Driving a Van

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Hi,

I need to drive a van on Friday as my boyfriend is moving.

It's a while since I've driven, although generally once I get into a car and put my feet on the pedals, I'm able to drive pretty much instinctively, so hopefully there won't be a problem.

The only thing that I am concerned about is that I have never driven a van before. I'd really appreciate some advice about this.
Is it difficult?
How does it compare to driving a car?
How much more difficult is it to drive a heavier vehicle?
How do you reverse effecively and safely in a van (I don't think this one has rear windows)?
How easy is it to park a van?

The van is 4.6 metres long and is a short wheel base Ford transit van.

Any advice or reassurance would be appreciated.

It has been a while since I drove a van. I actually learned to drive in my mom's Astro van.

The extra height you have is nice for improved visibility, but it also means that your center of balance is higher. So you have to make corners more gently. Especially if you are going to be hauling furniture and stuff. Being a larger, heavier vehicle it may react a bit slower to acceleration and braking than a car so give yourself a bit more room and time to do these. Also due to the height your speed feels different. It seems like you are traveling slower than you actually are. So make sure that you pay attention to your speedometer.

To reverse make sure that the area behind you is clear. I usually do a walk around before I back out. If you don't have rear windows use side windows and your side mirrors to keep track of things heading toward your rear zone. If your boyfriend is going to be with you, maybe have him help by standing outside to keep an eye out and help direct you.

Parking is not much different if you are angle or straight parking like in a typical parking lot. The width of a van isn't much different than a car. You probably will have to make a wider turn to get in the slot due to the longer vehicle. Be sure to pull in enough to not leave the rear end hanging out into the driving lane. I seldom parallel park so I can't help much there.

Hope this helps a bit.

I remember when I went from a 87 VW Golf to my present (Ford F150 extended cab). Now I will drive anything as long as I have gas and the keys...but the first time I took it for groceries the size was a little intimidating.

How does it compare to driving a car?

Your not going to tool around curves like you do in a small car, the wind buffering can really suck on bridges, and you should stay below warp speed for now.


How much more difficult is it to drive a heavier vehicle?

Parking is the hardest part, judging distance in narrow alleyways comes with time, but otherwise power brakes and power steering make it about the same. Actually I felt less panicky and noticed less people willing to pull out in front of me .... like they would in my little Golf.

How do you reverse effecively and safely in a van (I don't think this one has rear windows)?

Mirrors...it's all about using the mirrors effectively and knowing ahead of time what's in back of you. Until you get the hang of the size look for easy exit opportunities.

How easy is it to park a van?

Again look for easy exit opportunities...if you can pull it in and pull it forward into the slot in front so you don't have to hit reverse go for it. I don't parallel park...most parking spaces around here are standard compact car size...like trying to shoehorn an elephant into a cat carrier. I would say avoid it.

Thanks kclarck and beenthere - that is really helpful info!

You use the mirrors more for road positioning etc. Fortunately in general vans have larger mirrors so are easier. You'll get the hang of it,but be aware vans often drink the fuel, especially when loaded up with heavy things!

The biggest thing is going to be the mirrors. If you're lucky, it's a recent enough van that it has a rearview camera. But, really, unless a vehicle is super large or has a weird number of wheels there's not that much difference.

Just keep in mind that vans can be a bit more top heavy than some smaller vehicles, so don't go nuts going around corners and you should be fine.

This thread is almost 17 years old. Hopefully, the OP successfully managed driving the van.

I like driving vans.

I had a small van once.

Then i had a minibus which i made into a campervan. But it died.

I'd like to buy a van right now.