Hiring a Van for the First Time? Here’s What You Need to Know
- September 24, 2026
Hiring a van for the first time might seem a little daunting, especially if you’re used to driving a car. Whether you’re moving house, collecting furniture or transporting equipment, you might be wondering what documents you’ll need, how the booking process works and what to expect when you collect your vehicle.
The good news is that hiring a van is usually much simpler than people expect. With a little preparation, you can get everything organised before collection day.
Here’s what you need to know before hiring your first van.
1. Check That You're Eligible to Hire a Van
Before making a booking, it’s worth checking the rental company’s driver requirements.
At Yorhire, drivers must be between 25 and 70 years old and have held a valid UK driving licence for at least two years.
You don’t necessarily need a special driving licence to hire a van, either. Many standard hire vans, including Yorhire’s Renault Trafic, Renault Master and Luton Low Loader, can be driven with a standard Category B UK licence, provided you meet the relevant requirements.
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, it’s always best to check before booking.
2. Choose a Van That Suits What You're Moving
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is which van to hire.
Think about what you’re transporting, how much space you’ll need and whether you’re moving any particularly large or awkward items.
For example, a medium wheelbase van might be suitable for smaller moves, furniture collections or transporting equipment. If you’re moving a larger amount of furniture or the contents of a property, a long wheelbase or Luton van may be more practical.
It’s also worth considering the dimensions of larger items rather than simply estimating how many boxes you have.
You can explore Yorhire’s available options and vehicle specifications on our van hire page.
3. Understand What's Included in Your Hire
If you’ve never hired a van before, you might be wondering whether insurance is included or if you’ll need to arrange your own cover.
At Yorhire, all rentals include comprehensive insurance and breakdown assistance, so these are already part of your hire.
However, it’s still important to read the rental terms before booking. Make sure you understand any insurance excess, deposit requirements and potential additional charges.
If someone else will be helping with the driving, they’ll also need to be authorised under the rental agreement. Yorhire offers additional drivers for an extra daily charge.
Taking a few minutes to understand what’s included can help avoid unexpected costs later.
4. Know How the Booking and Collection Process Works
Booking a van with Yorhire can be completed online or through the app.
Simply select your preferred hire dates, choose an available vehicle and create your account. Completing your details in advance helps reduce the paperwork and checks needed when you arrive.
When it’s time to collect your van, remember to bring your driving licence.
Before setting off, it’s also worth familiarising yourself with the vehicle. Check where the lights, indicators and other controls are, adjust your mirrors and make sure you’re comfortable with the driving position.
A quick walk around the van to check its condition before leaving is always sensible, too.
5. Driving a Van Is a Little Different to Driving a Car
If you’ve never driven a van before, the biggest adjustment is usually getting used to its size.
Vans are generally longer, taller and wider than most cars, so you’ll need to allow more room when turning, parking and manoeuvring.
Pay particular attention to:
- Height restrictions: Check the van’s height before entering car parks or passing beneath low barriers.
- Mirrors and blind spots: Take extra care when changing lanes and reversing.
- Braking distances: Allow more space between you and the vehicle in front, particularly when carrying a load.
- Parking: Consider whether there’s enough room to park and unload safely at your destination.
There’s no need to rush. Give yourself time to get comfortable with the vehicle, especially during the first few miles.
6. Make Sure Everything Is Loaded Safely
Once you’ve collected your van, it’s important to load it properly.
Place heavier items low down and distribute the weight evenly, rather than stacking everything at one end. Furniture and other large items should be secured to prevent them moving while you’re driving.
It’s also worth protecting fragile belongings with blankets or suitable packing materials, particularly if you’re moving furniture.
Remember that vans have maximum payload limits, so having plenty of space doesn’t necessarily mean you can carry unlimited weight.
Taking a little extra care when loading will help protect your belongings and make the journey safer.
7. Remember the Fuel and Return Requirements
Before returning your hire van, check the fuel policy and agreed return time.
At Yorhire, vehicles are supplied fuelled and must be returned with a full tank. If the van isn’t returned fully fuelled, additional refuelling charges will apply.
It’s worth allowing enough time to refuel before dropping the vehicle off, rather than leaving it until the last minute.
If you’ve finished using the van earlier than expected, you can also contact Yorhire to discuss returning it ahead of schedule.
Ready to Hire Your First Van?
At Yorhire, we offer van hire in Beverley for customers across Hull and East Yorkshire, with flexible hire options for everything from house moves to business use.
