How much a van weighs and what you can drive on a category B licence

How much a van weighs and why it matters

The question of how much a van weighs has two answers. One is the weight of the empty vehicle, the other the weight when loaded. For a category B driving licence it's the second one that matters, because the limit applies to the vehicle including the load and the occupants.

An empty van

A typical commercial van weighs roughly two tonnes empty. The exact figure varies with the length, roof height and equipment. A van with a wooden fit-out or a bulkhead weighs more than the bare version. Each vehicle has its specific value recorded in the registration document as the kerb weight.

The differences between versions are noticeable. A short low-roof version weighs significantly less than a long high-roof one. A difference of around two hundred kilograms is nothing unusual, and that's exactly the capacity you then don't have for your load.

The 3.5-tonne limit

With a category B licence you may drive a vehicle with a maximum permitted mass of up to 3 500 kilograms. That isn't the weight of the empty vehicle but the ceiling for the loaded vehicle. The difference between the kerb weight and this ceiling is exactly what you're allowed to load.

Above this limit you need a higher category. Vehicles heavier than 3.5 tonnes require category C1 or C. Our vans fit within the category B limit, so you can drive them on an ordinary driving licence. All you need is a valid category B licence and two proofs of identity.

Watch out for automatic-only restrictions. Anyone whose licence has a code restricting them to vehicles with an automatic gearbox can't drive our vans. All our vans have a manual gearbox.

Occupants count towards the limit

Everything counts towards the maximum permitted mass. The driver, passengers, fuel, tools and the load. If you're carrying three people and a full tank, you have less for your load than the payload figure in the table says.

The payload of our vans usually ranges between 1 100 and 1 450 kilograms depending on the model. That's a decent margin for a house move or for materials, but with building rubble or bagged mixes you'll reach the limit faster than you expect.

Number of seats

Category B also covers the number of people carried. The vehicle may have no more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat. A typical van has two or three seats in the front, so with a cargo version you won't run into this limit. You'll find an overview of the vans in our fleet.

Trailers, axle loads and practical consequences

What you can tow

With category B you can tow a light trailer with a maximum permitted mass of up to 750 kilograms. Here the rule is simple and applies practically always.

With a heavier trailer, the whole combination counts. The vehicle and trailer together must then fit within 3 500 kilograms, which leaves very little room with a van weighing two tonnes. Extending category B with a code that raises the combination limit requires a separate test.

But first check whether towing is allowed at all. Not every vehicle has a tow bar and not every rental company permits towing. Ask in advance so you don't find out at the van that your plan won't work.

Axle loads

Besides the total weight, there's also a limit for each axle. Even if you're under 3.5 tonnes, you can overload the rear axle if everything is loaded right by the rear doors.

Heavy items go at the front. Ideally above the rear axle or slightly in front of it, right down on the floor. The van is then more stable and the steering stays predictable.

Spread the load across the whole width. Everything stacked against one side puts weight on the wheels on that side, and you'll feel it in corners.

How a loaded van behaves differently

A longer braking distance is the most noticeable change. Leave a bigger gap and brake earlier than you're used to in a car.

You'll feel crosswinds. The tall body acts like a sail, especially on bridges and when coming out of a tunnel. Grip the steering wheel more firmly and ease off the accelerator.

Pulling away uphill needs higher revs. Our vans have a manual gearbox and a diesel engine, so with a loaded van take it calmly with the clutch and let the engine rev.

Take corners more slowly. The high centre of gravity of a loaded van is noticeable mainly on ring road exits and roundabouts. Slow down before the corner, not in it.

If you're not sure

Check the figures in the registration document in the van. You have them in black and white and it only takes a moment. You'll find other answers in the FAQ or in customers' experiences in the reviews section.