Can I Drive a Hire Van on My Normal Driving Licence in 2025?

If you are planning to hire a van this year, you might be wondering if your normal car licence is enough. The rules are mostly straightforward, and since June 2025 there has been an important update for electric and hydrogen vans. Knowing where you stand before you book makes things much easier, whether you are moving house, picking up furniture, or using a van for work.

Learning what your licence really covers

Every UK driving licence shows the vehicles you are permitted to drive. This information is printed on the back of the photo card, with categories listed alongside start and expiry dates.

For most drivers, the important one is the Category B licence. This covers cars and vans that weigh up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight. All vans available to hire from Trott Rentals fall within this weight limit. That means with a normal car licence you can drive a wide choice of vans, including small vans, medium vans, and even a Luton van with a tail lift.

There are also rules based on age and driving experience.

• Drivers aged between 21 and 24 must have held a full UK or EU licence for at least two years
• Drivers aged 25 and above must have held a full licence for at least one year

This ensures that anyone hiring a van has enough experience to handle a vehicle that is larger and heavier than a car.

Driving a Luton van with a standard licence

A Luton van is one of the most popular options for moving house. Its tall, box-shaped body and built-in tail lift make it ideal for loading bulky items. Despite its size, a Luton van still comes under the 3.5 tonne weight limit. This means it can be driven with a Category B licence.

You may notice that the driving position feels higher than a car and the mirrors cover wider angles. Taking a little time to get used to these differences makes the experience easier. The important point is that no extra licence is needed.

When a van is heavier than 3.5 tonnes

Some vehicles exceed the 3.5 tonne limit. If you plan to drive one of these, you will need a Category C licence. This requires additional training and passing a separate practical test.

There is one exception. If you passed your driving test before 1 January 1997, you may already have C1 or C1E entitlement listed on your licence. This allows you to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes. Even so, if you have never driven one before, it may be useful to refresh your skills with further training.

New rules for electric and hydrogen vans in 2025

Since June 2025, the rules for zero emission vans have changed. If you drive an electric or hydrogen van, you can now drive one up to 4.25 tonnes on a normal Category B licence. This is higher than the usual 3.5 tonne limit because these vehicles are heavier due to their batteries or fuel systems.

You no longer need to take the five hour training course. Your normal licence is enough.

If you are towing a trailer, the combined weight of the van and trailer must stay within 7 tonnes.

If the van has equipment fitted for disabled passengers, the limit increases to 5 tonnes, as long as the extra weight comes only from that equipment.

These changes make it easier for more drivers to use heavier zero emission vans without upgrading their licence.

Age and insurance requirements when hiring a van

To hire a van you must be at least 21 years old. For a 7.5 tonne vehicle, you must be 25 or older. The maximum age for hiring is 75.

Insurance included in your hire

At Trott Rentals, insurance is included with every vehicle. You do not need to arrange it separately. The amount of insurance excess depends on your age.

• If you are 25 or over, the standard excess is £1,000. You can reduce this to £500 by paying a collision damage waiver. The waiver costs between £5 and £10 depending on how long you hire the van
• If you are aged between 21 and 24, the standard excess is £1,500. With the waiver, this can be reduced to £1,000

If you have penalty points or have been involved in recent accidents, you must let us know. In some cases, this can affect whether insurance cover can be provided.

What these rules mean in practice

Imagine you are planning a house move in Norwich. You check the back of your photocard licence and see Category B listed. That immediately tells you that you can hire and drive anything up to 3.5 tonnes. You decide on a Luton van with a tail lift, as it is the right size for your furniture. Because the van is within the weight limit, your normal licence is enough.

If instead you were thinking about a heavier diesel box van over 3.5 tonnes, you would need a Category C licence. But if you passed your test before 1997, you might find you already have C1 entitlement.

Now imagine you are considering an electric van. Thanks to the 2025 update, you can drive one up to 4.25 tonnes on the same licence. That gives you more choice, especially if you are interested in using a zero emission vehicle.

These examples show how the rules apply in everyday situations. By checking your licence, weight limits, and insurance cover, you can quickly see what is possible.

Hiring a van with confidence

For most drivers, a normal Category B car driving licence is all that is required to hire and drive a van. This includes smaller vans for local jobs and Lutons with tail lifts for house moves.

The key steps are simple. Check your licence category, confirm your age and driving experience, and understand the insurance terms. If you are considering an electric or hydrogen van, be aware of the 2025 changes that extend the weight limit to 4.25 tonnes.

At Trott Rentals, our vans are ready to hire with insurance included, giving you peace of mind from the start. Whether you are moving house or transporting goods, we can help you choose the right type of van. For van hire in Norwich, take a look at our full range online or speak to our team if you would like advice.