How to drive a van?
Discussion
I drive for Waitrose but hgv’s. I’m sure the store vans have reverse cameras on which will help hugely. Just take your time, don’t be pressured by the store for the timed deliveries if your not fully comfortable with the van. And just don’t over think it or fret to much, every van has a scuff or dent in it so if something unfortunate does happen don’t let it put you off or stress about it as many people have done the same before and many will after.
Deranged Rover said:
All good advice above and I'd echo the sentiment about not overthinking it, as you'll find it'll probably be surprisingly easy to drive. Just take it steady, leave plenty of room round corners and remember it's big!
The other thing to remember when reversing is to look up as well as down at bumper level.
Otherwise you could potentially be reversing up to someone's garage in one, confident that you have plenty of space behind the rear bumper, but forgetting about the overhanging guttering, and driving smack into it.
Or so I've heard...
Indeed. Likewise having to reverse into a loading bay with a long, narrow approach at 7am on a pitch black winters morning in the pouring rain, dodging the various piles of miscellaneous junk dumped on the ground (piles of paving slabs etc), using your mirrors and rear view camera and not noticing the cherry picker parked in the corner with the basket left just low enough to catch the top of the rear doors and roof by a few millimetres...... The other thing to remember when reversing is to look up as well as down at bumper level.
Otherwise you could potentially be reversing up to someone's garage in one, confident that you have plenty of space behind the rear bumper, but forgetting about the overhanging guttering, and driving smack into it.
Or so I've heard...
But you'll be fine!
On the move it'll be just like a car, only you sit a bit higher. I didn't realise supermarkets use automatics now, so it will be incredibly easy to drive. Being a Sprinter it will be a proper torque-converter auto as opposed to the horrid automated manuals offered in some other vans. Just be aware of the extra length when manoeuvring in tight areas. Take a slightly wider swing than you otherwise would and use your mirrors to ensure you're clearing obstacles when turning in tight spaces.
You've got nothing to worry about. I drive vans all the time and I'm thick as s
t! It'll become second nature in no time.
You've got nothing to worry about. I drive vans all the time and I'm thick as s
t! It'll become second nature in no time. I would suggest that John Lewis/Waitrose being a decent company will receive some training on the use of their vans. They dont come cheap, a refrigerated van, Learn to use your mirrors and get used to your width and length and height.
You will soon get used to driving a van, the visibility forward is much better than a car, the rear view less so, but you will get used to it in time. And vans don`t handle like cars. they ride much better with some weight in.
Good luck with your new job.
You will soon get used to driving a van, the visibility forward is much better than a car, the rear view less so, but you will get used to it in time. And vans don`t handle like cars. they ride much better with some weight in.
Good luck with your new job.
hellorent said:
Tape/cover up the interior mirror in the car you drive at the mo to get used to using wing mirrors.
Probably not the best idea, most vans have larger wingmirrors to compensate for loss of rear view. You find car wingmirrors horrid after driving vans for a while.The guy who said watch speed limits
It's very easy done to go with the flow that you're used to and the scamsters known where the profit lies
I took on a summer job at Thrifty Car Rental at a very similar early stage in my driving career to you. What I hadn't initially realised is that they're also Thrifty Van Rental...
Mistakes I made:
- Turning left out of a side road, I turned 'normally' for driving a car, the left rear wheel went over the corner of the kerb. As said, you need to swing out a bit to leave room for the fact the rear wheels are further behind you
- Extracting a van from its parking space between two other vans, I turned and forgot about the rear overhang, which swung out and scraped the side of the neighbouring van
Don't be afraid to stop, get out and look around before manoeuvring. Even better if a colleague can help you.
Good luck, don't worry too much, it's more like a big car really
Drive with one eye forward and one on one of the mirrors,
Sad but if someone stopped time and blindfolded me I would be disappointed in myself for not knowing what make/model/colour of vehicle was behind me and if a multiple lane road beside/behind in different lane,
Practice impeccable lane discipline as that's where the crunch will take place..!
Always remember people don't want squished shopping so slow and steady wins the race .. ignore your manager pushing you to meet Amazon levels of customer deposits
Sad but if someone stopped time and blindfolded me I would be disappointed in myself for not knowing what make/model/colour of vehicle was behind me and if a multiple lane road beside/behind in different lane,
Practice impeccable lane discipline as that's where the crunch will take place..!
Always remember people don't want squished shopping so slow and steady wins the race .. ignore your manager pushing you to meet Amazon levels of customer deposits
OP:
I do the same job, but for a different company. That van looks very similar to the one I drive every day.
I'd agree with others that you've probably got the correct attitude as you've asked on here. Some thoughts from me:
- You won't be set loose on day one by yourself!! There will be some training - probably you being a 2nd man for a shift and also you driving with another experienced driver to help.
- You'll get used to the width when driving normally fairly quickly. Use your mirrors plenty, cars are good at hiding behind you!
- For reversing etc, it will almost certainly have a reversing camera and parking sensors. You'll get to know where things are in the mirrors over time anyway. If in doubt, get out and look!!
- A side not to the above, be aware how much the rear will swing out when you turn the steering wheel - I managed to scrape my van once by forgetting the rear overhang...
- The wheelbase is longer than you are used to, so when you're taking corners the rear tyres may get closer to the curb than in your car. You'll have to turn slightly later to get around this.
- Remember the height and width sticker! Or at least know where it is so you can check. Don't be that driver who takes the roof off the van.
- It is an automatic, but I think they drive really nicely. Just let the gearbox do its thing. Don't use your left foot on the 'clutch'. If you're nervous, keep your left foot away from the pedals. On a related note, I wouldn't be surprised if the vans have telemetry to monitor acceleration/cornering/braking. You'll have to drive like a clown to set them off in my experience.
I'm sure there's more I could say, but I am also sure you'll pick it up quickly. Just take your time, Waitrose would much rather you bring the van back in one piece, late, than have it smashed up (or other cars), or having run people over!
Finally, good luck!
I do the same job, but for a different company. That van looks very similar to the one I drive every day.
I'd agree with others that you've probably got the correct attitude as you've asked on here. Some thoughts from me:
- You won't be set loose on day one by yourself!! There will be some training - probably you being a 2nd man for a shift and also you driving with another experienced driver to help.
- You'll get used to the width when driving normally fairly quickly. Use your mirrors plenty, cars are good at hiding behind you!
- For reversing etc, it will almost certainly have a reversing camera and parking sensors. You'll get to know where things are in the mirrors over time anyway. If in doubt, get out and look!!
- A side not to the above, be aware how much the rear will swing out when you turn the steering wheel - I managed to scrape my van once by forgetting the rear overhang...
- The wheelbase is longer than you are used to, so when you're taking corners the rear tyres may get closer to the curb than in your car. You'll have to turn slightly later to get around this.
- Remember the height and width sticker! Or at least know where it is so you can check. Don't be that driver who takes the roof off the van.
- It is an automatic, but I think they drive really nicely. Just let the gearbox do its thing. Don't use your left foot on the 'clutch'. If you're nervous, keep your left foot away from the pedals. On a related note, I wouldn't be surprised if the vans have telemetry to monitor acceleration/cornering/braking. You'll have to drive like a clown to set them off in my experience.
I'm sure there's more I could say, but I am also sure you'll pick it up quickly. Just take your time, Waitrose would much rather you bring the van back in one piece, late, than have it smashed up (or other cars), or having run people over!
Finally, good luck!
Edited by meb90 on Monday 14th June 21:37
VS02 said:
OP here, I believe I am getting driver training with the van. I have to complete an online driver's assessment, much like a theory test, too.
Thanks everyone for the help. It's been exceptionally useful!
Good luck. Hope it goes OK.Thanks everyone for the help. It's been exceptionally useful!
Again, assume there WILL always be someone tucked in behind you, out of your sight.
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