Are you thinking about making the leap from driving a car to handling a van? Perhaps you’re considering a job that requires van driving, or you might be planning a DIY home move. Whatever your reasons, driving a van is different from driving a car, and the kind of licence you hold can determine what you're allowed to drive. Here’s a breakdown to help you figure out if you're ready to get behind the wheel of a van.
The Standard Car Licence: Category B
In the UK, the most common driving licence is the Category B, which permits the holder to drive vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM). This includes most of the standard vans you see on the roads, like the Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter. If you passed your car driving test on or after 1 January 1997, this is likely the licence you have.
Here's what you can drive with a Category B licence:
Car-derived vans: These are essentially cars that have been modified into a van format. Think Ford Fiesta Van.
Standard vans: These are your typical workhorse vans, like the Ford Transit.
Combination of vehicle and trailer: Where the combined MAM doesn’t exceed 3.5 tonnes.
The Limitations
While a Category B licence covers a good number of vans, it doesn’t allow you to drive larger vehicles or carry heavy loads. If the van you’re interested in has a MAM over 3.5 tonnes, or if you're planning to haul a particularly hefty load, you’ll need to look into obtaining a different category of licence.
In addition to the weight of the van, there are other requirements that you must meet in order to drive a van in the UK. These include:
- You must be at least 17 years old.
- You must have a valid driving licence.
- You must obey the speed limit for vans, which is 70mph on motorways and 60mph on other roads.
- You must be aware of the special rules that apply to driving vans, such as parking in designated parking spaces and not overloading the van.
You can visit the official government website to determine which types of vehicles you are permitted to drive.
Larger Vans and Category C1 Licence
If you're aiming to drive a larger van, often referred to as a Light Goods Vehicle (LGV) that weighs between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, you’ll require a Category C1 licence. This licence is typically pursued by those who need to drive for professional reasons, such as delivery drivers or those in the moving industry.
How to Upgrade Your Licence
If you find you need a different licence category:
Pass the theory test: Before you can take the practical test for the C1 licence, you'll need to pass the LGV theory test.
Medical Examination: You will be required to pass a medical exam to ensure you're fit to drive larger vehicles.
Practical Training and Test: It's often recommended to take a C1 training course, which will culminate in the practical driving test.
Can I drive a minibus?
In the UK, the entitlement to drive a minibus depends on various factors, including when you passed your driving test and for what purpose you're driving the minibus. Here are some general guidelines:
Standard Car Licence (Category B):
- If you passed your driving test before 1 January 1997, you might already have the entitlement to drive a minibus (you can drive a minibus with a maximum of 17 seats, including the driver's seat) for private use without needing any additional tests. This will be indicated by category D1 (not for hire or reward) on your licence.
- If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, you can only drive a minibus if:
- You're driving on a voluntary basis.
- The minibus is used for social purposes by a non-commercial body.
- You have held your car driving licence for at least 2 years.
- You're aged 21 or over.
- The minibus maximum weight is not more than 3.5 tonnes (or 4.25 tonnes if including any specialist equipment for disabled passengers).
- You're not towing a trailer.
Driving Professionally:
If you're planning to drive a minibus for hire or reward (i.e., if you'll be paid), you'll typically need to pass the Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) driving test and get the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC).
Minibus Permit:
If you're a non-profit and want to drive a minibus for your organization (and might even charge for it, but not for profit), you might be eligible for a minibus permit, also known as a Section 19 permit. This will allow certain organizations like schools, charities, and clubs to operate a minibus without a full PCV license.
Always remember, these rules can be subject to change, and there might be nuances and additional requirements. It's always a good idea to check the official DVLA website.