Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Training

If you drive an electric or alternatively fuelled van, you may be legally allowed to drive vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes on a standard Category B licence — but only if you complete the required AFV training.

This legislation was introduced to account for the additional weight of batteries and alternative fuel systems, which can make these vehicles heavier than standard diesel or petrol vans.

You'll need this course if you:

• Drive an electric or alternatively fuelled van over 3.5 tonnes
• Want to take advantage of the 4.25 tonne allowance
• Use your vehicle for transporting goods (with no trailer)

What does the law require?

To legally drive up to 4.25 tonnes on a Category B licence:

• You must complete a minimum of 5 hours of approved training
• The vehicle must be used within Great Britain
• The vehicle must be used for transporting goods (no trailer)

What vehicles does this apply to?

This applies to vans powered by:

• Electricity
• Hydrogen
• Natural gas or biogas
• Hybrid systems combining alternative fuels

At HGV Training Glasgow, we provide straightforward, fully compliant AFV training to ensure you meet legal requirements and can operate your vehicle safely and confidently.

What the training covers

The five hours are practical rather than theoretical, because the handling differences are what catch drivers out. An electric or gas-powered van carries its weight differently, brakes differently and often has far more instant torque than the diesel equivalent.

• How battery or fuel-system weight changes braking distances and cornering
• Regenerative braking, single-pedal driving and range management
• Loading within the 4.25 tonne limit and checking your plated weights
• Charging or refuelling procedures and what to do in a fault or incident
• The conditions attached to the allowance, so you stay legal

Fleets and employers

Most of our AFV enquiries come from Glasgow businesses moving a van fleet over to electric and needing existing Category B drivers signed off before the vehicles go into service. We can train drivers individually or work through a group, and provide the certification for your records.

If your vans are heavier than 4.25 tonnes, or you are towing, the AFV allowance does not apply and you will need C1 entitlement instead. Drivers already working professionally should also keep Driver CPC hours up to date.