How to Drive a Van: Larger than cars but smaller than semi trucks, vans offer the perfect balance for those who need to transport large loads while still enjoying a relatively affordable and compact vehicle. Whether you’re renting or driving your own, understanding a few basic road rules can help ensure the safety of both you and others on the road.
Part 1 .Getting Ready to Drive
How to Drive a Van
Driving a van can be a bit different from operating a car or a semi truck, but with some preparation and practice, you’ll be ready to safely navigate the roads. Whether you’re renting a van or using your own, these simple steps will help ensure a safe and smooth experience.
Step 1: Adjust Your Seat and Mirrors
First, ensure you’re comfortable and have a clear view of the road. Move your seat forward or backward until you can comfortably reach the pedals while maintaining visibility of your mirrors. Adjust your mirrors so you can see the adjacent lanes and a small portion of the van’s edges. Many vans, especially those built for cargo, might not include a rearview mirror, so your side mirrors become crucial for visibility.
For vans with extendable side mirrors, which are often found on vehicles designed to carry trailers, adjust them so that when the van and trailer are perfectly aligned, you can see a small part of the trailer. This will help you maintain safe distance and avoid potential collisions.
Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with the Dashboard
Modern vans often have dashboards that are similar to those in regular cars, but you should still take a moment to learn the layout and design. Check for any additional gauges or icons that might be specific to larger vehicles, such as multiple gas tanks or even dashboard cameras. Some vans may also have specialized controls or indicators for the size and weight they carry.
If you’re unsure about any gauges or warning lights, refer to the user manual for clarification.
Step 3: Load Your Cargo Evenly and Secure It
Many vans are designed to carry large items like furniture or bulky packages. To prevent your cargo from shifting while driving, distribute the weight evenly across the van. Try to balance the load between the front, rear, left, and right sides of the van. Additionally, use bungee cords or other securing methods to keep items stable and in place during transit.
Make sure that the cargo doesn’t obstruct your mirrors or line of sight, and that it doesn’t interfere with the safe operation of the van.
Step 4: Stay Under the Weight Limit
Every van has a specific weight limit that should not be exceeded. Overloading the van can cause vehicle damage and affect your ability to drive safely. To find the maximum weight your van can carry, check the user manual or search for the model specifications online. This information might also be available from the dealership where you rented or purchased the vehicle.
Step 5: Acquire Van Insurance or Certification if Necessary
Before hitting the road, make sure your van is properly insured, especially if you’re renting or borrowing it. In some regions, you may also need to apply for a local or state certification before driving a van, especially if it’s larger than typical vehicles. For more information on insurance and certification requirements, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or visit their official website.
Step 6: Practice Driving the Van in Empty Parking Lots and Small Streets
Since vans are larger and often more difficult to maneuver than standard cars, take some time to practice driving in low-stress environments. Empty parking lots or quiet streets are perfect places to practice braking, accelerating, and turning. This will help you get used to the size and handling of the van without the risk of colliding with other vehicles or pedestrians.
Additional Resources and References:
- Vehicle Weight Limits and Safety – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Van Insurance Information – Guide to insuring your van
- How to Drive a Large Vehicle – DMV resources for driving large vehicles safely
By following these basic tips and familiarizing yourself with the van’s features, you’ll be well on your way to driving with confidence and safety.
Part 2 Driving Safely
How to Drive a Van Safely: Essential Tips for New Drivers
Driving a van can be an entirely different experience from driving a regular car. Vans are larger and heavier, so it’s important to adjust your driving habits to ensure safety on the road. Here are some key tips to help you drive a van safely and efficiently.
Step 1: Drive with 2 Hands Firmly on the Wheel
No matter what vehicle you’re driving, keeping both hands on the steering wheel is essential for maintaining full control. For maximum control, imagine your steering wheel is a clock and position your hands at the 9-o’clock and 3-o’clock positions. This is especially important when driving a van, as the larger size and weight can make it more difficult to control. A firm grip helps prevent accidents, including the risk of a rollover in more extreme circumstances.
Step 2: Leave Extra Space Between You and Other Vehicles
Vans are heavier and bulkier than most cars, so they take longer to brake. To ensure you have enough time to react in case of sudden stops, leave more space than you would with a regular car. A good rule of thumb is to maintain at least 4 seconds of distance between your van and the car ahead.
To measure this, wait until the vehicle in front passes a stationary object like a road sign or tree. Start counting the seconds it takes for you to pass the same object. If you reach it too soon, increase the gap.
Step 3: Obey Van-Specific Speed Limits
In some areas, vans may be subject to special speed limits that are lower than the posted limit for regular cars. These speed restrictions often apply due to the size and weight of the van, which affects braking and handling. In most cases, the limit for vans will be 10 mph (16 km/h) lower than the maximum speed for regular vehicles. Before traveling, check local regulations to see if there are van-specific speed limits in your area. Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or search online for more details.
Step 4: Slow Down When Approaching Turns
Vans are generally taller and narrower than cars, making them more prone to tipping over, especially in sharp turns. To reduce the risk of a rollover, slow down significantly before turning. A good practice is to reduce your speed to 5-10 mph (8-16 km/h) when approaching sharp corners. This will help maintain control of the vehicle and keep you safe.
Step 5: Make Wide Turns
Making wide turns is essential for avoiding obstacles like curbs, road signs, and other vehicles. Before turning, ensure your van is in the left-most or right-most lane, depending on the direction of the turn. Keep enough distance from other vehicles to avoid side-swiping them during the maneuver. Wait until your vehicle is far enough into the intersection so that the back end of the van won’t hit other cars.
Step 6: Check Your Mirrors Before Backing Up or Changing Lanes
Before backing up or switching lanes, always signal your intentions using your blinkers. Then, check all of your mirrors for any other vehicles or pedestrians. If you’re driving a cargo van with a rear window, turn your head and look through it to check your blind spot. In some cases, it might be helpful to get out of the van to ensure there are no obstacles around the vehicle before reversing.
Step 7: Be Cautious Around Bridges and Low Ledges
Although vans are not as tall as semi-trucks, they are still much taller than regular cars. As a result, they might not be able to pass under certain low-clearance bridges or ledges. Always check clearance signs before driving under any bridges or structures. If the clearance height is less than the height of your van, do not attempt to pass under. Old bridges or clearance poles at gas stations and fast food restaurants are common places where you might encounter such low clearances.
For more detailed advice on driving large vehicles, visit these resources:
- Driving Large Vehicles: Tips and Techniques – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Van Safety Regulations – DMV guidelines for large vehicle drivers
- How to Safely Navigate Low-Clearance Areas – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
By following these tips and taking extra care when driving, you can ensure a safe and confident driving experience in a van.
Part 3 Parking Properly
Step 1: Park in Large, Open Spots and Designated Areas
Vans are typically longer than standard cars, so they require more space to park. When entering parking lots, try to find areas with extra room such as:
- Parallel parking spaces along the sides of the lot.
- Open areas with multiple available spots.
- Designated spots for large vehicles or trucks.
If none of these spots are available, use your best judgment. Either park carefully in a regular spot, wait for a larger space to open up, or find another lot with more accommodating parking.
Step 2: Back into Parking Spots to Make Getting Out Easier
Whenever possible, back into parking spaces rather than pulling forward. This can make it much easier to leave the space later, as you’ll have better visibility when reversing out. To back into a spot:
- Pull in front of the parking spot and brake.
- Shift into reverse, scanning your mirrors to ensure the area is clear.
- Turn the steering wheel toward the spot and gently release the brake pedal.
- Slowly back into the space, readjusting your vehicle as needed.
If you’re not confident backing up, consider placing a spotter or a traffic cone behind the vehicle to assist with the process.
Step 3: Parallel Park When Normal Spots Aren’t Available
If traditional parking spots are unavailable, parallel parking may be your best option. To parallel park a van:
- Find a space large enough for your vehicle and park next to the car in front of the space.
- Shift into reverse and release the brakes.
- Once your side window lines up with the car’s back bumper, turn your steering wheel toward the parking space and back into it.
- Once the van is at a 45-degree angle, turn the steering wheel the opposite direction to straighten out and continue reversing until you’re fully parked.
Parallel parking can be tricky with a van, so take it slow and use your mirrors often to avoid hitting surrounding vehicles.
Step 4: Apply Your Parking Brake
Because vans are larger and heavier, they are more prone to rolling when parked. Always engage your parking brakewhenever you park. Depending on the van, the parking brake may be a pedal beneath the steering wheel or a lever near the gear shift.
Important note: Only apply the parking brake when the van is in Park to prevent damage to the vehicle. Don’t forget to release the brake before you start driving again.
For more information on parking and vehicle safety, visit these helpful resources:
- How to Park a Large Vehicle – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Van Parking Tips and Techniques – DMV resources for drivers
