Asger Risom
Since 10 June 2025, Category B licence holders can drive electric or hydrogen vehicles up to 4,250kg maximum authorised mass (MAM). Many motorists may still be unaware of the limits, exceptions, and towing rules.
Since 10 June 2025, Category B licence holders can drive electric or hydrogen vehicles up to 4,250kg maximum authorised mass (MAM). Many motorists may still be unaware of the limits, exceptions, and towing rules.
What Changed on 10 June 2025
Category B drivers—the UK’s most common licence—may now operate zero-emission vehicles up to 4,250kg MAM, an uplift from the usual 3,500kg cap that still applies to petrol and diesel.
Who It Affects
The rule covers most motorists with a Category B licence and applies to vehicles carrying up to eight passengers, enabling use of larger electric vans, minibuses, and heavier EVs without a specialist licence.
Zero-Emission Only
The higher limit applies solely to vehicles that are fully zero-emission (battery-electric or hydrogen fuelled). Hybrids and internal-combustion vehicles remain capped at 3,500kg MAM under Category B.
Towing: Combined Limits
You can tow provided the combined MAM of vehicle plus trailer does not exceed 7,000kg, and the trailer’s own MAM never exceeds 3,500kg. Example: a 4,250kg vehicle limits the trailer to 2,750kg MAM.
Disability Equipment Allowance
Where specialist equipment is fitted to support disabled passengers, a vehicle or minibus can have a MAM up to 5,000kg—the extra 750kg must be attributable to that equipment.
Minibuses Within Scope
You may drive an electric or hydrogen-powered minibus up to 4,250kg MAM (or 5,000kg if fitted with approved disability equipment), provided it falls within Category B parameters.
Pre-1997 Grandfather Rights
If you passed your Category B test before 1 January 1997, you’re usually permitted a vehicle-and-trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM and may tow a trailer exceeding 750kg MAM with a minibus.
Photocard Won’t Show It
Photocard licences are not being reissued to display this additional entitlement. Drivers should check official guidance and vehicle plates to ensure they remain within legal limits.
Why the Rule Changed
Zero-emission powertrains are heavier, squeezing payloads under the old 3,500kg cap. The uplift supports uptake of cleaner vehicles without forcing extra tests and training.
What Still Applies
All standard obligations remain: obey plated weights and loading rules, confirm zero-emission status, observe road restrictions, and ensure insurance or employer policies reflect the new entitlement.
Related MOT Update
Separately, in 2025 the DVSA required MOT stations to photograph vehicles in the bay before testing—an anti-fraud measure drivers may notice at their next inspection.
This article is made and published by Asger Risom, which may have used AI in the preparation
