The European Parliament approves driving license B: heavier vans and motorhomes

The European Parliament has approved a new driving license directive. This means that in the future you will be able to drive significantly heavier vans and motorhomes with your B driving license. Parliament also voted on the age at which a driver can drive unaccompanied.

If you now have a B driving license, you are allowed to drive a car (and a trailer) with a maximum weight of 3,500 kilograms. Here we explain exactly how this works with a trailer or caravan. Something will change for vans and motorhomes in the future.

Heavier company vans and mobile homes with a B driving license

The most important point of the European Parliament’s agreement on the new driving license directive is that you can drive a 4,250 kilogram electric van with a B driving license. A special exception applies to electric vans to make it easier for companies to switch to electric vehicles. Finally, electric vehicles are heavier than non-electric vehicles. This would mean that a delivery van could transport fewer packages if it were electric.

There will also be some changes in the camper area. With a B driving license you can now drive a motorhome weighing 4,250 kilograms, up from 3,500 kilograms back then. For motorhomes, the type of drive does not matter. Ambulances also fall into this category.

17 years

In addition, the European Parliament has also agreed to lower the age at which people can drive alone. Between the ages of 17 and 18, you must continue to drive with a supervisor at your side. The supervisor must have a supervisor ID card. That’s going to change. From the age of 17 you can drive alone as long as you have a class B or BE driving license.

The approval of the European Parliament does not mean that the laws will come into force immediately. After the European elections in June 2024, a new parliament will continue this act.