How to drive a van?
Discussion
When cornering always use your mirrors to know exactly where your rear wheels are to avoid curbs / parked cars.
With a long wheelbase, the arc the rear wheels take is much shorter than front wheels. So at times you might have to ‘square’ the corner with the front wheels to give the rear wheels clearance, if that makes sense.
With a long wheelbase, the arc the rear wheels take is much shorter than front wheels. So at times you might have to ‘square’ the corner with the front wheels to give the rear wheels clearance, if that makes sense.
Edited by The spinner of plates on Tuesday 15th June 00:34
Assuming it's a VS30 sprinter, then I usually set both the blind spot mirrors for the rear wheels in town. It will probably have a camera and parking sensors too.
Parallel parking is easy. start turning just before the rear bumper of the car you're parking behind. You just use less angle than in a car. They're slab sided so you soon get a hang of aiming it in reverse gear.
As for no rear view mirror. You just have to remember what's behind you as you turn and it disappears from your mirror.
Parallel parking is easy. start turning just before the rear bumper of the car you're parking behind. You just use less angle than in a car. They're slab sided so you soon get a hang of aiming it in reverse gear.
As for no rear view mirror. You just have to remember what's behind you as you turn and it disappears from your mirror.
You've had some really good advice here OP, modern vans are relatively easy to drive in the strict sense, so mainly concentrate on an awareness of the size.
If you're finding yourself about to go into a tight spot, have a quick think about how you'll get back out of it before going in.
Oblique junctions can be very hard to gauge with not being able to see diagonally to your left thanks to the metalwork being in the way, sometimes it's better to come out straight more before turning to maintain your visibility of what's coming from your left.
If they give you a vehicle check-out sheet, use it, especially if switching between whichever van is due to go out.
Don't put petrol in it.
If you're finding yourself about to go into a tight spot, have a quick think about how you'll get back out of it before going in.
Oblique junctions can be very hard to gauge with not being able to see diagonally to your left thanks to the metalwork being in the way, sometimes it's better to come out straight more before turning to maintain your visibility of what's coming from your left.
If they give you a vehicle check-out sheet, use it, especially if switching between whichever van is due to go out.
Don't put petrol in it.
I've driven one if those for a few months now, in fact I'm in one just now, feet up, killing time...
I've also witnessed numerous guys start out and witnessed numerous guys damaging the van's, other people's property and themselves and seen numerous guys being invited to not come back as a result.
It's not easy, but it needn't be unnecessarily hard but it really will come down to how aware, confident and capable you are as a driver. Some people simply cannot fathom the dimensions of a vehicle, can't read the road or situations and I've seen guys wedging vans under height restricted spaces, seen them on the roofs in fields, embedded in the back of a stationary HGV and general bumping and scraping their way along.
You'll either be somebody who is aware, can think ahead and know that taking it down a narrow dead end in the dark is going to just give you more hassle and when the pressure builds, it's easy to make errors if judgement and that's when things can go wrong. You'll also either take to the autobox or you won't. I had one chap who simply could not get to grips with it and ultimately left.
The new Sprinters have a column shift, it's fairly simple but does take a bit to get your head round. They also t be rushed going from D to R so rapid three point turns aren't happening. The news ones are also front wheel drive, not a huge issue but the turning circle is pretty poor compared to the RWD versions so U turns at mini roundabouts etc can be a no go and likewise trying to turn them round in a tight area can be a challenge.
They're also big things, more so when you find yourself in a city centre or a narrow access lane or faced with a tight turn. The most common incidents are scraping the passenger sides thanks to turning to soon / too sharp and tail strikes... ie the rear corners hitting stuff when turning, for example if you were parallel parked tight to a wall and turned fairly sharp away, the rear of the van will swing in towards the wall as you move away. I've seen lots or damage down in Barrie streets, cars parked either side and then trying to do a 90deg turn... rear corners meet parked cars etc. Likewise parallel parking, don't cut into a space too soon and learn to use your mirrors, way more than in your car. It'll have cameras and sensors, don't rely on them 100%, get out and check it find somewhere less restricted to park it.
So aside for being aware of its physical dimensions around town and not backing yourself into a corner, literally... don't be lazy and try and put it somewhere restricted just to get right outside a door. It's better to walk the last 250yds than end up putting yourself in a situation. On the move, they're not fast at all and don't stop as well as a car... plus likely you'll have a driver monitoring device fitted so any harsh braking or driving like you stole it will end in a discussion with management, retraining and if it persists, possibly termination of contract.
They're also heavy... and with up to 750kgs if load they can get very wayward and wobble around which can be a bit disconcerting at first, they also don't change direction like a car, are effected by crosswinds and other drivers can be a bit unsympathetic / ignorant to the fact you're new to a van and the van itself. In short, slow down... I had one guy out who genuinely scared me as he seemed scared of the van and thus just seemed totally unaware. He ended up getting a fight on a bend at speed when an approaching car came round and he moved away from the centre line, evidently forgetting how wide the van was and ended up scraping it through the trees in the inside but also dropped both NS wheels into the grass at the side which in turn pulled us in further. I honestly thought we were going in and over. I shat myself and refused to let him drive it back. Reported the incident, it wasn't actioned and two days later he ripped the entire dude out a new van on a bollard.
By no means are these stories to scare you but too many people go in gung ho / how hard can it be / I'm a good driver etc and can become unstuck quickly. You seem to have the right approach thus far so well done, now just take your time... don't be pressured by management or the schedule and take your time. Ultimately you're not only driving something that's quite a challenge at times but it's also emblazoned with the company name and Joe Public will only be too happy to report any irresponsible driving to your employer. I'd hope you'd have several accompanied drives before you're let loose on your own, if not then maybe ask for a few and with good driver, not some nugget who's more interested in smoking a tab and texting Sharon whilst on the move.
All the best with it... hope it all works out. It's a challenging role at times but also a good one. Once your out the store you're pretty much left to your own devices. Just take your time, relax and plan in advance be it where you're putting the van and also where you're going and such like. Every drop is different, each will bring its own unique circumstances and getting yourself all harassed won't be productive.
I've also witnessed numerous guys start out and witnessed numerous guys damaging the van's, other people's property and themselves and seen numerous guys being invited to not come back as a result.
It's not easy, but it needn't be unnecessarily hard but it really will come down to how aware, confident and capable you are as a driver. Some people simply cannot fathom the dimensions of a vehicle, can't read the road or situations and I've seen guys wedging vans under height restricted spaces, seen them on the roofs in fields, embedded in the back of a stationary HGV and general bumping and scraping their way along.
You'll either be somebody who is aware, can think ahead and know that taking it down a narrow dead end in the dark is going to just give you more hassle and when the pressure builds, it's easy to make errors if judgement and that's when things can go wrong. You'll also either take to the autobox or you won't. I had one chap who simply could not get to grips with it and ultimately left.
The new Sprinters have a column shift, it's fairly simple but does take a bit to get your head round. They also t be rushed going from D to R so rapid three point turns aren't happening. The news ones are also front wheel drive, not a huge issue but the turning circle is pretty poor compared to the RWD versions so U turns at mini roundabouts etc can be a no go and likewise trying to turn them round in a tight area can be a challenge.
They're also big things, more so when you find yourself in a city centre or a narrow access lane or faced with a tight turn. The most common incidents are scraping the passenger sides thanks to turning to soon / too sharp and tail strikes... ie the rear corners hitting stuff when turning, for example if you were parallel parked tight to a wall and turned fairly sharp away, the rear of the van will swing in towards the wall as you move away. I've seen lots or damage down in Barrie streets, cars parked either side and then trying to do a 90deg turn... rear corners meet parked cars etc. Likewise parallel parking, don't cut into a space too soon and learn to use your mirrors, way more than in your car. It'll have cameras and sensors, don't rely on them 100%, get out and check it find somewhere less restricted to park it.
So aside for being aware of its physical dimensions around town and not backing yourself into a corner, literally... don't be lazy and try and put it somewhere restricted just to get right outside a door. It's better to walk the last 250yds than end up putting yourself in a situation. On the move, they're not fast at all and don't stop as well as a car... plus likely you'll have a driver monitoring device fitted so any harsh braking or driving like you stole it will end in a discussion with management, retraining and if it persists, possibly termination of contract.
They're also heavy... and with up to 750kgs if load they can get very wayward and wobble around which can be a bit disconcerting at first, they also don't change direction like a car, are effected by crosswinds and other drivers can be a bit unsympathetic / ignorant to the fact you're new to a van and the van itself. In short, slow down... I had one guy out who genuinely scared me as he seemed scared of the van and thus just seemed totally unaware. He ended up getting a fight on a bend at speed when an approaching car came round and he moved away from the centre line, evidently forgetting how wide the van was and ended up scraping it through the trees in the inside but also dropped both NS wheels into the grass at the side which in turn pulled us in further. I honestly thought we were going in and over. I shat myself and refused to let him drive it back. Reported the incident, it wasn't actioned and two days later he ripped the entire dude out a new van on a bollard.
By no means are these stories to scare you but too many people go in gung ho / how hard can it be / I'm a good driver etc and can become unstuck quickly. You seem to have the right approach thus far so well done, now just take your time... don't be pressured by management or the schedule and take your time. Ultimately you're not only driving something that's quite a challenge at times but it's also emblazoned with the company name and Joe Public will only be too happy to report any irresponsible driving to your employer. I'd hope you'd have several accompanied drives before you're let loose on your own, if not then maybe ask for a few and with good driver, not some nugget who's more interested in smoking a tab and texting Sharon whilst on the move.
All the best with it... hope it all works out. It's a challenging role at times but also a good one. Once your out the store you're pretty much left to your own devices. Just take your time, relax and plan in advance be it where you're putting the van and also where you're going and such like. Every drop is different, each will bring its own unique circumstances and getting yourself all harassed won't be productive.
Look in your mirrors constantly (as you approach a hazard; as you manoeuvre through a hazard; as you make every left turn; as you make every right turn; through every roundabout; whenever you consider changing lane; as you change lane. Constantly as you reverse slowly, whilst still looking out of all windows too.
Slow down! Don't ever think that you have 'got it' because you almost certainly haven't and pride comes before a fall.
Don't drive into places that you cannot clearly see into: reverse in and drive out - every day a talentless supermarket wally drives into my CdS then spends an eternity doing with 100pt. turn, with apparently no idea where the edges of his vehicle are: I could turn an eight wheeler around in here quicker and there'd be a couple of feet to do it in. Of course, some just crash into the parked cars and drive off.
These are probably the worse-driven vehicles on the road now, replacing the old 7.5t 'lorry' driven by someone with a car licence who thinks he is bossing it.
It sounds negative, but it is very good advice and following it will make it so much easier for you.
Slow down! Don't ever think that you have 'got it' because you almost certainly haven't and pride comes before a fall.
Don't drive into places that you cannot clearly see into: reverse in and drive out - every day a talentless supermarket wally drives into my CdS then spends an eternity doing with 100pt. turn, with apparently no idea where the edges of his vehicle are: I could turn an eight wheeler around in here quicker and there'd be a couple of feet to do it in. Of course, some just crash into the parked cars and drive off.
These are probably the worse-driven vehicles on the road now, replacing the old 7.5t 'lorry' driven by someone with a car licence who thinks he is bossing it.
It sounds negative, but it is very good advice and following it will make it so much easier for you.
I have done this job for a long while for a competitor. First full time, now.part time.
-The driving is the easy part, and you will find it makes you a better driver all in. Having to plan ahead to keep momentum, and having reduced braking/ cornering ability will make you a faster, smoother driver.
-I like to left foot brake(my car, however, is a manual). Try it around the yard/ industrial estate before on the road, however!
-If you can't see an escape route on a drive/ private road etc, reverse it in, you don't want to reverse out onto a busy road.
-Alternate between mirrors and camera as you reverse. Both more useful when combined.
-Be courteous. If you don't, the other driver knows exactly where you work. Even if you are in the right, it's not worth the agro.
-Don't rush. You might try and make up lost time for the benefit of the company, but they won't pay your fines!
-Most customers know you are just a person, and will treat you fairly for the most part. Just be honest.
-Enjoy it! It's a great way to get paid.
-The driving is the easy part, and you will find it makes you a better driver all in. Having to plan ahead to keep momentum, and having reduced braking/ cornering ability will make you a faster, smoother driver.
-I like to left foot brake(my car, however, is a manual). Try it around the yard/ industrial estate before on the road, however!
-If you can't see an escape route on a drive/ private road etc, reverse it in, you don't want to reverse out onto a busy road.
-Alternate between mirrors and camera as you reverse. Both more useful when combined.
-Be courteous. If you don't, the other driver knows exactly where you work. Even if you are in the right, it's not worth the agro.
-Don't rush. You might try and make up lost time for the benefit of the company, but they won't pay your fines!
-Most customers know you are just a person, and will treat you fairly for the most part. Just be honest.
-Enjoy it! It's a great way to get paid.
I'd echo the don't be pressurised, more so by management. Sadly, the nature of the beast dictates that a lot of the home delivery departments are run by people who are simply doing their time as they try and progress up the career ladder within the store.
Unfortunately that means a lot of them simply haven't a clue about the job itself, I'd being out on the road or how to run a fleet, manage drivers or even act within the law.ive had several arguments and refused to take vans out when they're not fit for the road.
Headlight bulb out before you leave the depot, van off the road until an outside technician arrives to change it and thus potentially delayed but cue "It's daylight, you'll be ok" sort of mentality or tyres below the required pressure... stuck doors, cuts in sidewalls. Yes these vans get some abuse but some stores are very lax or ignorant with regards to the van's and indeed, drivers.
But ultimately it's on your head... the police or Visa won't care if you're speeding because the store was delayed picking the stock thus they said hurry up and they won't care if the store said that soft rear tyre will be ok. The onus is on you, the driver... and as a young, new start don't be pressurised into doing anything that could and would come back on you.
Granted, they'd will be great managers too who know the score and know it's a hard job at times and will be a good resource for you but they're few and far between with the home shopping sector from what I've found so far. Do your van checks, report any issues in the logs, drive safely, assertively and if you're running late which will happen, it's inevitable at times... driving the doors off it will make up a handful of minutes at best, but it's simply not worth the risk to your license.
It's food you're delivering, not vital transplant organs!
Unfortunately that means a lot of them simply haven't a clue about the job itself, I'd being out on the road or how to run a fleet, manage drivers or even act within the law.ive had several arguments and refused to take vans out when they're not fit for the road.
Headlight bulb out before you leave the depot, van off the road until an outside technician arrives to change it and thus potentially delayed but cue "It's daylight, you'll be ok" sort of mentality or tyres below the required pressure... stuck doors, cuts in sidewalls. Yes these vans get some abuse but some stores are very lax or ignorant with regards to the van's and indeed, drivers.
But ultimately it's on your head... the police or Visa won't care if you're speeding because the store was delayed picking the stock thus they said hurry up and they won't care if the store said that soft rear tyre will be ok. The onus is on you, the driver... and as a young, new start don't be pressurised into doing anything that could and would come back on you.
Granted, they'd will be great managers too who know the score and know it's a hard job at times and will be a good resource for you but they're few and far between with the home shopping sector from what I've found so far. Do your van checks, report any issues in the logs, drive safely, assertively and if you're running late which will happen, it's inevitable at times... driving the doors off it will make up a handful of minutes at best, but it's simply not worth the risk to your license.
It's food you're delivering, not vital transplant organs!
They will have cameras all round but really you're only ever going to use the rearview which will probably switch when reverse is selected. Bar that, a bright screen at night that insists in displaying the side camera views every time you indicate is actually a bit if a distraction. Your mirrors are a more useful tool. That said, the new Sprinter I'm in just now has the latest Visiontrack system with a sort of fish eye rear view camera and it's superb... the field vision is great, you can reverse out of places and see down the road either way before the van even reaches the road itself. Such a handy tool.
Had a job at a young age running around in a 3.5t sprinter, great fun but daunting a little at first - no reverse camera in that time but big mirrors and taking your time help
Lot of good advise here, not much to add other than take your time and there is nothing wrong with stopping and getting out for a look before you back in somewhere
You are the driver, just because a job sheet says "be here at xx:xx" doesn't mean rushing or taking risks to do so, you get there when you get there (or don't if its not road legal to drive)
Lot of good advise here, not much to add other than take your time and there is nothing wrong with stopping and getting out for a look before you back in somewhere
You are the driver, just because a job sheet says "be here at xx:xx" doesn't mean rushing or taking risks to do so, you get there when you get there (or don't if its not road legal to drive)
Edited by Captain Answer on Wednesday 16th June 15:17
Pica-Pica said:
On a serious note now. You will realise that with solid rear doors you cannot see what is directly behind you, and that people will tuck in behind out of site in an idiotic way. You need to allow for that and leave adequate space in front and indicate early. Watch for cyclists coming up the inside. You really need to use both door mirrors, constantly. You will have a longer wheelbase than normal, so in order not to drive on the kerb, then on left turns, you will need to keep a bit further and go further out before turning left. This means watching oncoming traffic to your left and again any cyclist coming up your inside.
Don’t forget the speed limit for that van will be 50mph on an unlimited (NSL) single carriageway, and 60mph on an unlimited (NSL) dual carriageway. 70mph on a motorway, if I recall.
Will your years in QC/design allow you to spot the mistake here?Don’t forget the speed limit for that van will be 50mph on an unlimited (NSL) single carriageway, and 60mph on an unlimited (NSL) dual carriageway. 70mph on a motorway, if I recall.
- sight.
Ron240 said:
After 4 pages I think the OP has all the helpful advice he needs by now, and has possibly even stopped reading. 
The chances of anything new and relevant being mentioned at this point is slim.
Agreed but having just seen this thread I have to add this:The chances of anything new and relevant being mentioned at this point is slim.
On narrower roads/lanes cars, even 4x4s, will slow down and give you more space than they ever would in your polo.
I'm not suggesting you use this to your advantage as I did occasionally in an old Toyota Hiace, but it may help your progress just a little
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