New driving licence rules to target certain road users

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The new law changes will apply to all-electric models that could be driven up to 3.5t if they had a petrol or diesel combustion engine fitted. 

The extra weight allowance accounts for the electric batteries installed which can weigh a lot more than traditional components. 

Motorists with the keys to vans, minibuses, SUVs and trucks are set to benefit from the new rule. 

Alongside the new update, motorists will be required to undergo less stringent checks to drive heavier electric vehicles.

The extra five-hour training programme which was previously mandatory for road users is set to be removed. 

The update hasn’t come completely out of the blue with the previous Conservative Government calling for change as early as Autumn 2023. 

They stated that the additional five-hour training for drivers of electric vans weighing up to 4.25 tonnes should be removed back in October 2023.

4.25tonne electric vans are produced by top manufacturers such as  Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Renault, and Stellantis. 

Speaking at the time, Gerry Keaney, chief executive of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) praised the updates. 

He stressed the changes would “bring greater flexibility’ to the roads and help “support more van operators”. 

He added: “Electric van users have bespoke needs and face too many barriers that are restricting adoption. 

But, new legislation has not passed ahead of the General Election in July with road users desperate for news on how Labour would interpret the rules. 

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