Top Tips for Driving a Van for the First Time
Driving a van for the first time can be daunting. However, it’s easier than you might think. Once you understand key driving factors and the small but critical differences between driving a car and a van, you’re sure to have a smooth experience.
In this article, we’ll explain all you need to know and share our top tips for driving a van for the first time.
Is driving a van hard?
Although driving a larger vehicle may initially seem unnerving, modern vans are now easier to drive than ever. Many vans have car-like features, such as steering assist, attention assist, built-in sat-navs, and parking assistance technologies.
What’s more, during the leasing process, you can load your van with optional internal and external features, such as adaptive cruise controls and acoustic reverse warnings, to ensure peace of mind while out on the road.
How different is driving a van to a car?
The most obvious difference between driving a car and a van is the vehicle’s size. So, before setting off, familiarise yourself with the van’s length and width.
If you’re leasing a standard-wheelbase van, it’ll feel very similar to a standard car, as the wheel spacing is the same. A long-wheelbase van, though, will have more space between the wheels. Size will be especially important if you venture down narrow streets or squeeze into tight spaces.
Depending on the size of the van, you may also need to consider height restrictions, so be sure to know your van’s height before you head into multi-story car parks or underpasses.
Take extra care when passing under low bridges and always watch for traffic signs indicating maximum permitted vehicle height if it’s less than 16´-3˝ (4.95 meters). Pay attention to the shape of these signs: red circles indicate prohibitions, while red triangles provide warnings.
10 tips for driving a van for the first time
We know a thing or two about driving vans, so here are our top 10 tips for first-time van drivers.
1: Check your driving licence details
Whether you can legally drive a van in the UK depends on the van’s size and your driving licence. Anyone with a standard UK driving licence can drive a van weighing up to 3,500kg (3.5 tonnes).
However, if you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, you may need to take extra tests to drive a van exceeding 3,500kg. Driving without the correct licence can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and three to six penalty points.
2: Get the right insurance coverage
Before picking up your van, you must have fully comprehensive vehicle insurance. As the insurance policyholder, you are responsible for ensuring the van is insured at the handover point.
The policyholder’s name must match the details given to your chosen leasing company. Additionally, if the van is leased for business purposes, the certificate must show the company name and registration number.
3: Familiarise yourself with your van’s controls and features
Familiarise yourself with the van’s controls to ensure a safe driving experience. Remember to check for the locations and settings of your:
- Indicators
- Mirrors
- Windscreen wipers
- Headlights
- Horn
- Climate controls
- Infotainment system
Getting control of your controls before you head out ensures you can focus on the road ahead and enjoy your time in the van.
4: Load your van carefully
A loaded van handles very differently from an unloaded one, as the vehicle’s weight affects its stopping distance, acceleration, and more.
While loading, spread the contents evenly and as low as possible and tie things down. Stacked or heavier items could cause tipping issues on tight corners or during windy conditions. Before setting off, check your van’s gross vehicle weight (GVW), the maximum weight of the van, its passengers, and load. The van’s official plate weight is riveted inside the front door panel or the engine bay.
Exceeding your van’s weight limit risks your safety and that of those around you. What’s more, you could be fined or receive a court summons for driving with an overloaded van.
5: Plan your route ahead of time
Planning your route before you set off is a great way to increase efficiency, save fuel, and give yourself peace of mind.
What’s more, a structured route also provides you with the opportunity to add breaks and avoid peak traffic flows. The highway code recommends drivers take at least a 15-minute break every two hours.
6: Watch your speed
In the UK, vans and car-derived vans have separate, weight-based speed limits, and it’s essential to know the speed limits that apply to your van. The full table of national speed limits is below.
| Type of van | Built-up area* | Single carriageway | Dual carriageway | Motorway |
| Van | 30 mph | 50 mph | 60 mph | 70 mph |
| Car-type van | 30 mph | 60 mph | 70 mph | 70 mph |
| Van and trailer | 30 mph | 50 mph | 60 mph | 60 mph |
*The 30mph limit applies to all traffic on roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise.
It’s also worth noting that vehicles with a maximum weight over 3.5 tonnes are speed-restricted by a limiter.
7: Keep a safe distance
Heavy loads increase stopping distances. A van carrying a 500kg load requires an extra two metres of distance when travelling at 30mph, increasing to five metres at 50mph.
Keep a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle in front to ensure a comfortable braking distance. The highway code recommends leaving a minimum two-second gap.
Thinking time also plays a crucial role in stopping distances, which may be longer when driving an unfamiliar vehicle. Typically, a person driving at 30mph will travel nine metres before reacting to a hazard, while a person driving 60mph will travel 18 metres.
8: Position your vehicle carefully to avoid blind spots
A blind spot is any part of the road you can’t see when using your mirrors or looking through your windscreen. While most cars have two blind spots — one on either side of the car near the boot — van drivers generally have significantly reduced visibility around the vehicle. Part of this is because vans don’t have rear-view mirrors, and their larger wing mirrors can’t make up for that.
Additionally, vans are often larger than your daily driver, so the area you must be aware of is also larger. When you first get acquainted with the van you’re driving, be sure to adjust the wing mirrors so you can see only a tiny sliver of your van in it. Most of the wing mirror should show the road and area around your vehicle.
You can also install blind spot mirrors or rear-view cameras to improve your view of the road.
9: Take extra care when parking or turning corners
If leasing a larger van, your turning radius will be larger, so give yourself more room to turn tight or narrow corners. Use your external mirrors to ensure you leave as much space as possible as you enter a corner.
If you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to come to a complete stop to assess the situation. You may also need to swing out a little before turning in a larger van, but ensure that you do so slowly and indicate to warn other drivers of your intentions.
10: Adopt eco-friendly driving habits
Green driving isn’t just great for the environment — it can also help you save money. By taking eco-friendly driving measures, such as planning your journey and regulating your speed, you can use your van more efficiently and save money in the long run.
Your vehicle’s emissions are lowest between 40 mph and 60 mph, and you’ll use 30% less fuel if you stay within this range over long distances. If you’re looking to reduce emissions further, electric vans also offer a great way for drivers to reduce their environmental impact.
Although some believe electric vehicles release more emissions than conventional vehicles, they produce less total emissions over their lifetime, even when accounting for manufacturing. Check out our range of electric vehicles if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint.
If you’re looking to lease a van for the first time, our team is on hand to answer any questions you might have. From finding the right van for you to discussing extra safety features, get in touch to see how we can help you get on the road.
