Drivers warned of new licence rules in June affecting millions of motorists
The changes will come into effect on June 10
New rules to driving licences which are set to come into force next month will affect millions of motorists. The changes will launch on June 10 and will have a major impact on all road users.
From the proposed date, any motorists who currently holds a category B driving licence will be allowed to drive electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles which have a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 4,250kg. The current MAM limit for category B licences is 3,500kg.
The extra weight allowance will apply to all vehicles who can currently drive using a category B licence. This includes SUVs, small trucks, vans and cars which carry up to eight passengers.
Currently, category B licences which are passed before 1 January 1997 licence rules allow motorists to drive a 4-wheel vehicle and trailer combination with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 8,250kg.
Drivers with that licence are also legally allowed to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM.
If you passed after 1 January 1997 and hold a category B licence then you can drive vehicles up to 3,500kg MAM, with up to 8 passenger seats, plus a trailer up to 750kg, reports Birmingham Live.
You can also tow heavier trailers if the vehicle and trailer MAM is not more than 3.500kg. You're allowed to ride motor tricycles with a power output higher than 15kW, providing you're over 21 years old.
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If you have a physical disability with provisional category B entitlement, you also have provisional entitlement to ride Category A1 or A motor tricycles.
This isn't the full list, especially if you passed your test before 1997. For further information about categories or if your licence includes other category entitlements, check out the government's driving licence website.
Once you've got a full driving licence, you might want to upgrade your entitlement so you can drive other vehicles for work or leisure.
A warning was recently issued to drivers who are aged 70 and over and have not renewed their licence. Experts warned that they are not 'legally allowed to drive'.
This is because 90 days before drivers turn 70, they should receive a D46P application form from the DVLA.
Age UK stated that if a person's drivers licence expires and they are unable to apply for a new one within the timeframe then they are not legally allowed to get behind the wheel.
The charity said: "Don't forget to apply for any extra categories of vehicle covered on your old licence if you still want to be able to drive them.
"There might be extra costs for these but if you don't apply for these extra categories you'll only be able to drive a car in future."
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