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A van is an incredibly useful vehicle, whether you’re moving house, clearing out an overgrown garden, or transporting bulky items. But before you get behind the wheel, you may be wondering: can I drive a van? Do I need a special licence?
The good news is that most vans can be driven on a standard UK driving licence, but there are some exceptions. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about van driving licences, restrictions, and what types of vans you can legally drive.
The type of van you can drive depends on your driving licence category. If you hold a full car driving licence (Category B), you can drive a van with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of up to 3.5 tonnes (3,500kg). This includes small vans like the Citroen Berlingo and even some larger panel vans like the Mercedes Sprinter.
If you passed your driving test before January 1997, you may also have a C1 category on your licence. This entitles you to drive vans weighing up to 7.5 tonnes (7,500kg), covering nearly all vans on the road, as well as some small lorries.
To check what categories your licence includes, you can look at the back of your driving licence or use the gov.uk website, where you’ll need your licence number, National Insurance number, and registered postcode.
Every small van on the market weighs under 3,500kg even when fully loaded. If you hold a standard car licence, you can drive any small van without issue.
Medium vans remain within the 3.5-tonne limit, meaning they are also covered by a Category B licence. These vans offer a good balance between load space and ease of driving.
Larger panel vans can sometimes exceed 3.5 tonnes GVW, especially long-wheelbase or heavy-duty models. If the van’s weight exceeds 3,500kg, you will need a Category C1 licence to drive it legally.
Electric vans have an exemption due to their heavier battery weight. Drivers with a standard car licence can drive an electric van up to 4.25 tonnes (4,250kg). However, larger electric vans exceeding this limit still require a C1 licence.
Most pickup trucks are classed as dual-purpose vehicles and can be driven on a regular car licence. However, if the unladen weight exceeds 2,040kg, the vehicle may be classified differently, so it’s worth checking.
There is no specific ‘van licence’ in the UK. If you need to drive a vehicle between 3,500kg and 7,500kg and did not pass your test before January 1997, you must apply for a provisional C1 licence and take a C1 driving test.
If you need a van for a short-term job, renting from Big Van World is a great option. Whether you require a small van for city driving, a medium van for extra storage, or a large panel van for heavier loads, Big Van World has a wide range of vehicles to suit your needs. Our rental process is straightforward, with flexible hire terms and competitive pricing. Plus, all our vans are well-maintained, reliable, and ready for any job you have in mind. Contact Big Van World today to find the perfect rental van for your requirements.
For most drivers, hiring or buying a van is straightforward. As long as the van’s weight is within the limits of your licence, you can get on the road without any extra tests. If you’re ever unsure, check the van’s GVW and confirm your licence details before driving.