Proposals on changes to regulations to support the uptake of zero emission goods vehicles (ZEGVs) in Northern Ireland

Overview

Current driving licence categories mean that category B licence holders are not entitled to drive Zero Emission Goods Vehicles (ZEGVs), due to the additional weight of battery systems which results in the Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) exceeding 3,500kg. The increased weight of the powertrain may not necessarily bring the weight of the vehicle over the 3,500kg max, but it would severely reduce the payload of the vehicle, thereby making it commercially less favourable. Increasing the weight to 4,250kg allows for this.

Drivers wishing to drive such a vehicle instead require a category C or C1 licence which increases costs for the user, including upfront licence acquisition. For such vehicles intended to be driven for commercial use, there are further additional costs resulting from the need for medical examinations and training for a driver certificate of professional competence (DCPC) to be completed.

This consultation is seeking views on proposed changes to the licensing entitlement to allow category B licence holders to drive ZEGVs with a MAM up to 4,250kg.

This consultation is being issued for a 4 week period. We are keen to hear from individuals, groups and organisations