Lots of people in Europe do have licences that would allow them to drive heavier vehicles, though. For example, the rules changed here in the UK for drivers passing their test from 1997 onwards, but those who passed before that will usually have a licence for most vehicle categories apart from the really big ones like HGVs and buses. If memory serves, I can technically drive something like a 7.5t box truck with another 4.5t as a trailer without exceeding what my licence legally permits -- though given my lack of specialist training in that type of vehicle, whether it would be a good idea is another question entirely!
Lots of large vans can either be licensed as <3.5t cars or >3.5t trucks, with often only small (or even no, if only a bit above the limit) changes. Of course the speed is pointless for the latter option.