Driving licence flexibility for alternatively-fuelled vehicles: summary of responses
Updated 10 October 2023
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/driving-licence-flexibility-for-alternatively-fuelled-vehicles/public-feedback/driving-licence-flexibility-for-alternatively-fuelled-vehicles-summary-of-responses
Summary of responses
In 2022, the government consulted on changes to driving licence flexibility for alternatively-fuelled vehicles (AFVs). This consultation was designed to continue supporting AFV uptake and to ensure that operators transitioning to cleaner vehicles do not face additional requirements when doing so.
The government received 89 responses to the consultation. These are being carefully analysed to consider the potential impact of any changes on key departmental priorities, including road safety and AFV uptake.
Training requirement
72% of respondents supported removing the training requirement. 23% were in favour of reforming the training requirement and expanding the pool of instructors eligible to offer the training. 5% supported maintaining the existing requirement.
Types of vehicles
75% of respondents supported expanding to other types of vehicles. 13% were not in favour of expanding the types of vehicles eligible. The remaining 12% did not offer a response.
Towing allowance
72% of respondents supported allowing 4,250kg AFVs to tow a vehicle and trailer combination up to 7,000kg maximum authorised mass (MAM). 10% were in favour of allowing drivers using the flexibility to tow, but at a lower combined limit than 7,000kg MAM. 17% did not support allowing drivers using the flexibility to tow a trailer without further training. The remaining 1% did not offer a response.
Fuel types
56% supported only allowing ZEVs to access the licence flexibility. 25% were in favour of retaining alternatively-fuelled vehicles. The remaining respondents did not have a view.