If you are used to driving smaller vehicles, then driving a van for the first time can feel daunting. Whether you’re a tradesperson needing long-term van hire for your work, a company or homeowner moving to a new location, or a fleet manager, getting comfortable behind the wheel of a van is easier than you might think. At Pace Van Hire, we’ve helped thousands of first-time van renters feel confident and in control. This guide covers everything you need to know to make your first van-driving experience safe, smooth, and stress-free.

Choosing The Right Van For The Job

When it comes to selecting which type of van you need for the job in hand, size matters! As does payload. Opting for a van that suits your requirements will directly affect safety, efficiency, cost, and ease of use, especially if you’re driving a van for the first time. For example:

  • A van that’s too large for your needs can be difficult to manoeuvre. On the other hand, a van that’s too small may become overloaded, which can not only be dangerous, but illegal too.
  • Bigger vans typically use more fuel. Making the right choice of van for your load requirements means you’ll avoid paying for unused space or extra fuel.
  • Stay legal by avoiding exceeding weight limits tied to your driving licence and prevent fines and insurance issues by choosing the right size van.
  • Protect your load by matching van size to load to avoid damage or shifting while on the road. Load up as efficiently as possible and utilise built-in anchor points.
  • A well-sized van is generally easier to handle, so first time drivers will feel confident and safe when driving.

What To Expect When Driving A Van For The First Time

We’re often asked, “are vans hard to drive?”, well, whilst it may feel alien at first, it is essentially much the same as driving a car in practice – the steering wheel, gear stick (if manual), and foot pedals are all where you are used to them being. However, the standout differences of a van to a car will be in relation to height, width, and visibility. So, be aware of height restrictions in car parks, under bridges, and at drive throughs.  Plus, take extra care of your side mirrors when driving down narrow roads or tight gaps. You’ll rely on your side mirrors more in a van as you may lack a rear-view mirror because of the solid payload area.

Vans also have larger blind spots, especially at the rear and just behind the side doors. So, ensure you always do a shoulder check before changing lanes or pulling out. Again, use your side mirrors often as they are your best tool for situational awareness. If you have blind-spot mirrors, take advantage of them.

Familiarise Yourself With Van Features And Fittings

Comfort is key! Before you start the engine, it’s important to get comfy and get to know your van:

  • Adjust the seat – make sure you are sat at the right height, distance from the pedal and position. The driver’s seat is adjustable so you can get into the perfect position for you.
  • Move the mirrors – ensure your vision from the rear-view mirror (if you have one) and wing mirrors isn’t impaired.
  • Locate and learn all the controls and features – get accustomed with all the controls that you need from indicators and lights to windscreen wipers and fuel cap. Play around until you are confident where everything is, so your eyes are always fully on the road when driving.

Top Tips For Driving A Van For the First Time 

Once you have chosen the best fit van for your needs and you have familiarised yourself with the ‘feel’ of the van – you know where everything you need is located on the dashboard, you are mindful of its height, width and blind spots – then you are ready to take to the road! Here are our top loading and driving tips for first timers:

Know Your Route

Having a clear understanding of how you’re going to reach your destination, including a backup route, can significantly reduce the risk of getting lost and help keep stress levels down. While satellite navigation systems are useful, they aren’t foolproof – signal loss, technical issues, or unexpected road closures can occur. That’s why it’s always a good idea to familiarise yourself with your route in advance, just in case.

Luckily, at Pace Van Hire, we embrace data-driven decision-making. When you hire a van from us on a long-term business contract (12 months+), telematics will automatically be included so you will be able to optimise your route and benefit from a wealth of other features too.

Know The Speed Limits

Did you know that vans come with their own speed limit? Most vans have a lower speed limit than cars which tend to be weight based.

For example, our short wheelbase vans generally follow the same limits as a car (30mph), except on single and dual carriage ways where the limit is 10mph lower (but it will also be weight dependent – if your gross vehicle weight is over 3.5 tonnes, the limit will change.

In contrast, our Luton vans (like other vans weighing over 3.5 tonnes, have reduced speed limits in the UK. The max speed on a motorway is 60mph, 50 mph on dual and single carriageways, but in built-up areas the limit remains 30 mph.

Comprehensive information on UK speed limits for vans can be found on the gov.uk website.

Familiarise Yourself With The Van’s Height, Width, And Weight

  • Know your van’s height and look out for height warning signs when in car parks and approaching bridges etc
  • Give yourself extra space when overtaking cyclists or navigating construction zones
  • Ensure your side mirrors are in the best position for you before you drive – you will rely on these heavily
  • Adjust your driving style to match your load. An empty van handles very differently to one that is fully loaded up. With no weight in the back, vans can feel lighter, bouncier, and more affected by wind – especially at higher speeds. Alternatively, a heavily loaded van takes longer to brake and may respond more slowly when accelerating or turning.

Load Your Van Safely And Efficiently

Packing your van properly isn’t just about making everything fit, it’s essential for safety, vehicle handling, and protecting your cargo. Poorly loaded vans can lead to shifting loads, increased braking distances, or even damage to your items or the van itself. By securing heavy items, distributing weight evenly, and following proper lifting techniques, you reduce the risk of injury and ensure a smoother, safer drive. For more guidance, check out our Van Packing Tips and Lifting Heavy Items guides.

Turning, Braking, And Acceleration Tips

  • Take wider turns, especially to the left (in the UK), to avoid clipping kerbs or other vehicles
  • Go slowly around corners as vans don’t handle as tightly as cars
  • Heavier vans will need more time and distance to stop so brake gradually and early
  • Be extra cautious in wet or slippery conditions
  • Don’t expect the same speed as a car. Vans are built for load, not speed
  • Accelerate steadily to avoid straining the engine or losing control, especially when loaded up

 

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Parking And Manoeuvring A Van

Parking a van can be more challenging compared to parking a standard car. Parking sensors and cameras will help you if you have them, but otherwise, stop the van completely (if traffic conditions allow), get out and assess the space so you can get a good sense of the space available and what you can see in your wing mirrors. Take your time and don’t feel pressured to rush, and don’t feel embarrassed to retry if you are not confident you are lined up correctly.

Take care when reversing and do so as safely as possible. If you’re navigating a tight urban area or narrow street, take your time and ask a passerby to spot you if you can – two sets of eyes are better than one!

Insurance And Legal Considerations

Before setting off, always check you are fully covered and legally compliant. Be sure to check that your hire agreement includes the right insurance for your needs (i.e. sole trader, house move, fleet management). The named driver needs to hold a valid licence for the van size and be aware of any mileage limits or added charges. Plus, know what to do in the event of an accident or breakdowns, so you know what to do if it does occur.

We hope these tips help first-time van drivers feel more confident and prepared, whether it’s understanding your vehicle, knowing what to expect on the road, or being aware of key safety and legal considerations. If you’re thinking about long-term van hire or expanding your business fleet, get in touch with the team at Pace Van Hire, we’d be happy to help you find the right solution.

FAQs For First-Time Van Drivers

Can I Drive A Van On My Licence?

Yes! If you hold a standard UK driving licence (Category B), you can drive most vans up to 3.5 tonnes. For larger vehicles, such as Luton vans with tail lifts or heavier loads, you may need a different licence category.

What If I’ve Never Driven A Large Vehicle Before?

That’s completely normal! Most first-time drivers adjust quickly. Take your time, get familiar with the controls and mirrors before setting off, and drive cautiously, especially when turning or reversing.

How Can I Keep My Van Safe?

Always lock the van when unattended, park in well-lit areas, and don’t leave tools or valuables in plain sight. For more tips, check out our Tradesperson’s Guide to Van Safety.

Do I Need Special Training?

No special training is required for standard van hire, but if you’re nervous or planning to drive regularly, a short familiarisation session or online driving tutorial can boost your confidence.