1st time driving van

colino

If you get a diesel luton from one of the national chains, load it up and use top gear, you wont be overly concerned with breaking national speed limits.

iolanthe07

Car licenses are allowed upto a max of 3.5 tons.

My car licence allows me to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes.

bugslet

Captain_Flack. wrote: »

What do you intend to carry?

With a gross weight of 3500kg you may find its at its max on weight long before volume.

If you are carrying weighty goods, make sure you know what you can legally load on the back of the van. Most LWB carry around 1100-1200 kgs, Lutons a bit less.

paddedjohn wrote: »

Don't forget your Yorkie bar (unless you're a girl)

Oi! Equality mate, we girlies can handle a Yorkie:p;)

ericonabike wrote: »

I drive a 3.5 ton motorhome and find it much more rewarding than driving a car. Your view ahead is much increased due to the higher seating position and to be honest I find the 'van very relaxing to drive. Chill and take it steady, treat your mirrors as your best friends and you'll be fine.

Yep, been driving vans for years now and I much prefer them to cars, good manoeverability, good vision and just as comfortable.

Iceweasel

iolanthe07 wrote: »

Car licenses are allowed upto a max of 3.5 tons.

My car licence allows me to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes.

Only 'cause you're an old git!

No offence - me too.

And minibuses too.

AdrianC

iolanthe07 wrote: »

Car licenses are allowed upto a max of 3.5 tons.

My car licence allows me to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes.

Those of us who passed our car tests before a certain date in 1997 got 7.5t (and "proper" towing rights), those who passed after got 3.5t and small trailers only.

iolanthe07

AdrianC wrote: »

Those of us who passed our car tests before a certain date in 1997 got 7.5t (and "proper" towing rights), those who passed after got 3.5t and small trailers only.

Thanks for that - had me worried for a minute as I have driven a 7.5 tonne US motorhome on a car licence! I passed my test in 1963.

Lum

iolanthe07 wrote: »

Thanks for that - had me worried for a minute as I have driven a 7.5 tonne US motorhome on a car licence! I passed my test in 1963.

Just make sure the relevant categories don't accidentally go missing from your licence when/if you exchange it for a photocard.

Slowly_does_it..

I did find I was fairly slow when I hired a van a while ago - pulling into a layby to let my tail overtake pleased a few, so if you do have a tail, please let them past!

Totally loving the comments about what newpapers to have on the dash etc, in that note, remember you are not allowed any distance between yourself and the car infront. You are expected to tailgate as close as possible.

(yes, I know that is not legal, it is being said tongue in cheek!)

Lum

I guess if we're doing that, don't forget to grow massive bushy arm hairs and drive with one arm out of the window, fag in hand while composing a text message with the other, and never use lane 1.

jblack_2

Watch out for idiots pulling out of side roads with the "I must beat the van" attitude too.:mad: