Tips on Driving a Van for The First Time?

anthonyyladd on 12/08/2018 - 22:32

I've just been offered a job where I will be driving a van at times during my shifts. My only concern is that I haven't driven a van before. I am 22 and have my full drivers license, am used to driving a Toyota Camry and Kluger (sedan and SUV) and I would say I am a competent driver in those two. I am not too familiar with how turning is in a van but my friends have said "It can't be much different from an SUV"

People who have had van driving experience, is there any advice for a first timer? Just want to be able to do my job well, thanks! First shift is on Tuesday.

Automotive

Comments

  • shrek4 on 12/08/2018 - 22:47
    +5

    Really not that different than driving a car. Main thing to pay attention to is the blind spots will be different. Just take it easy and double check blind spots.

    • anthonyyladd on 13/08/2018 - 00:47

      Will keep this in mind, thank you!

  • MrFrugalSpend on 12/08/2018 - 22:57
    +2

    Also if its a tall van it will lean in corners, dont take them too fast

  • spackbace on 12/08/2018 - 23:15
    +3

    Might turn a bit easier than the SUV so watch out for the sides with poles etc

    • anthonyyladd on 13/08/2018 - 00:47

      Definitely! Thanks for the tip.

  • ozzpete on 13/08/2018 - 00:19
    +2

    I recently went from never driving van or manual, to driving manual van . Recently drove sydney to gold coast and back .
    A few things I would suggest ..
    -Remember you have all the vehicle behind you ie. Regular car, you are in the middle. Especially important when reversing because you have sooo much more vehicle behind you.
    -Make sure van has a blind spot mirror (blind spot mirror add ons are only a few dollars at super cheap) . Get used to always checking your blind spot mirror and the regular side mirror.
    -Be extra careful, overly cautious, while you get experience at driving van, until you are more confident and competent. Better to be too careful, than not careful enough.
    -Be conscious of the van being rear wheel 2 wheel drive, if you are used to all wheel drive and 4 wheel drive SUV' , as I was. Also be aware of the extra weight of van, and drive accordingly.

    • anthonyyladd on 13/08/2018 - 00:47
      +1

      Thanks for the comprehensive advice!

    • airzone on 13/08/2018 - 00:49

      Like a ute, they can be a bit skittish in the rear if it's empty

      • Euphemistic on 13/08/2018 - 06:26

        The van may be front wheel drive, more and more are.

        But, either way and empty van will handle a lot differently to the same van with a load.

        Just take it easy until you get used to it.

        • anthonyyladd on 13/08/2018 - 10:44

          Thanks for the heads up. Will do!

  • jason101 on 13/08/2018 - 07:30
    +1

    If you are approaching a 2 or wider lane each direction road with a center median from a smaller side street (no traffic lights), don't attempt to turn right unless you have sufficient space to turn right and wait in the median in the direction of traffic flow, completely parallel with the traffic (so you can use your mirrors to check for traffic).

    • anthonyyladd on 13/08/2018 - 10:43

      Thanks for the tip, not sure about the turning circle on these vans but definitely don't want to end up clipping anything! I'll try and stay aware of how much space I have. Thanks!

  • dylo on 13/08/2018 - 09:25
    +1

    Good luck tomorrow OP!

    • anthonyyladd on 13/08/2018 - 10:40

      Thank you!

      • dylo on 13/08/2018 - 18:04

        Keep us updated! I am sure you will be fine.

  • ShannonN on 13/08/2018 - 09:35
    +1

    Can you drive a manual? Many company vans are manuals

    Watch for the blind spots on the sides when changing lanes, get used to the physical size lengthwise as you need to know when to stop without hitting car in front at shopping centre parking.

    Many vans are square nosed and can get closer then others so it varies, also allow for side door when unloading don't park next to a telegraph pole or signs as they will block your access for big items

    • anthonyyladd on 13/08/2018 - 10:42

      The hiring manager made me aware that the vans I'll be driving are automatic transmission.
      Thank you for those tips. I think getting used to the amount of length the van has behind me vs a car will be a challenge.

  • HighAndDry on 13/08/2018 - 10:13
    +1

    If you've driven a Kluger, you should be fine. Just go slow, check your blindspots, and be aware that you will have next to no acceleration so don't rely on it.

  • John Kimble on 13/08/2018 - 12:38
    +1

    Dunno what you will be driving, but as you should when you drive any "new" vehicle, you just need to take it easy until you get used to it.

    Personally I've only driven the GoGet Toyota HiAce vans a few times when moving stuff, pretty easy. Below is only based on my personal experience with the HiAce that I didn't see mentioned yet is

    • the suspension is pretty sproingy, everything squeaks and rattles
    • you need to ensure all cargo is secure/tied down to avoid movement in transit
    • related to point 1 and 2, (common sense but) go extra easy over speed bumps!
    • make sure you have enough room to open the back door when you park (if you need to open it)

    Edit: Lastly, on a lunchtime walk I recently saw a delivery van crunch (destroy) their left front headlight assembly into a bollard on Pitt St…keep an eye out for those ha

  • onevstheworld on 13/08/2018 - 16:54
    +1

    I had to drive one when helping a mate move. I recall the turning behaviour was very different to a car. You're sitting in front of the turning wheels, like a bus, so you need to adjust your turn to account for that. I think you turn slightly later than you would normally in a car.

  • whooah1979 on 13/08/2018 - 17:00
    +1

    Vans like the lwb hiace have a short turning circle. One may do a u-turn on many roads where others can’t. The high seating position is great for intersections and their narrow body makes reversing easy.

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