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Every so often a job comes along where you have something to transport but your car just isn't big enough. Whether you're clearing out junk, moving home or shifting a sofa for a friend there are times when only a van will do. You could hire a man with a van to do the job for you but that's a needless expense. If you're a reasonably proficient driver, it's quicker, easier and less expensive to hire a van and do the job yourself.
Some people are nervous with the idea of driving a van for the first time, but there's no need to be. In most respects, driving a van is the same as driving a car. Of course, there are some differences and so a little extra thought, care and planning are required if you are new to driving a van. To make things even easier for you, here's our helpful guide to driving a van. Follow these tips and you'll be driving a van with confidence in no time at all.
Driving a van: first things first.
If your van is to be used for transporting goods, whether furniture, garden waste, retail goods or whatever, measure up first. Make sure that you hire a van that is large enough to accommodate your cargo comfortably and safely.
As with any vehicle, before you drive anywhere ensure that your van has sufficient oil, water and fuel and that the tire pressures are correct. Check the condition of the spare tire and ensure the presence of a jack and a tire iron.
When loading your van, aim to keep the level of your load as low as possible and evenly distribute the weight of your load across the wheelbase of the van. Loads should be secured as much as possible to prevent potentially hazardous weight shifts when the van is moving.
A van is typically wider and longer than a car. Therefore, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with space needed to open the front, back and side doors of the van as this will dictate the parking space required.
Before you set off, ensure that all of the van's doors are closed securely and cannot open accidently during transit.
Driving a van: in the driving seat.
The layout of a van's instruments is more or less identical to those of a car although the gear lever may be mounted on the dash.
Adjusting the driver's seat to attain a normal, comfortable driving position is of paramount importance when driving a van. Correct driver positioning results in correct mirror positioning, which is essential in the absence of a rear windscreen.
Note that a van will have additional or different blind spots when compared with a car. Be aware of these as you familiarise yourself with the driver's view.
Make sure that you are wearing appropriate footwear for driving and that you are comfortable with your position in relation to the pedals.
Driving a van: on the road.
Firstly, when driving your van, ensure that you wear your seatbelt at all times.
A van's larger size and weight means that it handles differently from a car. Remember that the turning circle will be larger and that allowances must be made for the van's size when manoeuvring in confined spaces.
A common error among novice van drivers is to clip the curb when turning corners. Due to a van's additional width it requires turning slightly later than you would normally turn a car.
In order to drive as safely as possible, indicators should be used prior to every manoeuvre, whether turning a corner, at a junction or roundabout or to signal a lane change. Since the van may have additional blind spots it is sensible to give pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists as much warning of your intentions as possible.
Pay attention to road markings or warnings that may be applicable to you as a van driver, such as notifications of low bridges or vehicle weight restrictions.
Unloaded and high-sided vans may be particularly susceptible to crosswinds in unshielded areas. Check weather reports for your journey and avoid risks where possible.
Be aware that the maximum speed limit for a normal 'Transit'-type van is 50mph on a National Speed Limit single carriageway, 60mph on a dual carriageway and 70mph on a motorway (unless you are towing anything, in which case the motorway limit is 60mph).
The additional weight of your van means that breaking distances and stopping times will be longer than those when driving a car.
Driving a van: parking at your destination.
If parking in a public space or car park, ensure that parking your van does not contravene any local parking restrictions.
Ensure that you choose a space that offers ample room for your van, allowing for the full opening of any doors as required.
In the absence of a rear windscreen you will be entirely reliant upon your mirrors for reverse parking, so additional care must be taken.
If you are leaving your loaded van for any length of time, make sure that the load is secured, that the windows are fully closed and that the van is fully locked.
Nothing beats experience when you're new to driving a van, but if you follow our guide and plan your route beforehand you'll be on your way to a driving a van safely and enjoyably.
This was a guest post by John for UK van hire specialists National.
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