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Tips and Tricks for New Van Drivers

Vanaways
Vanaways
3rd Feb 2023
Tips and Tricks for New Van Drivers

Congratulations on passing your driving test and becoming a van driver! Driving a van is a great way to make a living, but it does come with its own set of challenges. The prospect of manoeuvring a larger vehicle on the roads may feel a little daunting, but actually driving a van is no more difficult than driving in your normal car once you get used to it.

To help you approach your first van driving experience with confidence, the experts at Van Sales UK have put together some tips and tricks to help you navigate the road as a new van driver:

Brush up on your knowledge of the highway code

As a van driver, you are expected to know and follow the rules of the road, including speed limits and road signs. Make sure you are familiar with the highway code before hitting the road.

Get to know your van

New vans come with a variety of features and technologies, so take the time to familiarise yourself with the controls and settings of your van. It may sound obvious but make sure that you know how to turn the lights and windscreen wipers on so that you’re not caught out by a sudden downpour. This will help you to drive more confidently and safely.

Take it slow and steady

Driving a van is different from driving a car, and it can take some time to get used to the size and handling of your vehicle. You may feel pressure from other drivers to speed up or pull out before you’re ready. Don’t be afraid to take it slow and steady as you gain more experience on the road.

Be aware of your blind spots

Vans have larger blind spots than cars, so it’s important to take extra care when changing lanes or merging on the highway. Always check your mirrors and look over your shoulder before making a move. It’s worth doing this twice before you pull out just in case there is a cyclist or pedestrian that you didn’t initially spot. Take your time to check.

Plan your route in advance

Being a van driver often comes with the responsibility of making deliveries, so it’s important to plan your route in advance. If you have a sat-nav, type in the address in advance and have a look at the whole route overview before you set off. This will help you to avoid traffic, and save time on the road. It will also give you peace of mind as you’ll know where you are going and are less likely to get lost.

Keep your van in good condition

Regular maintenance and upkeep of your van is crucial to keeping it running smoothly and avoiding breakdowns on the road. Make sure to check your oil, tires, and brakes regularly, and keep up with any scheduled maintenance.

Are you looking to buy a new van? Van Sales UK commits to deals with major manufacturers to get our huge discounts so we can offer new vans at great prices. Contact us today.

Vanaways Reviews

   
Zoe Batchelor

Zoe Batchelor

17 January 2025

"Love the van, Perfect as the spec I ordered, Saving up for the next one, thank you Adrian and Team, Boyd Batchelor, Tillage Nurseries"

Lisa Russell

Lisa Russell

05 August 2024

"Found these guys online and was a little bit wary to buy a new van from someone I hadn't heard of. From the off, the first phone call was professional and gave me all the information that I needed, Theo was great, helpful and I proceeded to order my new van, Paige sorted the paperwork quickly and efficiently and within 10 days I had my new van delivered! The price was very competitive and all parts of the transaction were easy and hassle free, wouldn't hesitate to recommend these guys, Thank you so much for a really good experience."

Yusuf U. Gadzama

Yusuf U. Gadzama

20 August 2024

"I was looking for a good deal on a van online and then came across Van away, at first I was a bit sceptical but later went ahead and bought a Peugeot boxer on an unbeatable price online. The sell team were fantastic all the way and very helpful to say the least. I will highly recommend Van away to anybody that's looking for a van of any kind. Thanks Van Away for your first class service and I will be looking forward to a future deal."

Clare Wood

Clare Wood

19 November 2024

"Just purchased a 2nd van through Vanaways to add to our company fleet. Steve Catley was helpful, communicative and informative all the way through the process. We would definitely use Vanaways again, and would not hesitate to recommend them."

Jay Pee Ay

Jay Pee Ay

05 December 2024

"Paige was outstanding in her responsiveness to what presented as a serious problem for our company. The finance company used by her company caused unnecessary and significant delays in the delivery of our van - the pain of which was mitigated somewhat by Paige's proactive communication, informative and realistic communication and very professional demeanour. I'd recommend her and she meant our view of Vanaways was overall positive."

4.9 out of 5 from 441 reviews
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