The Driver is personally liable for each of the following if stopped by the
Police, so check before you begin your journey.
Is the Road Fund Licence visible and valid?
Are lights working?
Do the tyres appear to be in good condition and are they inflated to correct
pressure?
Is the vehicle likely to be over the gross vehicle weight?
If carrying an external load, is it securely fixed?
Arrange for faults/deficiencies in any of the above, to be rectified before you
go out on the road.
You should consider these items especially if you are going on a long journey:
Oil
Coolant
Fuel
Screen wash
Brake / clutch fluid
Jack (brace + handle)
Mirrors
Spare tyre
General Driving Information
Braking
Many drivers don't appreciate the importance of proper use of brakes and the
effect they have not only on the speed of the vehicle but on its stability and
balance.
Van brakes are designed to cope with a full load. This makes them a little too
powerful for the situation when the vehicle is empty, especially in damp or
slippery conditions.
You should do a static brake test before moving off and then test them again
just after you have moved off (especially after a vehicle has been standing for
a while).
Rules and Techniques for Braking
Brake firmly only when travelling in a straight line.
Read traffic situations carefully - ease off prior to the possible need to
brake e.g. approaching green traffic lights.
Brake in plenty of time avoiding harsh or sudden breaking.
Vary brake pressure according to the surface you are travelling on.
Both hands should be holding the steering wheel.
Braking in a vehicle at or near its maximum weight always requires more care.
Do not get too close to the vehicle in front.
When descending steep winding hills brake firmly on straight and ease off on
the bends. Keep your speed in check with your brakes, but be prepared to engage
a lower gear before descending.
Avoid riding the brakes as this can cause "glazing" causing sudden loss of
braking efficiency.
Steering
Hands should be placed at ten to two position.
Don't let the wheel spin back - feed it through the hands.
Gear changes should be made whilst travelling straight.
On slippery surface - delicate and gentle movements.
Following Distances
Reasonable distance from vehicle in front - 2 second rule.
Reaction time has to be added to all braking distances.
In towns under 30mph it is possible to leave 1 second.
When stationary leave 6 feet between you and vehicle in front.
Observation and Anticipation
Observation, together with concentration are the two skills that raise a
driver above the normal. With observation you can anticipate the actions of
other road users and become much earlier with your braking. You may find that in
a lot of instances you will only need to decelerate and not brake at all.
One way you can improve your observation and concentration is to talk to
yourself about the road situation ahead.
Instruction Manual
Sit down with the manual and familiarise yourself with the checks that need to
be made e.g. Engine oil, coolant, windscreen washer bottle, tyre pressures
(including spare).
Layout of Vehicle
Get to know the layout of the vehicle.
Pre-driving checks
Make sure doors open and close securely.
Is there a first aid kit and fire extinguisher?
Visual check for external damage.
Seat and Visibility
Adjust the seat and head restraints for comfort and access to controls.
Wear sensible footwear that allows the correct use the pedal controls.
Door/wing mirrors assume greater importance.
Don't rely on mirrors to reverse in a confined space or where visibility is
restricted - get assistance form someone who knows what they are doing . If on
your own get out and walk around vehicle first.
Check for obstructions on the ground (and at roof level), for pedestrians and
children playing.
Height
Know the height of your vehicle (including roof rack) - this helps when
confronted with car park height bars.
Take extra caution when approaching bridges and canopies and when driving
under overhanging trees. Some petrol stations may not cater for the size of your
vehicle.
Width of Vehicle
Foliage, traffic signs and shop awnings can present a hazard.
Get used to using you mirror on the near side to judge the distance from
obstruction on the near side. Always check it before moving off.
Length of Vehicle
On left hand turns keep to the crown of the read checking your near side
mirror, as you turn, for cyclists, etc., moving up the inside of you.
Driving With A Load Up
The vehicle is slower to respond to acceleration (greater care must be taken
with overtakes).
You need to change gear more frequently to obtain maximum response from the
engine.
Hill starts require more care and lower gear is needed on them.
On motorways and dual carriageways do not get caught in the offside lane on a
rising gradient (lose momentum quickly).
Cornering presents its own problems - centre of gravity is quite high and a
full load does not help the situation - be prepared for roll corners.
Excessive zeal on corner at worst it can lead to loss of control in wet or icy
conditions.
Fitness of the Driver
The vehicle may be fit to drive but, equally important, so must the driver.
He/She should not be tired or rushed.
Allow plenty of time for the journey - better to arrive earlier than expected
after a leisurely drive.
If your health is suffering for any reason don't allow the pressures of
completing the journey to compromise safety in any way.
Work out a route before you start and take map books with you.
Motorway Driving
Motorway driving requires a high level of concentration - things happen very
quickly on them.
Be careful with overtakes as even a slight gradient can leave you stranded in
lane 3.
Always expect the unexpected.
If you have to stop on the hard shoulder in an emergency remember that your
responsibility does not end with bringing the vehicle to a halt.
The hard shoulder of the motorway is one of the most dangerous environments
one can find.
Journeys End
At the end of any journey check the vehicle and note any defects- any damage
caused such as hitting the kerb should be reported.
Stopping Distances for Vans
The proper following distance for a van is leaving a four (4) second interval:
this is longer than for car drivers; the ‘Total Stopping Distance’ is made up of
"The Perception Distance"
"The Reaction Distance" (average of ¾ second) and
"The Braking Distance"
When travelling at 55 mph, assuming average reaction time, your van will travel
55 feet from the time it takes you to move your foot from the accelerator to the
brake pedal; then for adverse road or weather conditions, increase that distance
by one more second.
It is suggested that whenever you feel you might have to brake, to move your
foot off the accelerator and ‘cover’ the brake, ready to push it down if
necessary. Vans, especially loaded ones, take longer to stop than do cars.
Compared to a passenger car, a van's following distance should be greater in
both ideal and adverse conditions.
Built-up Areas*
Elsewhere
Motorways
Single carriage-ways
Dual carriage-ways
Type of vehicle
MPH
MPH
MPH
MPH
Car
derived vans (including car derived vans up to 2 tonnes maximum laden weight)
30
60
70
70
Car
derived vans towing caravans or trailers (including car derived vans and motorcycles)
30
50
60
60
Goods vehicles (not exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight)
30
50
60
70+
Goods vehicles (exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight)
30
40
50
60
+ 60 if articulated or towing a trailer. Street lights usually mean that there is a 30 mph speed limit unless there are signs showing another limit.
All of the documents can be obtained from us in a word format, so that they can be personalised and edited to suit your company or business. This service is free of charge, on request or phone 01908 262662.
Webvans is a trading style of LVC Central Ltd. | Tel: 01908 262662
