We know how hard work it can be driving in and around busy towns and cities, constant stop-start traffic, narrow roads, and tireless gear changes all add up to a tiring day behind the wheel. That’s one reason automatic vans are becoming increasingly popular across the UK. They offer a smoother, more relaxed drive, particularly for drivers covering short built-up routes or swapping between different vehicles during the day.

Despite their growing appeal, automatic vans are still relatively rare to find in hire fleets, especially short wheelbase models designed for city driving and site work. That’s starting to change. At Pace Van Hire, we’ve recently added ten short wheelbase automatic vans to our fleet, giving customers access to a type of vehicle that combines compact practicality with effortless driving.

Transmission choice might seem like a small detail, but as we explored in our recent blog What Makes a Van Fit for Public Sector Work? A Breakdown by Use Case, every aspect of a van’s design can make a difference to its suitability for specific jobs. In this practical guide, we’ll look at what makes automatic van hire worth considering, the benefits it brings in real-world use, and when a short wheelbase automatic might be the perfect fit for your work.

What Is Automatic Van Hire? 

Automatic van hire simply means renting a van with an automatic transmission rather than a manual gearbox. Instead of changing gears yourself, the vehicle does it for you, leaving you free to focus on the road, your surroundings, and the job at hand.

For many drivers, especially those who spend time in built-up areas or handle frequent start-stop journeys, the difference is noticeable. Automatic vans take away the need for clutch control in heavy traffic, hill starts, or tight manoeuvres, making driving smoother and less tiring.

In the UK, most hire vans are still manual, which means many people haven’t had the chance to experience how effortless an automatic can feel. But as automatic cars have become more common, so too has demand for automatic commercial vehicles, particularly among tradespeople, delivery services, and public sector teams where multiple drivers may share the same van.

easy-drive van hire also has a practical advantage for mixed-experience teams. It allows anyone with a standard driving licence to jump in and go, with no need to worry about stalling or gear changes. That’s part of why more businesses are choosing automatic vans for short-term work and town-based operations – they simplify the driving experience without compromising on performance.

Benefits of Hiring an Automatic Van 

Choosing an automatic van can make a bigger difference than you might think. Beyond comfort, automatic transmission can improve efficiency, accessibility, and driver confidence, particularly in busy, urban environments. Here are some of the key benefits of automatic van hire to consider:

  • Easier Urban and Stop-Start Driving

    Automatic vans truly come into their own in city traffic. Without the need for constant gear changes, drivers can glide through stop-start journeys more smoothly. In addition, the shorter wheelbase also offers a tighter turning radius which is perfect for navigating narrow roads, and multi-storey car parks.
    Together, this makes a huge difference for courier rounds, tradespeople working across multiple sites, or council drivers navigating busy residential zones.

  • Reduced Driver Fatigue and Stress

    Driving for work can be extremely tiring, so removing manual gear changes can dramatically reduce driver fatigue, especially on routes involving regular stops or hilly areas. Automatic transmissions allow drivers to stay more focused on the road, which not only improves safety but also helps maintain concentration throughout the working day.

  • Lower Risk of Wear and Tear

    Because there’s no clutch to manage, automatic vans often experience less wear from heavy city driving or inexperienced drivers. That can mean lower long-term maintenance needs and a more consistent driving experience across your team.

  • Accessible for Mixed-Experience Drivers

    For businesses or public sector teams where different drivers may use the same vehicle, automatic vans make things simple. They remove the learning curve of manual driving, making the van accessible to anyone comfortable behind the wheel of an automatic car. It’s a small change that can make a big operational difference.

  • A Smoother, More Relaxed Driving Experience

    Ultimately, automatic vans are about ease. They’re designed to make driving less of a chore and more of a seamless part of the working day. That’s why many drivers who try automatics for the first time rarely want to switch back.

When a Short Wheelbase Automatic Van is the Ideal Choice 

Not every job calls for a large van. Short wheelbase vans are prized for their manoeuvrability and practicality, making them ideal for city streets, tight work sites, and multi-drop drivers. Pairing that compact design with an automatic gearbox takes the ease of driving to the next level, reducing driver fatigue, simplifying operation for teams with multiple drivers, and allowing full focus on the road and tasks at hand.

In our recent post, What Makes a Van Fit for Public Sector Work? A Breakdown by Use Case, we looked at how factors like load space, emissions, payload and accessibility shape van choice. Now, with ten short wheelbase automatic vans in our Pace Van Hire fleet, businesses and public sector teams can enjoy all the practicality of a compact van while benefiting from the smooth, stress-free driving of an automatic.

Listen to Pace’s Chief Operating Officer, Kieron Tarbie talking about the new automatic van additions added to their extensive fleet:

Manual vs Automatic Van Hire: Which is Right for You?

Choosing between an automatic and manual van depends on your typical routes, team, and the type of work you do.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Consideration Automatic Van Manual Van
Ease of driving Very easy, less stressful in traffic Requires more skill and attention
Urban stop-start Effortless Can be tiring in congestion
Multi-driver teams Simple for all drivers May require training or experience
Driver fatigue Reduced Higher on longer or busy routes
Fuel efficiency Slightly lower Generally higher
Best for City, short-distance, public sector, shared fleets Long-distance, individual drivers, skilled drivers

When to choose automatic:

  • Frequent urban driving or stop-start routes
  • Vehicles shared between multiple drivers
  • Teams prioritising comfort and reduced fatigue

When to choose manual:

  • Long-distance trips with consistent drivers
  • Routes where fuel efficiency is a priority
  • Teams comfortable with manual gear control

Automatic van hire makes city driving, short routes, and multi-driver fleets easier and more efficient. Pairing a short wheelbase with an automatic gearbox adds manoeuvrability, comfort, and stress-free operation, ideal for public sector work, trades, and urban tasks.

Pace Van Hire’s ten short wheelbase automatic vans offer a rare chance to combine practicality with easy driving.

Ready to try one? Our short wheelbase automatics are available to hire now, giving you a smooth, flexible solution for any job.