What license do I need to drive a van?

It can be difficult to know exactly which types of vehicles you’re allowed to drive these days, but the good news is that you don’t need a special license to drive the majority of conventional vans.  Although you can drive most vans on a car license, there are exceptions. Here’s everything you need to know… 

What license do I need to drive a van?

Without making it sound too complicated, your age, the date you passed your test and the exact weight of the vehicle, among other factors, can all influence whether you’re legally allowed behind the wheel. If you’re looking to get a van to transport goods for your business or you need to hire a van to move some of your belongings, Insure My Van‘s guide to what driving license you need to drive a van will explain all.   

Can I drive a van with a car license? 

If you’re wondering what type of vehicle you’re qualified to drive, the best thing to do is take out your driver’s license. You would be surprised how much information you can find on your license, such as information about different categories of vehicles and the constraints of each class. Believe it or not, there are 15 different categories of driving licenses and learner permits issued in Ireland which are valid for different types of vehicles. These categories deal with various aspects ranging from the age of the driver to the formal training required and further to the penalty points.   

What is a Category B license?

Many of us who have completed our driving test will have the category “B” license.  This category involves vehicles other than motorcycles, mopeds, work vehicles or land tractors, whose Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) does not exceed 3500 kg. In addition to the driver, it should have the capacity to carry a maximum of eight passengers.  

What is a Category C1 licence?

To learn to drive a category C1 (light truck or large van) vehicle in Ireland, you must already hold a full, valid category B driving license. A C1 driving license means that you can drive a rigid vehicle up to 7.5 tonnes and a trailer up to 750 Kg. You must also prove your identity and your entitlement to a driving license or learner permit. This means proving that you are at least 18 years old when applying for a learner permit, that you are normally resident in Ireland, that you have a valid address and personal public services number (PPSN), and that you are deemed medically fit to drive. 

The importance of safe driving

Regardless of the license you are applying for, passing the driving test is just one step in becoming a truly safe and competent driver. You should continue to drive carefully and build up your experience in different traffic, weather, lighting and road conditions, irrespective of the type of vehicle. 

I’m still not sure what license I need to drive a van. What should I do?

If you’re still not sure whether your license type covers you to drive a van, we recommend getting in contact with the National Driver License Service or NDLS. Whether you’re looking to apply for your first license, you need to renew your license or you simply just need to check what type of license you have, this is the place to go.  

Getting the right van insurance

Once you have identified that you’re qualified to drive a van, you will need to make sure you’re covered with the right van insurance. You will be glad to learn that Insure My Van delivers low-cost, high-quality insurance for your commercial vehicles. As a leading commercial insurance broker in Ireland, we have negotiated exceptionally cheap commercial insurance with underwriters. Basically, we pass those fantastic savings onto you. Get in contact today for a cheap van insurance quote!