Can I drive this van on my license?

[Rich_AR]

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?

[Rich_AR]

I think the Gross Train Weight is 5550 KGs, (according to Renault's website).

I'm confused!

[Rich_AR]

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!

[Rich_AR]

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...