Driving advice and safety
Before you begin your journey...
- Check how much fuel you have before leaving and what type of fuel it needs. Also check what side the fuel cap is located to help you with your journey
- Make sure you know how to operate the vehicle and feel comfortable with driving a van this size (our guide below should help). Listen carefully to the advice from the hire company
- Ensure the doors to your van are closed properly and your load is secure (you should already have checked what your load weight should be)
- Plan your journey ahead so you don't get lost and so you can find the best route, it'll probably save you time in the long run
Tips for driving your van safely
- It is likely that this vehicle is bigger and longer than the one that you usually drive so get used to how it handles and it's responsiveness in an area of quiet traffic first. Take corners wider than normal to avoid mounting the kerb or hitting another vehicle
- Be aware of the height of the vehicle so that you can negotiate low level bridges and car parks safely
- Think about stopping distances. If you have a habit of driving a bit too close to the car in front be very careful, stopping distances in vans are longer, especially when carrying a heavy load.
- It is likely that the van you have hired has no back window, thus reducing your visibility. Make sure you know your blind spots before setting off and be aware of them whilst driving
- Be extra careful when reversing or parking the vehicle. only do so if you feel competent to do so and only when you have to
