Do you need a special license to drive an electric car?

While electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common, not everyone is aware of the rules and regulations around actually using one – including whether you can drive an electric vehicle without a license.

 If you’re renting or buying an EV for the first time, it’s vital to know if electric cars need a special license. There are many vehicles that require a special license to drive, like a truck or bus. It’s also handy to know whether there are any extra rules to be aware of before you get behind the wheel.

This Hertz guide should get you up to speed with everything you need to know about electric cars and license restrictions.

Do you need a special license to drive an electric vehicle?

No, you do not need a special license to drive an electric vehicle. Just like a standard gas-powered car, you can drive an EV with a regular driving license.

Although you don’t need a special license, EVs do have unique functions and features that you’ll need to learn to understand and hopefully master.

You can use a standard manual or automatic driving license to drive an EV . Electric vehicles use an automatic transmission system and do not have a gearbox. If anything, this makes an EV even simpler to drive than an automatic.

If you’re an international driver and hold a valid full driving license from another country, you’ll be able to drive in the United States with an electric vehicle for up to three months. This is the same as non-electric cars. After this period, you
will need to apply for an International Driving Permit.

Can I drive an EV without a license?

No, you cannot drive an electric vehicle without a license. As with any other car you need to have a valid driver’s license and you must have been taught how to drive and have knowledge of the road and highway laws.

If you have a learner’s permit, you can take your driving lessons and test in an electric car.

And although a motorcycle license proves you understand how to drive a two-wheeled vehicle, which also could be electric, you will need an automobile driver’s license to legally drive an electric vehicle.

What electric vehicles can you drive without a license?

There aren’t any cars that you can legally drive without a license. However, there are certain types of vehicles, like electric bicycles and golf carts, that you can drive without one. This is because they are classed as recreational vehicles.

In exceptional cases there are a few electric vehicles that don’t always require a license. For example, Citroen has developed a low-speed electric vehicle called the Ami, which is an electric vehicle that doesn’t always require a license. It’s available to drivers as young as 14 in France and 16 in other European countries on a subscription service, where they do not need a driving license, but will have to pass a road safety certificate.

In the US you will still need a license to drive the Citroen Ami, as it is classed as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle. The only electric-powered vehicles you can drive in the US without a license are golf carts, electric bicycles and other non-road vehicles. 

There are some other notable examples of cars that you don’t need a license to drive, such as the Aixam Coupe, Bellier Jade Racing and the Chatenet CH26. That is because of their small size and low speed.

When it comes to driving any type of vehicle, it’s vital that you follow the rules of the road to ensure you keep everyone safe. Before you rent or buy a car you must ensure that you have the right license and are fully compliant with the law.

Find out more about electric vehicles with Hertz.