British motorists are set to see new driving licence changes introduced within a matter of days, which would give them better access to operate certain vehicles.
From June 10, 2025, changes will be introduced impacting driving licence entitlements for certain zero emission vehicles.
Britons with a category B licence will be able to drive an electric or hydrogen car with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 4,250kg.
The category B licence applies to motorists who have passed their practical driving test, although their permissions will depend on when they passed their test.
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The driving licence changes will take effect from Tuesday, June 10
PA
For motorists who passed their test before January 1, 1997, are usually allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM.
People should look at their driving licence information to check whether this applies to them. They will also be able to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM.
Anyone with a category B licence who passed their test after January 1, 1997, can drive a vehicle up to 3,500kg MAM which contains up to eight passenger seats.
They can also tow a trailer that weighs up to 3,500kg. If they are over 21 years old, they are able to drive motor tricycles with a power output higher than 15kW.
Changes to the physical photocard licence will not be made
PAThe new rules will apply to vehicle types that can usually be used with a category B licence, including cars, SUVs, vans and small trucks.
If the vehicle has additional specialist equipment to support disabled passengers, they can have a MAM of up to 5,000kg, although the extra 750kg must be attributable to the specialist equipment.
They can also drive an electric or hydrogen-powered minibus up to 4,250kg MAM, or 5,000kg if it has additional specialist equipment for disabled passengers.
While there will not be any changes to the physical photocard licence, the additional entitlements will be acknowledged.
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With these new allowances, drivers with a category B licence will be able to tow a trailer provided the combined MAM of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 7,000kg.
The new guidance highlights that if a vehicle has a MAM of 4,250kg, the MAM of the trailer will be limited to just 2,750kg.
It also acknowledges that anyone who passed their practical driving test before January 1, 1997, can carry a vehicle and trailer combination of up to 8,250kg regardless.
While the new changes will allow an increased number of drivers to tow trailers, motorists must ensure they are comfortable with the change to their driving habits.
The new changes will allow motorists to tow larger weights using electric and hydrogen vehicles
GETTYEvery time someone prepares to tow a vehicle, they should make rigorous checks around their vehicle for the benefit of all motorists.
This should include the tow ball and connections, wheels and tyres, lights and indicators, and the load.
It advises: "When driving, you should understand how to safely manoeuvre the vehicle and trailer.
"If the trailer starts to snake or swerve, ease off the accelerator and reduce your speed gently. Do not brake harshly on a bend, as it makes the trailer unstable."
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