Huge changes: EU to modify Category B driving licences

A major shake-up is coming for motorists across the European Union. From January 2026, the scope of the standard Category B driving licence will be significantly expanded, allowing drivers to operate much heavier vehicles than before.

The reform, the first of its kind in decades, is designed to support sustainable transport and accelerate the spread of electric and alternative-fuel vehicles.

Under the new EU directive, the current 3.5-tonne weight limit for Category B driving licences will be increased to 4.25 tonnes. In specific cases, this threshold could even rise to 5 tonnes, writes VG.hu.

The change primarily targets electric, hydrogen-powered and other alternatively fuelled vehicles, which are often heavier due to large batteries or specialised propulsion systems.

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Boost for electric vans, motorhomes and ambulances

The updated rules will be particularly beneficial for electric motorhomes, light commercial vehicles and ambulances. Until now, many of these vehicles exceeded the 3.5-tonne limit, forcing drivers to obtain a truck licence – a process involving extra training, exams and considerable costs.

EU lawmakers argue that this requirement has slowed the adoption of cleaner technologies. By easing licence restrictions, the bloc hopes to remove a key barrier facing businesses, emergency services and private users who want to switch to low-emission vehicles.

However, the additional weight allowance will not be unlimited. The extra mass must come solely from the alternative powertrain, such as batteries or hydrogen systems. Payload capacity cannot exceed existing limits, meaning drivers will not be allowed to carry heavier cargo than before.

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Training still very likely to be required

While the directive sets out the framework, it will be up to individual member states to implement the rules into national law by 2029. Experts expect that additional training or a supplementary exam will be required before drivers can take advantage of the higher weight limits.

Hungarian driving school owner István Rácz has warned of potential risks if the changes are introduced without proper safeguards. He argues that inexperienced drivers could otherwise end up behind the wheel of large, heavy motorhomes without adequate preparation, increasing the risk of accidents.

Despite these concerns, transport experts broadly agree that the reform could give a long-term boost to electric and alternative-fuel vehicles across Europe, while also simplifying everyday life for drivers.

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Wider reform of EU driving licences

The licence expansion is part of a broader overhaul of EU driving rules. The European Parliament has also backed plans to introduce a digital driving licence accessible via mobile phones.

This would gradually become the primary format across the bloc. Other proposals include stricter rules for older drivers and a two-year probation period for new licence holders.

Separately, EU discussions have touched on whether Category B licences could one day cover certain 125cc motorcycles, a move aimed at easing urban congestion.

However, driving instructors have expressed strong reservations, stressing that riding a motorcycle requires skills very different from driving a car.