EU proposes changes to European driving licences

The new rules also promote the use of alternatively fuelled vehicles which can be driven with a B driving licence up to 4.25 tonnes two years after the B licence has been acquired. An official timeline is yet to be announced by the council; however, after the announcement has been adopted, member states will have four years to add the directive into national legislation.

However, to drive conventional petrol/diesel motorhomes of the higher weight (up to 4,250kg), drivers will have to undertake additional training or testing, the details of which will be determined by the individual member state in which the driving licence is held. The change does not automatically give the driver the right to drive heavier motorhomes but it is expected to result in increased demand for vehicles rated between 3,500kg and 4,250kg gross weight, which can offer increased payload.

Due to Brexit, the UK is not obligated to adopt any change, although the National Caravan Council commented, “it is expected the Government will again adopt this change”. The NCC also says it is in discussion with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for a fast decision, so the change can impact UK class B licence holders.

The European Caravan Federation (ECF) has been campaigning for this change for more than two decades. It is most likely to come in effect for drivers resident in the EU from 2029.