1st time driving van

photome

owen_money wrote: »

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

Only if its white!

marlot

The first time I drove a (rear wheel drive) van, I spun it at the first roundabout. Low gearing, no weight in the back. Fortunately no harm done, but with limited visibility it was hard getting back the right way around. It was 30 years ago, and not a mistake I've ever made since!

AdrianC

One other... Remember there's no windows aft of the doors. So, when you pull up at an angled junction, try to do so as square as possible - especially when the narrow angle is on the left hand side.

custardy

mgdavid wrote: »

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

in a car you have rear side windows if needs be

GlynD

You'll be surprised how quickly you adjust to it. Just be confident.

bigjl

If it is a Luton or any van with a large rear overhang the back end will come out when turning sharply at low speed

And watch for cyclists entering you blindspots, the only way to be sure is continued mirror checks. Particularly at low speeds and when stationary at traffic lights

Also be aware that as the wheelbase is likely longer thsn anything you have driven previously you have to watch your clearance when turning round sharp corners as the middle will cut in and the rear wheel needs to be watched so it doesn't clio the kerb or obstacles

Take it slow and as mentioned above live by your mirrors nothing is more important in a van than good observations.

If you are driving in a large city keep a look out for cyclists as of late they seem more and more suicidal or simply lacking in common sense.

custardy

bigjl wrote: »

If it is a Luton or any van with a large rear overhang the back end will come out when turning sharply at low speed

And watch for cyclists entering you blindspots, the only way to be sure is continued mirror checks. Particularly at low speeds and when stationary at traffic lights

Also be aware that as the wheelbase is likely longer thsn anything you have driven previously you have to watch your clearance when turning round sharp corners as the middle will cut in and the rear wheel needs to be watched so it doesn't clio the kerb or obstacles

Take it slow and as mentioned above live by your mirrors nothing is more important in a van than good observations.

If you are driving in a large city keep a look out for cyclists as of late they seem more and more suicidal or simply lacking in common sense.

continuous mirror checks for cyclists should be the norm in any vehicle
How many drivers check their left mirror on every left turn?

Iceweasel

TheEffects wrote: »

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

What size of van are we talking about here?

What make? How long?

I know someone who was accustomed to driving a mini-sized car and hired a long wheelbase Transit. First LH corner they ran over the kerb and wrecked a rear tyre.

Luckily no pedestrian was standing on the corner - or a kiddy, or a nun with a box of kittens.

Also look out for cyclists coming up behind you on the left.

And look out for folks treating you like rubbish as there seems to be a hatred of white van drivers for some unknown reason.

Captain_Flack.

custardy wrote: »

continuous mirror checks for cyclists should be the norm in any vehicle
How many drivers check their left mirror on every left turn?

How many cyclists try to pass a car on the nearside when indicating left?

custardy

Captain_Flack. wrote: »

How many cyclists try to pass a car on the nearside when indicating left?

Does it matter
We are talking about advice to a driver
Plenty of cycle 'advice' threads on the go as it is