1st time driving van

TheEffects

Hi

I am planning to drive a van for the first time, i just wanted to know if there are any tips I should follow that would help?

Thanks

dacouch

You need to use your mirrors much more so you're aware of anything coming up the inside or outside.

Check your mirror when turning as the off side may swing out into the traffic and your near side may clip the kerb.

Get someone to back you into spaces.

colino

You'll find most of them surprisingly nippy when empty if you use first gear; like anything else you'll have to get used to their size (no squeezing through Cinquecento gaps); and beware of it's height! Most hirecos don't include damage to tops as standard because of the amount of lutons that hirers try to park in their usual garage/multi-storey.

owen_money

Cut people up, overtake where possible or even if not, speed, tail gate and park on the pavement, run red lights. Don't forget if you put your hazzard lights on as you can then park anywhere you like

Lum

If you're approaching a T junction intending to turn right onto the main road, and that junction is not at 90 degrees, make sure you stop the van at 90 degrees to the main road or you won't be able to see cars approaching from your left.

mgdavid

Lum wrote: »

If you're approaching a T junction intending to turn right onto the main road, and that junction is not at 90 degrees, make sure you stop the van at 90 degrees to the main road or you won't be able to see cars approaching from your left.

very good advice although one might hope that the OP already does this even in a car, it's a good idea.

Shellshocker93

It might seem silly, but remember you are -

- Longer
- Taller
- Potentially wider

Use you mirrors a hell of a lot, especially when manoeuvring in an estate and take things a lot wider than usual. Also be careful of your load, don't overload as there are legal limits on weight.

AdrianC

TheEffects wrote: »

I am planning to drive a van for the first time, i just wanted to know if there are any tips I should follow that would help?

MIRRORS! Live by them.

Also, be aware that your perception of the steering lock required to manouvre will be different, as you're sitting much further forward in relation to the wheelbase length. That's even more marked if it's a van where the front wheels are underneath you. It's very easy to scrape the inside/middle on a wall.

Remember the reduced speed limits on single carriageways and non-motorway dual carriageways.

If it's a Luton body, then keep the speed down, since it WILL drink diesel like it's going out of fashion once you get it wound up a bit.

Think about how you load it. Remember that if you have to brake hard, the load will try to come forward in a hurry. Take plenty of rope, blankets, straps.

Other than that, you'll probably find it much easier than you fear.

Oldfatgrumpy

Bear in mind that a barrier or archway you can fit under when fully loaded may hit the roof when the van's empty. When helping someone to move house we had to let the tyres down to get out of a courtyard beneath a barrier which we drove under on the way in!

Stooby2

As you go past stuff, check in the nearside mirror to make sure you're leaving a suitable distance.

spacey2012

Remember vans have lower speed limits on some roads than cars !
If it is a rental, high resolution photograph in detail all sides before signing for it and make sure every single mark is down on the sheet and I mean all including bumper scuffs. ask for another sheet if needed, they play the one of the boys when handing them out and inspect with a magnifying glass when you take it back