Driving a van

By the end of this topic you can

• You can find out your van's height, width and length and use them to plan a route.
• You can set and use mirrors to cover the larger blind spots of a van.
• You can reverse a van safely using mirrors, cameras or a helper.
• You can adjust for crosswinds, a high centre of gravity and a heavy load.
• You can position a long van for tight left and right turns.

What you need to know and understand

• The same road rules apply in a van as in a car, but your vehicle's size and weight change what is safe.
• Height limits on bridges, car parks and barriers are shown in metres; know your van's height including any roof rack or load.
• A panel van usually has no useful view through the back, so you rely on door mirrors, cameras and sensors.
• There is a large blind area behind and down the nearside, where a child, cyclist or bollard can hide.
• Empty high-sided vans are easily pushed by crosswinds, while loaded vans take longer to stop.
• Goods vans go for the commercial roadworthiness test (CVRT) rather than the NCT.

Know your dimensions

Write your van's height and width on a label in the cab. Watch for warning signs for low bridges and width restrictions, and remember that multi-storey car parks, drive-throughs and some hotel and hospital entrances have low barriers. A high-roof van can be over 2.5 metres tall, and a roof rack adds more.

The van is also longer than a car, so it needs more room to pull in after overtaking, more space to turn and a longer gap to pull out of a junction into traffic.

Mirrors, blind spots and reversing

Adjust both door mirrors so you can just see the side of the van and as much of the road behind as possible. Many vans have a wide-angle lower section; use it to watch the kerb and cyclists close alongside. Before moving off, changing lanes or turning left, check both mirrors and lean forward to see past the windscreen pillars.

Reverse only when you must, and as little as possible. Reversing cameras and sensors help but do not see everything.

1. Where you can, park so that you drive out forwards rather than reversing into traffic.
2. Get out and look behind the van if you are not sure what is there.
3. Ask a helper to guide you, standing where you can see them in your mirror.
4. Reverse at walking pace, checking all mirrors and the camera in turn.
5. Stop at once if you lose sight of your helper.

Handling weight and wind

• Take bends and roundabouts more slowly, because a tall van leans more and can tip if loaded high.
• Leave a longer following gap, especially when loaded or on a wet road.
• On open roads and bridges, expect gusts from gaps between hedges and buildings; slow down and keep both hands on the wheel.
• When turning left in a long van, avoid swinging out early; check the nearside mirror for cyclists before and during the turn.
• Carry passengers only in proper seats with seat belts, never in the load area.

Common mistakes

• Forgetting the van's height at a car park barrier or low bridge. Know the figure and look for the signs.
• Reversing on camera alone. Use mirrors too and get out and look if in doubt.
• Braking as late as you would in a car. Allow for the weight you are carrying.
• Ignoring wind warnings with an empty van. Slow down or delay the trip in severe gusts.

Test yourself: Driving a van

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.