The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is working on a bill that will make it possible to drive heavier, sustainably powered vehicles with a regular B driving license.
This proposal amends the Driving Licence Regulations and focuses on vehicles that are primarily powered by electricity or other alternative fuels, with a maximum weight of 4.250 kilograms. With this measure, the ministry wants to make it more attractive for companies to become more sustainable, without the additional costs and scarcity of drivers with a C driving licence, which is often required for vehicles over 3.500 kilograms.
This initiative stems from the broader ambition to reduce harmful emissions in the transport sector, an important pillar of global and European climate policy. After all, the transport sector is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution, which has a major impact on the living environment, especially in urban areas. The new scheme is in line with the agreements in the Climate Agreement to achieve zero-emission transport by 2050. In the logistics sector in particular, the measure can contribute to the transition to zero-emission vehicles, which also fits in with the Dutch policy to support electric vehicles and stimulate the growth of charging infrastructure. The latter is already being realised on industrial estates and along motorways.
flexibility
The amendment originates from the European Third Driving Licence Directive, which since 2018 has offered member states the option of allowing holders of a B driving licence issued at least two years ago to drive alternatively fuelled vehicles weighing up to 4.250 kilograms. This alternative is intended to provide member states with flexibility in the fight against climate change and air pollution. Normally, a C driving licence would be required for vehicles weighing over 3.500 kilograms, but this directive makes an exception for sustainable vehicles. The Dutch government previously granted a temporary exemption for the period from 2019 to the end of 2022, requiring drivers to complete an additional five-hour driving course before being allowed to drive a vehicle weighing up to 4.250 kilograms.
The experiment with this exemption, in which 28 vehicles participated, was carefully evaluated. The European Commission stipulated that road safety had to be guaranteed, which was monitored by means of reports on incidents and accidents. However, based on the collected data, no statistically significant conclusion could be drawn about the impact of heavier vehicles on road safety. Nevertheless, the trial showed that there is strong support from the sector, political parties and mobility organisations for a permanent exemption from the C driving licence for vehicles with alternative drives.
The exemption provides a much-needed incentive, especially within the logistics sector, to accelerate the transition to zero-emission driving, while the Dutch road network remains safe for heavier electric vehicles.
The bill only exempts vehicles whose weight exceeds 3.500 kilograms due to a heavier drive system such as batteries or hydrogen tanks, without increasing the load capacity compared to a diesel vehicle of the same dimensions. Due to the reduced load capacity of these vehicles and the increasing demand for emission-free logistics, the exemption is widely seen as a solution to help companies become more sustainable without losing operational efficiency.
sustainability
In addition to the climate benefits, the exemption also offers economic advantages for companies considering sustainability. Drivers with a C driving license are often harder to find and more expensive to hire, while the use of sustainable vehicles with a standard B driving license can reduce costs. In addition, the use of heavier electric vehicles saves on fuel costs, despite the often higher purchase price and limited range when fully loaded.
With a view to road safety, the ministry is working closely with industry organisations in the logistics sector on a covenant. This covenant sets out agreements to make drivers aware of the specific traffic regulations and safety aspects when driving vehicles that weigh more than 3.500 kilograms but remain under 4.250 kilograms. This collaboration should ensure that drivers have the right knowledge and follow safety regulations, which contributes to the safe integration of these vehicles into daily traffic.
broad support
Having voorstel This permanent exemption received broad support in the House of Representatives, where a motion by the BBB, VVD, SGP and ChristenUnie parties was adopted with 142 votes in favour and only 8 against. The motion requests the minister to make an effort to enshrine the current tolerance measure in law, in anticipation of the Fourth Driving Licence Directive, which may provide further relaxations.
With this decision, the Netherlands is taking a step closer to its climate goals, while the transport sector is given the opportunity to further develop in the field of sustainability. For companies, this not only means an opportunity to save costs, but also to respond to a growing demand for environmentally friendly transport. You can register via this website until 11 November 2024 react on all parts of the decision and the explanation.
