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‘Can I drive a van on my licence’ is a common question among many car owners in the UK. This is a very valid ask since no one wants to get into trouble with law enforcement. If you’re still looking for an answer to that question, today is your lucky day, as this article is set to break down the licence requirement for vans in the UK.
Table Of Contents
Digested Answer: Can You Drive A Van On A Car Licence?
Yes, you can drive a van on a car licence. What is known as a standard car licence is a category B licence in the UK and it allows you to drive any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) up to 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes). This licence covers regular cars, vans and motor tricycles with a power output higher than 15 kW if you are over 21.
Long Story: 3.5-Tonne Van Licence Explained
Before we go any further, it is important to establish that there is no difference between a car driving licence and a 3.5-tonne van licence since both cars and vans fall under 3.5-tonne vehicles.
A full Category B licence is a standard driving licence and it allows you to drive vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes with eight passenger seats. Thankfully, the majority of commercial vans come in at 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes) or below. If you have a Category B licence, you can also drive electric vans of up to 4,250 kg (4.25 tonnes).
What Category Is A 3.5-Tonne Van?
A 3.5-tonne van falls under the light goods vehicle (LGV) category. This category covers commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 3,500 kg (3.5 tonne) or less. Light goods vehicles are typically used for the transportation of goods and other cargo in small quantities. The LGV categorisation for vehicles applies to the UK, Ireland and other European Union countries.
The Difference Between Category B and Category C Licence
The difference between Category B and C licence is the type of vehicle they allow you to drive. While Category B licence holders can drive 3.5-tonne vans and other light goods vehicles, you need a Category C driving licence to drive heavy goods vehicles.
The Cat B licence covers any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes) with up to eight passenger seats. You can also tow a trailer provided that it doesn’t exceed the 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass (MAM). Drivers who passed their test before 1 January 1997, can drive a van and trailer combination up to 8,250 kg (8.25 tonnes) MAM.
The Cat C driving licence is an upgrade on the Cat B licence as it allows you to drive vehicles over 3,500 kg with a trailer up to 750 kg (0.75 tonne) MAM. This includes trucks and very large vans.
Is There A Van Over 3.5 Tonnes?
Yes, there is a van over 3.5 tonnes. Although most vans have a MAM of 3.5 tonnes, there are some larger models designed for heavy-duty transportation. An example is the Ford Transit L4H3 panel van, which has a MAM of 4,700 kg (4.7 tonnes). There’s also the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 519 CDI, with a MAM of 5,000 kg (5 tonnes). There is definitely not a van over 7,500 kg (7 tonnes), though.
Note that the type of van itself doesn’t have anything to do with these legal provisions. MAM is the only thing important, not if the vehicle is a Luton, box van, tipper and so on. You can go over our article about driving a Luton van to check that.
Why Is Maximum Authorised Mass Important?
Maximum authorised mass is important because it ensures safety and optimal vehicle performance. By noting the MAM of a vehicle you can determine its maximum weight capacity (all passengers + cargo + unladen weight), which ensures perfect handling, braking and overall stability. Adhering to the maximum authorised mass also ensures your van performs optimally in terms of efficiency and overall longevity.
At the same time, exceeding the MAM has legal consequences, such as fines and penalties because it violates regulations put in place to ensure road safety. MAM may otherwise be known as gross vehicle weight (GVW) or permissible weight.
Check out our towing capacity chart to determine exactly how much your van can tow.
About Car Driving Test
The car driving test is designed to assess your ability to drive safely while complying with traffic rules on the road. The test is divided into a theory and practical session. The theory test consists of multiple-choice questions and hazard perception clips, which test your knowledge of road signs and safe driving practices.
The practical driving test, on the other hand, evaluates your ability to drive safely in various road and driving conditions. It involves driving independently while carrying out manoeuvres such as parallel parking, reversing and emergency stops.
SDVH’s van hire fleet offers everything from Luton vans to other spacious vehicles. Contact us today to hire a van in any part of the UK.
Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) For Vans
The driver certificate of professional competence is a qualification for commercial drivers of buses, coaches and trucks. Once you have obtained this qualification, you will be issued a CPC card allowing you to drive a vehicle weighing more than 3.5 tonnes or carrying more than 9 passengers. You typically don’t need a CPC card to drive most vans as they are under 3.5 tonnes. However, if your van exceeds the 3.5-tonne weight limit, you need to secure a CPC before driving for pay.
If you’ve already applied for CPC, here’s everything you need to know about monitoring your status.
Speed Limits For Driving A Van
The speed limit when driving a van depends on the type of road and the size of the van.
- Built-up Areas: In built-up areas, you’re typically restricted to a maximum speed of 30 mph (48 kph), unless a signpost indicates otherwise.
- Single Carriageways: On single-carriageway roads, this speed limit extends to 60 mph (97 kph) or 50 mph (80 kph) when towing trailers or caravans.
- Dual Carriageways: Dual carriageways offer a 70 mph (113 kph) speed limit for vans.
- Motorways: Like dual carriageways, motorways offer a 70 mph (113 kph) speed limit for vans.
It’s important to note that the local councils can set their own speed limits in certain areas, so look out for signs and adhere to the limits on them.
See here for a more in-depth guide to van speed limits in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Drive A 3.5-Tonne Van On A Standard Full UK Driving Licence?
Yes, you can drive a 3.5-tonne van on a standard full UK driving licence. A standard licence, also known as a Cat B licence, grants you the liberty to drive any 3.5-tonne vehicle with up to eight passenger seats. In fact, those who secured their Cat B licence before 1 January 1997 are allowed to drive a vehicle up to 7,500 kg (7.5 tonnes) or truck/van and trailer combination of up to 8,250 kg (8.25 tonnes) MAM.
Can I Drive An LWB Van?
Yes, you can drive a LWB van provided you have the correct licence. Despite their length, most LWB vans fall under the 3.5-tonne van category, which means you only need a standard licence to drive them. Just remember to be careful when driving as these vehicles tend to be more difficult to manoeuvre, especially when navigating tight streets.
Do I Need A CPC To Drive A 3.5-Tonne Van?
No, you don’t need a CPC to drive a 3.5-tonne van. A CPC, which means a certificate of professional competence, is only mandatory for drivers of buses, coaches and trucks. Note that you need a CPC licence if you drive for hire or reward a van that exceeds 3.5 tonnes or has more than eight passenger seats.
Do I Need A CPC To Drive A 3.5-Tonne Van With A Trailer?
No, you don’t need a CPC licence to drive a 3.5-tonne van with a trailer. Once you have the appropriate licence, which is a Category B licence, you can drive this vehicle freely around the UK. A Cat B licence allows you to drive a van weighing up to 3.5 tonnes (3,500 kg) with a trailer weighing up to 0.75 tonnes (750 kg).
Can You Drive A Van On A Provisional Licence?
Yes, you can drive a van on a provisional licence. However, this van must not exceed the 3.5-tonne maximum weight, which the licence covers. Additionally, you must be accompanied by a full driving licence holder who’s 21 or over and has had their licence for at least three years. Once you secure your full licence, you can drive without a guide in the vehicle.
Conclusion
Now you don’t have to keep asking ‘Can I drive a van?’ Van licence requirements in the UK are pretty straightforward. Once you have a standard licence, you can drive any 3.5-tonne van with up to eight passenger seats or an electric van up to 4,250 kg (4.25 tonnes). If your vehicle exceeds this permissible maximum weight or seating limit you most likely need a CAT C licence. There are only exceptions for those who secured their licence before 1 January 1997.
