The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that drivers who hold a category B driving licence may now operate alternative fuel vans, provided they complete a minimum of 5 hours additional relevant training.
The new law comes as part of the Government’s commitment to encourage the transition to ultra-low emission vehicles, as set out in the Road to Zero Strategy.
Future of mobility Minister Jesse Norman said, “The Government’s Road to Zero Strategy sets out our ambition for all new cars and vans to be effectively zero emission by 2040.
“By changing these driving licence requirements, we are seeking to support business owners by enabling them to use alternatively fuelled vehicles more easily.”
The change means alternative fuel vehicles can now be driven on a Category B car licence, the same as vans up to 3.5 tonnes, rather than requiring a C1 licence. Alternative fuel van drivers are also exempt from operator licensing requirements.
