Top Tips for First-Time Van Drivers

Whether it's your first time driving a van or you haven't driven one in a while, adjusting to a new vehicle can be challenging. While driving a van for the first time might feel strange, the physical act is not much different to driving a car. The pedals, gear stick, and steering wheel are usually in the same place as they are in a car. However, there are some things you need to be aware of when driving a van. Here are some of Insure My Van’s top tips for first-time van drivers!

Know The Height & Width of Your Van

Vans come in a wide range of shapes and sizes today. The time it takes to adjust to driving a van often depends on its size. If you are driving a smaller van, such as a Mercedes-Benz Citan, it is unlikely that you will find it difficult to adjust as it’s not much bigger in size than a car. However, if you are driving a larger van, such as a Ford Transit, you will need to make some changes to your driving, like taking corners a bit wider and slower. Finding a parking space for a larger van can also be more time-consuming as you will need to search for larger parking spaces, and you will need to allow extra time for precision when parking. Whether you are driving a small or a large van, it is important to find out the dimensions of the vehicle so you know how much space will be required on the roads. The height of the vehicle is another key factor to make yourself aware of sooner rather than later. You do not want to discover the roof of your van is higher than you realised when driving under a bridge or entering a car park with a height restriction! To avoid surprises, ensure you have comprehensive first-time van insurance in Ireland.

Driving A Loaded Van vs Unloaded Van

A van is designed to be able to carry a heavy load safely. However, often drivers don’t realise how different it can be to drive a loaded vehicle in comparison to an unloaded vehicle. If you are driving a van with a heavy load, you might notice that the vehicle feels more secure on the road. On the other hand, if you're driving a van with a light load, the vehicle might feel less stable. This is because a van's suspension is designed to be more rigid under heavier loads. While a heavier load can help stabilise the van, it's wise to avoid potholes when your van is heavily loaded, as hitting them could cause damage.

Practicing Safe Driving Techniques

When you're getting used to driving a van, especially for the first time, it's important to keep safe driving techniques in mind. Vans are bigger and handle differently than cars, so take your time and maintain a bit more distance from other vehicles on the road. Vans also have larger blind spots, so make sure to check your mirrors regularly and use any available tools like backup cameras. By driving carefully, you not only protect yourself but also keep your cargo and others on the road safe.  

Get The Right Insurance

It is essential to find the right van insurance policy for your specific needs, whether you’re a first-time driver in Ireland or an older experienced driver. Securing the best value insurance doesn’t always mean choosing the cheapest option. Cutting corners on insurance costs is never a good idea if it means sacrificing the coverage you need. At InsureMyVan.ie, we lower prices to provide you with affordable insurance, but we never compromise on quality or benefits. Get your van insured with the right level of coverage for the job at hand! It's normal to feel a bit nervous about driving a van for the first time. But with Insure My Van, you can feel confident knowing you're well protected with our insurance. Want to maximise your savings on insurance? Check out our tips in ‘How to Get the Best Value Insurance. If you're looking for car insurance, explore our guide on cheap car insurance for first-time drivers over 25 in Ireland and discover the best cars for first-time drivers.