{"id":9979,"date":"2025-10-17T15:26:32","date_gmt":"2025-10-17T14:26:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/?p=9979"},"modified":"2026-05-20T13:37:28","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T12:37:28","slug":"how-to-drive-a-van","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-drive-a-van\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Drive a Van in the UK | Step-by-Step Guide + Safety Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learning how to drive a van for the first time could be a bit daunting because it\u2019s taller, wider, and heavier than a normal car. The steering also feels heavier and takes more effort. Once you know what to expect, it\u2019s much less stressful than you might think.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This guide breaks it down simply. You\u2019ll see how vans differ from cars, the key UK rules worth knowing, and a step-by-step guide on how to drive a van safely. It will also enable you to avoid common mistakes while driving your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/the-complete-guide-to-acquiring-your-next-business-vehicle\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">business vehicle<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in different road conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"176\" data-end=\"224\">Key Takeaways: How to Drive a Van in the UK<\/h2>\n<p>Learning to drive a van in the UK involves understanding licence rules, adapting to size and handling differences, following safety tips, and avoiding common mistakes to ensure smoother, safer journeys.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"226\" data-end=\"1196\">\n<li data-start=\"226\" data-end=\"328\">\n<p data-start=\"228\" data-end=\"328\">You can drive most vans on a standard car licence (Category B) if they weigh up to <strong data-start=\"311\" data-end=\"325\">3.5 tonnes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"329\" data-end=\"423\">\n<p data-start=\"331\" data-end=\"423\">The minimum age to drive a van in the UK is <strong data-start=\"375\" data-end=\"381\">17<\/strong>, but some hire firms set higher limits.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"424\" data-end=\"517\">\n<p data-start=\"426\" data-end=\"517\">Vans handle differently from cars \u2013 especially in <strong data-start=\"476\" data-end=\"514\">size, weight, and braking distance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"518\" data-end=\"616\">\n<p data-start=\"520\" data-end=\"616\">Always <strong data-start=\"527\" data-end=\"558\">check your van\u2019s dimensions<\/strong> before driving to avoid bridge strikes and tight turns.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"617\" data-end=\"742\">\n<p data-start=\"619\" data-end=\"742\">Adjust mirrors carefully, as vans often lack a rear-view mirror. <strong data-start=\"684\" data-end=\"708\">Rely on side mirrors<\/strong> for reversing and lane changes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"743\" data-end=\"829\">\n<p data-start=\"745\" data-end=\"829\">Speed limits for vans differ from cars: lower on <strong data-start=\"794\" data-end=\"826\">single and dual carriageways<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"830\" data-end=\"922\">\n<p data-start=\"832\" data-end=\"922\">Common beginner mistakes include <strong data-start=\"865\" data-end=\"919\">overloading, braking too late, and cutting corners<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><div class=\"row saq-cta_div\">\n      <div class=\"col-xl-12\">\n        <div class=\"bg-yellow exchange-deal-content\" style=\"padding: 5rem 3rem;\">\n          <div class=\"title\">\n            <h3 class=\"big mb-4\">\n              Thinking of upgrading your van?\n            <\/h3>\n            <p class=\"h6 mb-0 fw-normal\">\n              If your current van no longer suits your needs, check its value in minutes. Get quick offers and choose the best buyer for your next step.\n            <\/p>\n\t\t\t\n          <\/div>\n         \t <form class=\"row g-4 g-sm-5 gy-5 get-quote-form\" style=\"margin-top:20px;\" action=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/my-details\" method=\"post\" id=\"reg_form\" name=\"reg_form\">\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n      <div class=\"position-relative\">\n        <div class=\"gb-icon-wrap small\">\n          <img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/ssaq\/assets\/images\/icons\/gb.svg\" alt=\"GB\">\n        <\/div>\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"reg_num\" required=\"\" class=\"form-control gb-icon saq-reg_field_color saq-milage-field\" placeholder=\"ENTER REG \" title=\"Please enter registration number\" maxlength=\"7\" value=\"\">\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n          <input type=\"number\" class=\"form-control js-milage_commo saq-milage-field  saq-mileage_field_color\" name=\"mileage\" placeholder=\"MILEAGE\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-12\">\n      <button type=\"submit\" name=\"homesearch\" class=\"btn btn-big  saq-button-field btn-blue w-100\">VALUE MY VAN<\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/form>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Makes Driving a Van Different from a Car?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At first glance, a van does seem like just a bigger car. But once you\u2019re behind the wheel, it feels very different from a normal car. The size, the weight, the build and the way how you handle it on the road.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the first things you\u2019ll notice is the driving position. You sit higher up, which is great for visibility. The catch is you need to think about low bridges and multi-storey car parks, because clearance suddenly matters. The extra width and length also make reversing and tighter turns a bit trickier than you might expect.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, braking is another adjustment. Vans carry more weight, so they take longer to stop, especially when loaded. Acceleration isn\u2019t as sharp either, which can throw first-timers if they\u2019re used to something lighter.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key Differences Between Driving a Car and a Van<\/span><\/h3>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Feature<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Car<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Van<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Why It Matters<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Driving Position<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower, closer to the road<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher, with better road view<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More visibility in vans but mind low bridges<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Size &amp; Dimensions<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compact, easier to park<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wider, taller, longer<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trickier in tight spaces and car parks<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acceleration<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Faster pickup<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slower, especially when loaded<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allow more time when pulling out<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Braking Distance<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shorter<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Longer<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vans need more space to stop safely<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mirrors &amp; Visibility<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rear-view mirror + small side mirrors<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Large side mirrors, no rear-view<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blind spots are bigger in vans<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"row saq-cta_div\">\n      <div class=\"col-xl-12\">\n        <div class=\"bg-yellow exchange-deal-content\" style=\"padding: 5rem 3rem;\">\n          <div class=\"title\">\n            <h3 class=\"big mb-4\">\n              Sell your van effortlessly\n            <\/h3>\n            <p class=\"h6 mb-0 fw-normal\">\n              Discover how much your van is worth. Get instant offers by entering details about your van. You will be matched with the right van buyer ready to pay cash for your van.\n            <\/p>\n\t\t\t\n          <\/div>\n         \t <form class=\"row g-4 g-sm-5 gy-5 get-quote-form\" style=\"margin-top:20px;\" action=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/my-details\" method=\"post\" id=\"reg_form\" name=\"reg_form\">\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n      <div class=\"position-relative\">\n        <div class=\"gb-icon-wrap small\">\n          <img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/ssaq\/assets\/images\/icons\/gb.svg\" alt=\"GB\">\n        <\/div>\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"reg_num\" required=\"\" class=\"form-control gb-icon saq-reg_field_color saq-milage-field\" placeholder=\"ENTER REG \" title=\"Please enter registration number\" maxlength=\"7\" value=\"\">\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n          <input type=\"number\" class=\"form-control js-milage_commo saq-milage-field  saq-mileage_field_color\" name=\"mileage\" placeholder=\"MILEAGE\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-12\">\n      <button type=\"submit\" name=\"homesearch\" class=\"btn btn-big  saq-button-field btn-blue w-100\">SELL MY VAN<\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/form>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UK Rules and Licence Requirements for Driving a Van<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the UK, most people don\u2019t need an extra licence to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/driving-a-van\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drive a van<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you\u2019ve got a standard Category B car licence, you can usually get behind the wheel of anything up to 3.5 tonnes in gross weight. This covers the majority of small and medium vans.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, there are limitations where you need a Category C1 licence for driving a larger vehicle, like a Luton over 3.5 tonnes. Go over that limit, though, and things change. Some specialist commercial vans fall into this category too. If you\u2019re not sure where a vehicle sits, check the plated weight before you set off.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speed rules are another one that often catches people out. Vans under 3.5 tonnes don\u2019t always follow car limits:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/national-speed-limit-on-a-single-carriageway-road\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">single carriageways<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it\u2019s 50 mph, not 60.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On dual carriageways, it\u2019s 60 mph, not 70.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the motorway, it\u2019s the same as cars \u2014 70 mph.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step-by-Step Guide to Driving a Van<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Driving a van for the first time can feel daunting. Because they are a bit bigger and heavier than a usual car. You don\u2019t need to be anxious, and by following these simple, practical steps, you can easily drive a van.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Knowing the dimensions of your van<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First things first is knowing your van dimensions, that how tall and wide the van is. It sounds obvious, but it\u2019s easy to forget when you\u2019re focused on just driving. Plenty of beginners scrape mirrors or clip a kerb simply because they misjudged it. New van drivers usually forget it, and the best practice is to note it down on paper and stick it to the dashboard.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Getting set up<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The second most important step is adjusting your seat, mirrors, and steering wheel according to your sitting posture. This helps ensure clear visibility around your larger body. You won\u2019t have a normal rear-view mirror, so your side mirrors are your copilot. If there\u2019s a reversing camera or sensors, play around with them before you set off. And always check the back, anything loose will roll around, and you\u2019ll feel it through the steering more than you\u2019d expect.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Pulling off and changing gears<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vans are a bit heavier than normal cars, so they take longer to pick up speed. You need a bit more acceleration on incline roads or when <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/where-should-you-avoid-overtaking\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">overtaking<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The gearbox might also feel odd compared with a car. It is longer and less smooth. Try to keep your shifts steady so you don\u2019t jolt the whole vehicle, particularly if you\u2019ve got a load rattling around.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Manoeuvring and Cornering<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corners are tricky, where new drivers usually make errors. With a longer wheelbase, the rear wheels cut in tighter than the front. That means if you turn like you would in a car, you\u2019ll likely clip the kerb. Don\u2019t take sharp turns. Take it wider and use your mirrors constantly. Narrow streets, tight car parks, and overtaking everything take more room, so give yourself that space.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Braking and Stopping<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vans are a bit heavier, and they need more stopping distance. A van\u2019s weight means it simply won\u2019t stop as quickly as a car. Start braking earlier, and press more gently so you stay in control. If the van\u2019s empty, the back end can actually feel a bit light, and harsh braking could unsettle it. Better to be smooth and cautious than slam the brakes and risk losing grip.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common Mistakes First-Time Van Drivers Make<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/assets\/empty.png\" data-original=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.exchangemycar.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F10%2Floading-cargo-in-van-1-.png&w=777&h=485\" class=\"img-fluid img-inherit img-cover lazy\" alt=\"loading-cargo-in-van - how to drive a van\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jumping from the car to the van makes many people up to many unwanted mistakes. A lot of first-timers treat a van like it\u2019s just a bigger version, and that\u2019s where the problems start. Here are some of the slip-ups to watch out for.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>1. Misjudging the size:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Probably the number one mistake. Vans are taller, wider, and longer than most drivers expect. That\u2019s why so many mirrors end up scraped, or bumpers get caught on kerbs and barriers in car parks. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>2. Overloading or loose cargo<\/b><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/best-work-vans\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work vans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are used for cargo purposes, and the most common mistake people do is overloading or throwing stuff in the back without tying it down. A shifting load can change how the van handles, especially if it\u2019s heavy. It also makes braking distances worse. Always check the payload and strap everything securely, even if you are going on a short trip. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>3. Relying on the Rear-View Mirror<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike cars, most vans don\u2019t have a usable rear-view mirror. Relying on it can be dangerous. Instead, make full use of your large side mirrors and, if fitted, reversing cameras or sensors<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>4. Taking Corners Too Tightly<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cars let you cut corners sharply, while vans don\u2019t. The rear wheels track tighter than the fronts, which means if you steer like you\u2019re in a car, you\u2019ll clip posts or kerbs. Take corners wider, even if it feels odd at first.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>5. Forgetting about blind spots<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blind spots are much bigger in vans. Not checking properly before a lane change or turn is risky. Use the mirrors, glance over your shoulder where you can, and don\u2019t rush.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safety Tips for Van Drivers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Driving a van comes with unique challenges, especially when the road or weather changes. Here are some essential tips.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. On Wet and Rainy Roads<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vans don\u2019t stop as quickly on wet ground, so easing off the accelerator early really helps.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spray from bigger vehicles can blind you for a moment. Keep your wipers and lights on.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tyres matter more than you think. Keeping the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-check-tyre-tread\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tyres&#8217; tread<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in good condition helps in grip and reduces aquaplaning.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. On Snow and Ice Conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try pulling away in second gear if the wheels are slipping. It keeps things smoother.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Double, even triple, your normal gap\u2013stopping distances can be shocking on ice.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A simple kit in the back, like a scraper, a warm coat, and a torch.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. On Motorways<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Passing lorries can feel like a shove in the side. Leave yourself more room before pulling out.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, vans have slightly stricter limits than cars. Easy to forget on long runs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smooth lane changes keep the load steady and stop the van from feeling twitchy.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. City and Urban Roads<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/pedestrian-crossings-uk\/\">Pedestrians<\/a> and cyclists can vanish in blind spots. A second glance in the mirrors is never wasted.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Think about where you stop. A van sticking out at a junction causes chaos.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re unsure when reversing, get someone to guide you \u2013 better than scraping a bollard.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How old do you have to be to drive a van UK?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You don\u2019t need to be older than 17 to drive a small van. As long as you hold a full UK car licence, you can usually get behind the wheel of anything up to 3.5 tonnes. That covers most hire vans and medium-sized models.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to drive a van without a rearview mirror?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most vans don\u2019t have one you can use because of the solid back or bulkhead blocks it completely. That\u2019s why the side mirrors are so big. They give you a far wider view than a car mirror does, but you have to get used to checking them constantly. A lot of newer vans add reversing cameras or sensors, which makes life easier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the speed limit for vans on UK roads?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vans up to 3.5 tonnes have slightly different limits from cars:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Built-up areas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 30 mph<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Single carriageways<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 50 mph (cars can do 60)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dual carriageways<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 60 mph (cars can do 70)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Motorways<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 70 mph (same as cars)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always check for local <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/uk-road-signs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">road signs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as lower limits may apply in some areas.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can I drive a van on a normal car licence?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, you can. A standard Category B car licence covers most everyday vans, up to 3.5 tonnes. This covers the majority of delivery vans, Transit-sized models, and similar vehicles. To drive larger vans or minibuses, you may need a Category C1 or D1 licence.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do I need special training to drive a van?<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No formal training is required for standard vans, but it\u2019s recommended if you\u2019re not confident. Some van hire companies offer a short familiarisation session, covering controls, blind spots, and safe loading. If you\u2019ll be driving professionally, extra training (such as Driver CPC) may be required.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Final Verdict: How to Drive a Van<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Driving a van is not as complicated as it seems, though it needs extra vigilance. The basics are the same as a car, but the extra size, weight and blind spot make it a little tricky to drive. Before driving a van, you should be aware of some basics, like knowing the legalities of driving a van, its dimensions and weight. However, most mistakes new drivers make are that they treat a van exactly like a car.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>For more van-related expert advice, visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/\">blog<\/a> section.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learning how to drive a van for the first time could be a bit daunting because it\u2019s taller, wider, and heavier than a normal car. The steering also feels heavier and takes more effort. Once you know what to expect, it\u2019s much less stressful than you might think.\u00a0 This guide breaks it down simply. You\u2019ll [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":6779,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[181,1],"tags":[1696,1695,1694],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9979"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9979"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9979\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11967,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9979\/revisions\/11967"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6779"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9979"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9979"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9979"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}