First time van driver

gcoopermax

For a trip with extended family, I am thinking of hiring 9-seater Ford Tourneo. However, having never driven a van, I am a bit overwhelmed as to how different it would feel. I understand there may not be rear view mirror, the driver position is at a height so spatial awareness will be tricky. Also dimensions of the van are a lot larger, so I am not sure if there are special manoeuvres I need to do while turning (I have seen buses/trucks take slight left turns before moving to right etc). Am I overthinking this? 

EssexExile

Yes you are overthinking this. It's just a big car. It won't accelerate as well as a car, or brake as well as a car or corner as well as a car but it will be fine if you don't try to be a boy racer in it.

cymruchris

Just remember it's a bit wider and longer than a regular car, take it slowly, and you'll get used to it in no time. Modern vans are not like vans of old. Gear change is normally nice and smooth, most have power steering and all mod cons.

tacpot12

I agree that you will find it easy to adjust. Base on my experience of hiring vans, the thing you will find most difficult is judging the length of the van when reversing. It would be sensible to have someone watch the back of the van as you are reversing. 

sevenhills

gcoopermax said:

For a trip with extended family, I am thinking of hiring 9-seater Ford Tourneo. However, having never driven a van, I am a bit overwhelmed as to how different it would feel. I understand there may not be rear view mirror, the driver position is at a height so spatial awareness will be tricky. Also dimensions of the van are a lot larger, so I am not sure if there are special manoeuvres I need to do while turning (I have seen buses/trucks take slight left turns before moving to right etc). Am I overthinking this? 

Some people drive cars poorly, if you are a good experienced driver you should be ok.

daveyjp

Roads will seem narrower, especially with parked cars, don't cut any corners as there is a lot of metal behind the driver, be careful of gate posts etc. Understand speed limits.  9+ seats have lower limits.

Also know the width for any temporary width restrictions in roadworks and height for height barriers.

cymruchris

And be careful going into multi-storey car parks....

njkmr

Have a little go on your own before loading it up with the family just to get used to it. 20 mins or so and it will be like you have had one forever..
Take it easy.

Alanp

And remember, speed limits are different in a van

Mildly_Miffed

gcoopermax said:

For a trip with extended family, I am thinking of hiring 9-seater Ford Tourneo. However, having never driven a van, I am a bit overwhelmed as to how different it would feel. I understand there may not be rear view mirror, the driver position is at a height so spatial awareness will be tricky. Also dimensions of the van are a lot larger, so I am not sure if there are special manoeuvres I need to do while turning (I have seen buses/trucks take slight left turns before moving to right etc). Am I overthinking this? 

It certainly will have rear-view mirrors. At least two of them, one on each door. Use them...

Assuming it's an L1 Tourneo Custom, it's 4.9m long, and 1.9m wide. That's only 50mm wider than a Mondeo, and 50mm longer. You wouldn't be scared of a Mondeo, would you?

The only real differences are the height of the driving position - which makes your view better - and the wheelbase... Even that's just 250mm longer than that Mondeo.

So, yes, get into the habit of keeping an eye on the LH door mirror when turning sharp left, because the inside of the wheelbase will cut a bit tighter. But don't worry too much.

Mildly_Miffed

Alanp said:

And remember, speed limits are different in a van

A Tourneo Custom will be M1 type approved, and the same speed limits as a car.