Red Corporate Driver Training has launched a new electric van training course in response to government changes to licensing requirements.

The new module will help companies running heavier electric LCVs following driving licence changes. Effective today (10 June 2025), drivers with a standard UK category B licence can drive electric vans weighing up to 4.25 tonnes – removing the requirement for an additional five hours of training.

Red’s new course helps employees familiarise themselves with some of the attributes of these zero-emission vans, such as their increased weight and the impact this has on handling and braking.

In addition, the course will offer familiarisation with ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) such as lane keeping assist and collision mitigation systems which are fitted to these new electric vans, but which drivers may not have experienced before with older diesel vans.

Sessions take place at Red’s Donington Park training centre and are also offered nationwide at traffic-free locations.

Greg Ford, head of corporate at Red, said: “This new breed of larger electric vans present a challenge to drivers and we believe that companies should acknowledge that and ensure their drivers receive some basic introductory training to ensure road safety.

“While the transition from an ICE van to an EV one may not appear to be significant, there are key differences which could catch out an unaware driver. One of the main ones to look out for is regenerative braking, which slows the vehicle when the driver lifts off the accelerator – this instant retardation force could be an issue on faster roads.

“eLCVs also accelerate much more quickly than traditional diesel vans, so again drivers need to be familiar with the performance of the vehicle away from traffic.

“Finally, because eLCVs are so quiet, drivers need to be trained on their hazard awareness skills – especially around pedestrians who may step out into the road without hearing a vehicle approaching.”

As well as physical training, RED is also offering companies an online training module through its SafetyFirst risk management platform.