Driving a Van
Who can drive a van? The speed limits and weight limits that apply, and rules on loading explained.
We are a family-run van hire company, serving the people of Preston for over 30 years. We offer a wide range of quality hire vehicles suitable for whatever your needs. Providing affordable, reliable van hire for personal and business use, with a wide range of vans available for same-day hire from our local branch. Therefore, whether you’re moving house, collecting bulky items, or need a short-term commercial vehicle, we have the right van at competitive rates.
Please see the following guide on the rules of driving a van.
Check if you can drive a van
With a standard car driving licence you can drive a:
- van up to 3,500kg
Vans have lower speed limits than cars and car-type vans.
| Type of van | Built up area* | Single carriageway | Dual carriageway | Motorway |
| Van | 30 mph | 50 mph | 60 mph | 70 mph |
| Car-type van | 30 mph | 60 mph | 70 mph | 70 mph |
| Van and trailer | 30 mph | 50 mph | 60 mph | 60 mph |
NOTE: The 30 mph limit usually applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise.
You can be fined up to £1,000 (£2,500 for motorway offences) and get 3 to 6 penalty points for speeding.
Weight limits and loading
Weight limits and loading
Your van has a maximum it’s allowed to weigh when loaded. This is called the ‘design gross weight’, which you can find on your van’s vehicle identification number (VIN) plate.
It’s sometimes known as the ‘gross vehicle weight’ or ‘laden weight’, but means the same thing.
What the weight limit includes
It’s the maximum the van is allowed to weigh, including the weight of the:
- van
- driver and passengers
- fuel
- load
In the UK
If you drive a van for business for more than 4 hours a day, you must follow the Great Britain domestic rules on drivers’ hours.
They outline your working hours and the rest periods you must take.
You can be fined up to £300 for exceeding daily driving limits.
Roadside checks for commercial vehicle drivers
The police and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) officers can ask you to stop at the roadside.
They have the power to carry out spot checks on your van and issue prohibitions if necessary. A prohibition prevents you from driving until you get a problem with your van fixed.
Police and DVSA officers can also issue fixed penalties if you commit an offence.
Being self-employed or employing other drivers
By law, employers and self-employed people must:
- assess the risks to anyone who might be affected by their work activity
- take appropriate preventive and protective steps to control these risks
You’re responsible for making sure:
- the van is safe to drive
your drivers are suitably trained, aware of road traffic law.
If you would like any further information, then just call in to our Preston branch or give us a call on 01772 886888. You van also send us an email to: preston@easihire.co.uk
Business Hours
Monday-Friday 8am-6pm
Saturday 8am-2pm
Sunday 9am-12:00 pm
* Open on Bank Holidays