PERHAPS you’re moving from one house to another and want to drive the moving van yourself.

Some people may need to hire a van to complement their fleet or because they have pressing needs. Maybe you want to sort out your garden or haul all that junk to the tip, and hiring a van is part of the process.

Alternatively, some may want to rent a van to carry their friends or the kids’ team to an event.

The question is whether or not you’re allowed to drive it. If you already have a British driver’s licence, you may or may not be able to drive a hired van. What licence do you need to hire a van in the UK?

Renting a small van

If you want to hire a van that weighs less than 3.5 tons, then a standard UK driving licence or EC style licence is all you need to be allowed to drive it. You won’t need any other qualifications. However, the company can refuse to rent to you if you don’t have both your photo and paper driver’s licence with you.

The company may request your credit card and a current utility bill to make sure that they can tell that you are who you say you are. The utility bill shows your current home address, while the credit card information ensures they can charge you an excess deposit if necessary.

After all, your driver’s licence certifications are irrelevant if you can’t pay the rental fee.

Some companies only offer vans with manual transmissions. In these cases, you won’t be allowed to drive their vans if your licence is restricted to automatic vehicles. The alternatives are searching for a van hire service offering automatic transmissions, letting someone else drive the vehicle, or hiring a driver.

So, don’t assume that you’ll be able to get around it, and know that you could be facing some serious repercussions if you’re ever caught driving a vehicle you are not qualified to, even if you think you know enough about manual cars to drive one.

Renting a minibus

A category D driving licence is necessary to drive a 9 or more passenger seat van. A category D1 licence is necessary to drive a van with 9 to 16 passenger seats. You can meet these requirements by showing an old-style Group A licence or a new licence with categories B and D or D1 on the EC licence.

The older style of licence is often held by those who passed their driver’s test prior to 1997. Note that if you passed this driver’s test, you’ll be limited to a category B van, one with up to eight passenger seats, if you haven’t earned additional certifications. If you want to drive something bigger, you’ll have to take the driving test for vehicles in category D or D1.

Something that often causes trouble for drivers is their licence renewal. If you had a driver’s licence with categories C1 and D1 on it, these categories will not automatically be listed on the new one.

You’ll need to fill out additional paperwork to maintain the certification on your licence. And you may not be allowed to drive a vehicle limited to drivers in these categories if your licence isn’t in order, though you have prior certifications for it.

Driving a midsize van for any other reason

Drivers who pass the car test or category B after January 1997 can drive a minibus in certain situations if they meet certain conditions. For example, they can drive a van that weighs less than 4.25 tons if it has specialised equipment for disabled passengers.

However, the typical car driver can’t drive the van if it has a trailer attached. It may be allowed if you pass the driver’s test with a trailer; that is the category E licence endorsement.

There are also many other regulations regarding trailers and insurance, so make sure that you know them in detail if you intend to use one in any capacity.

There are also some restrictions when it comes to commercial purposes. So, before you do use it for business in any way, you have to make sure that your drivers have the proper qualifications and permits to do so.

People who want to drive the van for their own purposes, for social purposes, or as a volunteer can be reimbursed for expenses such as fuel and the rental fee. They are also required to have had a full driving licence for at least two years.

Additional advice for drivers of any rented vehicle

Regardless of the size of the vehicle, there are a few pieces of documentation you’ll want before you leave the rental business. Have a copy of the rental agreement, and read it thoroughly before you sign it.

Verify that the van’s mileage is correct in their paperwork, since you’ll have to pay the difference if they’re wrong. Check the fuel level and document it so that you can refuel the vehicle to at least that point before returning it.

Get information on whom to call if you have an accident or if the van breaks down. Find out where you leave the keys when you return the vehicle if you come back after hours. Document when they want the vehicle returned so you’re not hit with late fees.

Learn the dimensions of the van before you start driving. This reduces the odds that you try to drive under a low bridge or scrape up the van driving through a narrow gap. When you return the vehicle, check your credit card statement for discrepancies. Dispute extra charges as soon as possible.

Before you plan and pick up a van, ensure that you’re allowed to drive it. Understand the certifications on your licence, and if necessary, choose a different vehicle or make other arrangements before you show up to pick up a vehicle you aren’t allowed to drive.

For car and van hire you could try Car Hire Warrington as a good option.

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