Human capital & corporate risk
A new driving license rule has come into force since 1 July 2025: The temporary regulation allowing drivers with a B driving license to drive electric vans up to 4,250 kilos has expired. The higher limit applied because batteries make the vehicles heavier. In this newsletter, we inform you about the consequences of the expiry of this rule.
New rules have been in place since 1 July 2025. From now on, a driver with a B driving license can only drive an electric van weighing 3,501 to 4,250 kilos after completing a special course. This takes at least five hours and includes a theory and a practical part. The cost is approximately EUR 350 and the driver receives a certificate as proof.
The course is necessary because vans over 3,500 kilos are officially trucks. In doing so, drivers learn how to deal with the higher weight, driver assistance systems and vehicle control. They also learn about the specific properties of electric vehicles.
The regulation concerns the maximum allowable mass of the vehicle. This is the weight including load as stated on the registration certificate. Electric vehicles often have less charging capacity due to the heavy battery pack.
In case of temporary use, the course is not mandatory. This applies, for example, when renting a heavier electric van or when moving it for maintenance. The actual weight must then remain below 4,250 kilos.
In addition to the different driving license rules, there are also two other changes:
Through an agreement, it was agreed to pay extra attention to road safety and compliance, because the heavier vehicles present more risks.
Driving without a valid driver's license/certificate is not only punishable, but can also mean that the policy conditions do not cover fleet insurance. Indeed, many policy conditions exclude damage if the driver does not have the required driver's license. This can lead to recovery of damage from the driver himself.
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