If you’re a professional who needs to know how to drive a van for work, for your own and others’ safety, you need to know how to do so safely and efficiently. In this article, we’ll provide some essential tips for driving a van for the first time.
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How to Drive a Van? 10 Tips
Driving a van is a little bit different from driving a car, so it’s important to take the time to learn how to do it properly when you are driving a van for the first time.
1. Get to know your van
Firstly, before you start driving, familiarise yourself with the van’s controls and where all the buttons and switches are located. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident when driving. Next, it’s a good idea to practice in an empty car park to get used to the van’s size and handling.
2. Practise driving in an empty car park
If you are new to driving a van, it is a really good idea to practise in an empty car park before driving on the road for real. This will give you a chance to get accustomed to the size and handling of the van.
3. Adjust your driving habits
When talking about how to drive a van, you need to adjust your driving habits. Vans are larger and heavier than cars, so you need to drive more slowly and give yourself more time to stop and turn. It’s also essential to use your mirrors effectively since vans have larger blind spots than cars.
4. Use your mirrors effectively
Vans have larger blind spots than cars, so it’s essential to use your mirrors effectively. You may not even have a rear-view mirror so you will need to drive on your wing mirrors and reversing camera. Make sure they’re properly adjusted and check them regularly while driving.
5. Load your van carefully
If you’re carrying heavy or bulky items, make sure you load your van carefully. Distribute the weight evenly and secure everything properly to prevent shifting during transport using tie-down points and strong straps. This is one of the key safety tips for driving a van.
6. Invest in quality van racking and shelving systems
If you’re carrying heavy or bulky items, load your van carefully and distribute the weight evenly. You can also consider investing in quality total van solutions and shelving systems to keep your mobile workshop really organized.
7. Keep a safe distance
Since vans are larger and heavier than cars, they require more time and distance to come to a complete stop. Therefore, it’s important to keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you to avoid collisions or accidents.
8. Be aware of your surroundings
When driving a van, you need to be aware of your surroundings, especially when making turns or changing lanes. Always check your mirrors and blind spots before making any manoeuvres.
9. Take care when parking
Parking a van can be more challenging than parking a car, especially in tight spaces. Make sure you take extra care and use your mirrors and reversing camera to help you park safely.
10. Plan your route ahead of time
Remember to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and be aware of your surroundings, especially when making turns or changing lanes. Parking a van can also be challenging, so take extra care and use your mirrors and reversing camera to help you park safely.
Remember, driving a van is not the same as driving a car. By following these tips and taking the time to learn how to drive a van safely and efficiently, you’ll be able to confidently navigate the roads and ensure the safety of yourself and others when driving a van for the first time.
By following these essential tips for driving a van, you can become a confident and safe van driver. And if you’re looking for van racking including reliable and durable van-racking solutions, be sure to check out Tecnolam van racking for mobile workshops and customizable van-racking options.
