New Changes to Class 3 License

From 15 June 2026, Singapore drivers holding a Class 3 or Class 3A licence can operate all electric light goods vehicles (eLGVs) and electric small buses with an unladen weight of up to 3,000kg, up from the previous 2,500kg threshold. The change, confirmed by the Singapore Police Force, removes a long-standing licensing barrier for businesses electrifying their commercial fleets and is a major step toward Singapore’s 2040 clean energy vehicle target.

Why the Threshold Changed

Electric light goods vehicles and electric small buses are typically 400kg to 500kg heavier than their diesel or petrol equivalents, mainly due to battery packs mounted beneath the vehicle floor. Under the old rules, this extra weight often pushed eLGVs past the 2,500kg Class 3/3A limit, forcing businesses to either avoid certain electric models or have drivers upgrade to a Class 4 licence unnecessarily.

Traffic Police assessed that despite the added weight, these electric vehicles have handling characteristics and dimensions similar to ICE vehicles already permitted under Class 3 and 3A, and that the lower centre of gravity from floor-mounted batteries actually improves stability. That assessment is what cleared the way for the revised threshold.

A Quick Recap of the Timeline

This change builds on an earlier interim measure. From 15 December 2025, Class 3 and 3A holders were allowed to drive four specific electric models between 2,501kg and 3,000kg under an Exemption Order, while Traffic Police finalised the legislative amendments. From 15 June 2026, that interim exemption is replaced with a permanent, blanket rule covering all eLGVs and electric small buses up to 3,000kg, not just the original four approved models.

What This Means for Fleet Operators

For SMEs and logistics businesses, this is one of the more practical barriers to EV adoption being cleared. Drivers no longer need a Class 4 or 4P upgrade simply because an electric van’s battery pushes it over the old 2,500kg mark, which means:

• Wider model choice – businesses can now consider a broader range of eLGVs and electric mini-buses without limiting fleet decisions to whichever models fall under 2,500kg
• Lower hiring friction – existing Class 3/3A drivers can be deployed on electric vans immediately, with no additional licence class required
• Smoother fleet electrification – fleet managers can plan EV transitions around vehicle suitability and cost, rather than working around licensing constraints

What Stayed the Same

The change applies specifically to electric vehicles. ICE light goods vehicles and small buses above 2,500kg still require a Class 4 or Class 4P licence, and electric vehicles above 3,000kg unladen weight also still require Class 4 or 4P. Driving above your licence class’s weight threshold remains a serious offence, so it’s worth confirming a vehicle’s exact unladen weight before assigning a driver.

Licence Class vs Unladen Weight Threshold

Table: Comparison of unladen weight (ULW) thresholds for Class 3/3A and Class 4/4P licences, before and after the 15 June 2026 update.

The Bigger Picture

This licensing update is a small but meaningful piece of Singapore’s wider push toward clean energy vehicles by 2040. As more eLGVs and electric small buses become road-legal for everyday Class 3/3A drivers, the practical cost of switching from diesel to electric for last-mile delivery, logistics, and passenger transport continues to fall.

Ready to electrify your fleet?

With the licensing barrier lifted, there’s never been a better time to explore electric vans and small buses for your business. Skylink Holdings Limited offers a wide range of electric vehicle leasing options, with no Class 4 upgrade required for your existing drivers. Contact our team today to find the right electric van or small bus for your fleet, and make the switch to clean energy vehicles without the licensing headache.