Info needed about van weights.

[B_A_B]

I`m trying to figure something out but i dunno the names/models of these vans so it might be a bit tricky to explain....

When you pass your car test you`re allowed to drive vans upto 3500kg without doing the LGV test but what does a 3500kg van look like?Is it like a basic ford transit?..or is it those slightly taller/longer vans that some companies use (like DHL/parcelforce etc).

or...if anyone can give me the names of the usual vans these companies use that`d help a lot.
cheers for any replies
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[Mal]

You can drive any of the transit size vans and Luton Box Vans (as shown below) on your car licence.

https://www.bramblevanrental.co.uk/images/DSC00461.JPG

If you want to hire one there may be further rules depending on the hire company - must be over 25 and/or have less than 6 points on your licence for example.
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[Bendy]

[Pedd]

If you passed your test before the new laws came in then you can drive upto 7.5ton vehicles on your car licence

[thegubner]

The thing about any size transit etc is not quite true.

If you look on the weight plate of some vehicles especially some twin wheelers they are just over 3500 k. A mate of mine was showing me his the other day and its 3512 k.

Granted its only 12 kilo but if you are fully loaded then you are overweight and technically not insured.

Never mind what people say you always need to check yourself, after all its your licence.

HTH

[WildGoose]

A rule of thumb, naturally there are exceptions..

Any van with only single wheels on the back axle, its a fair assumption to make to assume that its 3500kgs gross weight or less, in my experience.

Unfortunately, its often only panel vans that have single rear wheels on the back, lutons and tippers often (but not always) have the twin rear wheels, in these cases... just check the plate inside the door for the gross vehicle weight, as mentioned.

[B_A_B]

cheers fellas....appreciate the info.
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[Cigaro]

I had an LWB transit once that was 2.9 tons and could drive it on my license.

It was like the one in the attached photo.

Not sure about those Lutons, think they weigh in at 7.5 so if you passed your test after a certain date you can't drive them.

[G]

[Phoenix]

Lutons (box body with tail lift) are often 3.5t, the best general rule as Goose says is if it has a double rear axle then it's probably over 3.5t and this applies to lutons and LWB vans, though it's not always true. Reality (Argos deliveries) for example use Iveco Daily's (normally 3.5t) with a large double rear axle, these are rated at 6.5ton.

The other clue is if it has a tachograph fitted, it's over 3.5ton, any vehicle used by a business over 3.5ton must by law have one.

[B_A_B]

[thegubner]

[AJI]

I've been looking at vans recently for a trip I intend to do in the next few years, and obviously I've been looking at the 3.5 ton gross limit too as I don't have a licence for anything bigger.

In my experience searching, you're fine with pretty much any panel van (including long wheelbase high roof vans - my mate drives a 3.5t Transit in that format), smaller single and double-cab tippers, and minibuses under 9 seats.
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[Phoenix]

Yes B_A_B, unless you are applying for 7.5ton or LGV work then you won't be using a tachograph, there were plans to introduce tachos for 3.5t a couple of years ago but it vapourised. Also only newer vehicles after 2006 are equipped with digital cards, most still use older analogue charts which you don't need a digital card for, it's worth having though now you've got it if you plan to move onto 7.5t/LGV.

[B_A_B]

cheers for the info
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