles up to 4,250kg in maximum Authorised Mass (MAM). This is up from the usual limit of 3,500kg for traditional petrol and diesel combustion vehicles. Electric cars are often a lot heavier than traditional combustion models due to the size of the heavy batteries installed under the bonnet. 

On average, electric car batteries can weigh 454kg, with some packs adding as much as 900kg to the overall size. 

Officials have stressed the new rule will allow individuals to drive large electric people-carriers while under the same licence as before.

The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles explained: “From 10 June, if you hold a category B driving licence, you can drive an electric or hydrogen-powered vehicle with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 4,250kg. The vehicle must be a zero-emission vehicle.

“The normal MAM limit for petrol and diesel vehicles with a category B licence is 3,500kg.

“This additional weight allowance will apply to vehicle types you can usually drive using a category B licence. 

“These are vehicles designed for carrying up to 8 passengers and include cars, SUVs, vans and small trucks.”

The new rules will also allow individuals to legally get behind the wheel of an electric or hydrogen powered minibus up to 4,250kg MAM. 

However, the rules allow road users maximum weight to be extended to 5,000kg if the minibus is fitted with additional specialist equipment for disabled passengers.

Officials have confirmed the new rules will only apply to vehicles travelling in England, Scotland and Wales.

The Government has also stressed there will be no need to change individuals photocard driving licences to reflect this additional entitlement.

However, the Government has stressed individuals who are unsure they feel safe getting behind the wheel of heavier vehicles can secure extra training. 

They stressed that the National Register of LGV Instructors and the  National Vocational Driving Instructors Register could offer a list of specialist training providers.