10 top tips for first-time van drivers

Need to rent a van but worried about driving the thing? We get it. Transitioning from driving a car to driving a van twice its size can be nerve-wracking at first, but it doesn't need to be.

Whether you want to rent a van to help you move to a new house, to take your band on tour (rock on!), or for work purposes, there are a few things you can do to help calm your nerves when driving it for the first time.

Here are 10 top tips for first-time van drivers. Keep these in mind, and you'll feel more confident on the road and be able to drive your rental van like a pro.

1. Check your licence

First things first, does your licence cover you to drive the van you want to hire? There's no point renting a van you can't even drive! The good news is that you can drive a van that weighs up to 3,500 kilograms if you have a standard car driving licence. However, if you need to rent a heavier van, you may need to take extra tests. It's always wise to check with the DVLA just before you rent to be sure.

2. Set your seat up correctly

Getting up into your van may seem like a big step up – literally – but you may actually prefer it. For one, you get to sit up with the big boys of the road and get an elevated view. You just need to make sure your seat is set up correctly and that you feel comfortable, as your default car seat position may feel different in a van.

3. Get to know your new mirrors

Once you have your seat set comfortably, it's time to sort your mirrors out. You'll notice that most vans have no rear-view mirror, which can be a little daunting at first. However, the larger door mirrors make up for this. Have a play around with your seat and new mirrors to make sure you have the best view possible of the road behind.

4. Know the van dimensions

How tall and wide is the van you're going to be renting? Does it have a standard or long wheelbase? You need to know your van's dimensions before you get onto the road. You don't want to be squeezing it down a country road and annoying the local villagers, or scraping it on the roof of a car park entrance with height restrictions!

5. Know how to load your van

Loading a van requires a little planning. With all that new space, it's important to load heavier items like appliances or furniture towards the bottom end of the van and secure them in place. Not only does this stop them from moving around and playing bumper cars in the back of the van, but it helps keep the van stable and safe.

It's also worth remembering that the brakes may feel sharper in an empty or half-full van, as they are made to carry full loads.

6. Get to know your new speed limit

Did you know that vans have different speed limits than cars? On a single-carriageway road with a national speed limit sign, you have a speed limit of 50 miles per hour. On a dual carriageway with a national speed limit sign, the speed limit is set at 60 miles per hour. One easy way to remember this is that your van will have to drive 10 miles per hour slower than a car would on these roads. However, both vans and cars have the same speed limit on the motorway (70 miles per hour).

7. Check the weather before travelling

Is it tipping it down or blowing a gusty gale outside? Before you travel in your van, it's important to check the weather. Wet weather can increase the overall braking distance of your van, just like it does for cars, but even more so as vans are almost always heavier. Strong winds can also destabilise vans, so make sure you keep this in mind when you're driving. If the weather is too bad, consider delaying your journey. It's better to be safe than sorry!

8. Find the right position on the road

You need to position your van carefully on the road and at junctions so you don't create blind spots for yourself. If you're struggling to cross a busy road, especially if it's a dual carriageway, try positioning your van at a 90-degree angle to get a good view in all directions. Also, when you're making a left turn, it can be useful to take a wide position with your van to avoid clipping the curb.

9. Stay calm and controlled

Although you may be a bit nervous driving your van around for the first time, you need to try to stay as calm as possible. Channel your inner cucumber… take some time to chill out and plan some extra time before you get on the road. This way, you'll be less likely to rush and take unnecessary risks, which could damage your rental van and be quite costly to remedy.

10. Don't live up to the stereotype…

Rightly or wrongly, van drivers have a questionable reputation… so don't add to the stereotype. Show the world how good van drivers can be instead! You should remain friendly, patient and courteous at all times. Spotted another road user that seems a little hesitant? Don't get frustrated and angry. Give them time and space, as they might not have much experience.

Looking to rent your first van?

We hope that reading these tips has helped you feel more confident and prepared to drive your rented van! Not got one sorted yet? Don't worry, we have a variety of different vans ready and waiting for you to hire.

Check out our fleet of vans online. You can book them online quickly and easily, or you can give us a call on 01914888700 – even if it's just to ask a few questions.