Van or car? — 13 differences in driving

If you’re used to driving a car, getting behind the wheel of a van can be challenging. Why? Well, to start with, vans are generally much larger. They are designed differently, both inside and out. And they maneuver differently as well. All these elements present challenges that you will need to overcome. But with good preparation, it shouldn’t be a problem. To learn about the 13 differences between driving a van and driving a car, keep reading. Does the number 13 seem ominous to you? Not this time.

1. Different dashboard

Vans generally don’t have centralized controls; their layout often differs from that of cars. You will need to familiarize yourself with your dashboard before hitting the road. This applies to both the controls on the steering wheel and those on the dashboard.

2. Size matters

The most noticeable difference between vans and cars is undoubtedly their size. Vans are generally large, often even more so than the SUVs and crossovers that have become very popular in recent years.

You will need to quickly get used to the size, especially when driving on narrow bridges or roads with low curbs. It’s better to know the exact height and width of your van to avoid any incidents on the road.

3. Shifting up a gear

Today, many modern cars are equipped with six gears, while a significant proportion of automatic cars have up to seven or eight, not counting reverse. However, if you’re used to driving a five-speed manual plus reverse, driving a van will certainly feel a bit different.

Indeed, vans generally have a sixth gear, which is handy on the highway. This reduces the number of revs, puts less strain on the engine, and thus optimizes fuel consumption. Make sure you know your gear layout before setting off.

4. Turning around

As soon as you attempt a low-speed maneuver, like a U-turn on the road, you’ll notice how vans differ from cars. Vans generally have much larger turning radii, and you’ll need to take this into account if you decide to make a quick U-turn or another similar maneuver. Don’t try to do like Austin Powers when he tries to turn his cart in a narrow hallway!

5. Turning a corner

Speaking of turning, another fundamental difference between cars and vans appears when you turn a corner. Due to the size of the van, you’ll notice that you need to move slightly in the opposite direction before turning to make your turn. To do this, you need plenty of space and should approach tight turns slowly, clearly indicating to other motorists what you intend to do.

6. There’s something behind you…

But whatever it is, you might not “see” it. Vans generally don’t have a rear window, which obstructs a large part of the vision you usually have in a car. This is one of the main differences and an element that may require a little time to adapt. Without a central rearview mirror, it becomes even more important to use your side mirrors. To compensate, these tend to be larger and generally have integrated blind spot mirrors to extend your line of sight further to the rear of your van.

7. Keep an eye out

Regarding blind spots, they are larger in vans due to the lack of windows. In addition to not having a central rearview mirror, vans generally don’t have rear windows where your rear passengers would normally have a window in a car. Again, you will need to rely heavily on your side mirrors to avoid other motorists sneaking up behind you.

8. Heavy load

Do you need to drive a van every day for work? Or are you just renting one for your move? Whatever the reason, it’s very likely that you need a van because it has a large cargo space. It’s important to load it correctly; indeed, items can fall much more easily in the back of a van than in a car trunk. Distribute the weight evenly and load heavy items first and at the bottom. The safety of your load is a legal requirement you need to be aware of.

9. Parking the vehicle

Some people hate parking. Others manage to squeeze into the tightest spaces as if it were child’s play. Whatever category you belong to, there’s no doubt that parking a van is not the same as parking a car. From size to handling to visibility, you may even have difficulty finding a parking space large enough for you. If you’re apprehensive about parking your van, it might be helpful to have someone with you to guide you.

10. Fuel choice

Due to their size and the way they are generally used, vans are more likely to have a diesel engine than cars. So be careful to fill your tank with the appropriate fuel when you refuel for the first time. Otherwise, you risk damaging your van in no time.

11. Paying the tax

If you need to pay the tax for a van, you’ll find that due to its size, the amount is different. There are also differences if you drive your van for professional reasons. It might be worth checking with the relevant tax office: you could indeed make significant savings on your company vehicle tax if you only drive a van for work.

12. Don’t drive like a madman

Vans and cars are not subject to the same speed limits. The limits in town and on the highway are the same, however, for single or dual carriageways, vans are limited to 80 km/h and 90 km/h respectively. That’s 10 km/h less than for cars, in both cases.

13. An appropriate license

If you want to enjoy the pleasure of driving a van, you need to ensure that your driver’s license allows it. Smaller vans are covered by standard driver’s licenses, but you’ll need to obtain another license to drive a larger van. To ensure you’re compliant with the law, take a look at your license and the weight of the van you wish to drive.

Vans are no longer a mystery to you and you want to rent a van? Need more information? Check out our other practical articles, including driving at night, how to make a U-turn, and everything you need to know about blind spots.