Can I drive this van on my license?

Can I drive this van on my license?

Author
Discussion

Rich_AR

Original Poster:

1,969 posts

211 months

Wednesday 15th July 2009
quotequote all
Looking to borrow a friends van and want to check whether I can drive it on my UK license. I passed my test in 1999, so I know i'm NOT entitled to drive something over 3.5 tonnes (unlike those who passed prior to 1997)

My friends van is a Renault LWB 120DCi Maxi Van (bit like a LWB Merc Sprinter) same as this:-

http://www.creditplus.co.uk/vans/used-van/Renault/...

It says it weighs 3.5 tonne, but what's confusing it also says 'Class 7'

Any ideas?

paoloh

8,617 posts

211 months

Wednesday 15th July 2009
quotequote all
Isn't 3.5 tonnes the fully loaded weight?

Justin-W

1,091 posts

231 months

Wednesday 15th July 2009
quotequote all
I can't see why anyone can't personally, know you wouldnt be able to drive anything with 9 or more seats? but don't quote me on anything.

roverspeed

700 posts

203 months

Wednesday 15th July 2009
quotequote all
I would be fairly sure that the 3500kg is the Gross maximum tonnage.

Ie, the van would weight 3500kg fully loaded. So at a guess I would say you are ok.

Surely the hire company would be best to advise you, I am sure their insurers require this knowledge.

SS2.

14,519 posts

245 months

Wednesday 15th July 2009
quotequote all
Vehicles you can drive

And, AIUI, the LWB Renault Master has a MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass) of 3500kg - MAM being the Gross Vehicle / all-up weight of the vehicle.

Super Slo Mo

5,368 posts

205 months

Wednesday 15th July 2009
quotequote all
The van you link to is a 3.5 tonner, that's Gross, so is fine on your licence.

Rich_AR

Original Poster:

1,969 posts

211 months

Wednesday 15th July 2009
quotequote all
I think the Gross Train Weight is 5550 KGs, (according to Renault's website).

I'm confused!

Alex@POD

6,326 posts

222 months

Wednesday 15th July 2009
quotequote all
The "class 7" refers to the MOT as far as I know, I came accross that when I had to MOT my Transit. You are allowed to drive up to 3.5t maximum allowed weight (ie your bog standard van), class 7 is any vehicle over 3.0t (I think. My van was a class 4 as it was only 2.9t).

Alex@POD

6,326 posts

222 months

Wednesday 15th July 2009
quotequote all
Rich_AR said:
I think the Gross Train Weight is 5550 KGs, (according to Renault's website).

I'm confused!
Train weight includes a potential trailer.

Super Slo Mo

5,368 posts

205 months

Wednesday 15th July 2009
quotequote all
Gross Train Weight is including a trailer, so it allows you to pull a trailer of 2000 kg (although not on your licence). Don't tow anything and you'll be fine.

Rich_AR

Original Poster:

1,969 posts

211 months

Wednesday 15th July 2009
quotequote all
Ah trailer, thanks for clearing that up.

I think I'll be fine too, but need to confirm and convince my friend its ok for me to drive it!

Super Slo Mo

5,368 posts

205 months

Wednesday 15th July 2009
quotequote all
The only thing I would say, if you haven't driven anything of that size before, is take it easy to start.

The one thing that everyone seems to do when they first get in a long van is cut corners too early, which at best will result in the vehicle bouncing up the kerb, at worst, the van gets dented.

Remember there's a lot of vehicle behind you so think about where your back wheels need to be to make the corner/turn, and you should be fine.

Chris_w666

22,655 posts

206 months

Wednesday 15th July 2009
quotequote all
Yes you can drive it on your licence.

Rich_AR

Original Poster:

1,969 posts

211 months

Wednesday 15th July 2009
quotequote all
Super Slo Mo said:
The only thing I would say, if you haven't driven anything of that size before, is take it easy to start.

The one thing that everyone seems to do when they first get in a long van is cut corners too early, which at best will result in the vehicle bouncing up the kerb, at worst, the van gets dented.

Remember there's a lot of vehicle behind you so think about where your back wheels need to be to make the corner/turn, and you should be fine.
I've driven SWB vans and mini buses loads of times. So all good.

Just to confirm, Class 7 is for MOT purposes http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicl...

Super Slo Mo

5,368 posts

205 months

Wednesday 15th July 2009
quotequote all
You should be fine then, in that case!

abb1

15 posts

205 months

Wednesday 15th July 2009
quotequote all
100% positive you can drive on standard uk licence, I have hired many of these vans and only needed to show standard driving licence, they would'nt let you hire anything bigger though..3500kg is max gross weight when fully loaded so make sure you do not exceed this otherwise you can get nailed if pulled up by the rozzers or the ministry.