Renting an electric van with a B driving licence? These are the new rules
From July 1, 2025, a General Administrative Order (AMvB) will take effect for electric commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3,500 kg and no more than 4,250 kg. Drivers with a B driving license will be allowed to drive these vehicles. Thus, a C driving license is not required. However, under certain conditions, they must take road safety training unless they qualify for an exemption.
Are you planning to drive an electric van with an authorized mass of more than 3,500 kg and no more than 4,250 kg? Then you may do so with a B driving license, provided you meet certain conditions.
When does an exemption from the mandatory course apply?
Do you rent the vehicle occasionally and briefly, i.e. no more than once per quarter and for a period not exceeding 72 hours? Then you are exempt from the mandatory safety course, provided an instruction card with the specific vehicle rules is present in the vehicle.
That's why from now on there will be an instruction card in all our electric vans in this weight class, so you can see at a glance what the rules are, what your license allows and when you are exempt from the mandatory course.
Note: Is the instruction card missing? Let us know and we will take care of it right away.
When is road safety training mandatory?
Do you rent the vehicle more than once per quarter or for more than 72 consecutive hours? Then you are required to take additional road safety training. After completion, you must have a signed statement as proof of participation.
The requirements for driving an electric van (3,501 - 4,250 kg):
You have held a B driving licence for at least 2 years
The vehicle must be fully electric (environmental class ZE or alternative drive)
The vehicle may not be used in combination with a trailer
Exemption from tachograph requirement when used within a 100 km radius of the establishment
What are the traffic rules for driving an electric van over 3,501 to 4,250 kg?
If you drive a vehicle whose maximum authorized mass (MTM) exceeds 3,500 kg, this vehicle is formally considered a truck. This has legal and practical implications because it makes you subject to specific traffic regulations, including:
On highways with three or more lanes, you may only use the two right-hand lanes.
The speed limit is 80 km/h.
When overtaking is prohibited for truck traffic, overtaking is prohibited.
Roads with a ban on truck overtaking are not allowed.
Target lanes marked for trucks must be followed.
In addition to trucks, other vehicle categories, such as campers, heavy passenger cars and heavy vans, are also covered by these regulations when their MTM exceeds 3,500 kg. This means that they too will face restrictions such as entry bans for overweight vehicles.
Want to know more? Read more here!