Consultation on licence requirements for zero emission goods vehicles

Views sought on proposals on changes to regulations to support the uptake of zero emission goods vehicles (ZEGVs) in Northern Ireland.

The Department for Infrastructure has launched a consultation on proposed changes to driver licensing entitlement, to allow category B licence holders to drive Zero Emission Goods Vehicles (ZEGVs) with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) up to 4,250kg.

Current driving licence categories mean that category B licence holders are not entitled to drive ZEGVs, due to the additional weight of battery systems which results in the MAM exceeding the existing 3,500kg limit. 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 would allow for this.

Drivers wishing to drive such a vehicle 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.

Light commercial vehicles are essential to economic activity, enabling businesses and public services to operate efficiently. As the market for ZEGVs continues to develop, it is important that regulation keeps pace with technological change.

This consultation seeks views on whether changes to driving licence category requirements could better support the uptake of ZEGVs, while continuing to prioritise road safety. The objective is to ensure that our licensing framework remains proportionate, evidence-based and fit for purpose and helps meet environmental and road safety commitments and priorities without placing unnecessary burdens on drivers or employers.

Find out more about the consultation and how to respond.

The closing date for reponses is Monday 6 April 2026.

First published 25 March 2026