Can I Drive a Small Van with a Normal Driving Licence?

Hiring a van isn’t something most people do every day, so it’s no surprise that many drivers have questions about what’s allowed – especially when it comes to the type of licence you need.

One of the things we get asked most often at PSD Vehicle Rental is whether you’re legally allowed to drive a small van if you only have a standard UK driving licence.

It’s a fair question. With so many different types of vehicles on the road, it’s not always obvious what falls within the rules. And the last thing anyone wants is to find out they’re not properly licensed once the keys are in their hand.

Whether you’re looking to move house, deliver goods, carry tools for work, or just get hold of a van for a one-off job, it’s important to know where you stand.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what you can drive with a normal licence, why small van hire might be the right choice, and what you’ll need to bring with you to get started.

What Vehicles Can You Drive on a Normal UK Licence?

If you hold a full UK driving licence (category B), you’re legally allowed to drive any vehicle weighing up to 3.5 tonnes. This includes most small vans and even medium-sized panel vans, as long as they don’t exceed that weight limit.

At PSD, we offer a range of vehicles for van hire in St Helens and Warrington – from compact models like the Citroen Berlingo to larger transits and even 7.5-tonne lorries. The smaller vans in our fleet, such as the Ford Transit Connect or Vauxhall Combo, all fall well within the 3.5-tonne limit, making them suitable for drivers with a standard licence.

So, if you’ve passed your test and held your licence for at least a year, you’re covered to drive a small van from our fleet – no extra tests, no special permits, and no complications.

Why Choose Small Van Hire?

There are plenty of good reasons to go for small van hire instead of something bigger. If you’re only moving light loads, delivering parcels, collecting furniture, or doing local jobs, a smaller van often makes more sense. They’re easier to park, cheaper to run, and much more practical for city driving.

For domestic customers, small vans are ideal for short-term use – like moving out of a flat, doing a run to the tip, or picking up bulky items that won’t fit in your car. For businesses, they’re perfect for tradespeople who don’t need a huge amount of cargo space but still need something tougher than a car.

And because small vans are just as easy to drive as a regular car, they’re less intimidating for first-time hirers.

Requirements for Hiring a Small Van

To hire a small van from PSD, here’s what you’ll need:

• A full UK driving licence (manual – not automatic only)
• A minimum of 12 months’ driving experience
• To be aged between 25 and 75
• Two proofs of address (e.g. a utility bill and a bank statement)
• A valid debit or credit card for the £200 deposit

We’ll also ask to see your photo driving licence at the time of hire. All of our vans are manual, so it’s important your licence covers manual transmission.

Does Van Hire Include Insurance?

All of our van hire prices include a basic insurance waiver, which is already built into the cost. This means you’re covered for accidental damage and theft, though there is a standard excess of £1500. If you prefer extra protection, we offer an optional waiver that reduces the excess to £1000.

There’s no need to arrange separate insurance when you hire a small van from us – everything is taken care of, so you can focus on the job at hand.

Mileage Limits for Small Van Hire

If you’re only hiring a small van for the day, you’ll be pleased to know there’s no mileage limit. That means you can travel wherever you need to, as long as you return the van refuelled and on time.

For weekly hires, there’s a 750-mile limit. Anything over that is charged at a small per-mile fee. If you think you’ll be doing a lot of driving, it’s worth speaking to our team so we can help you choose the best option.

Van Hire Made Simple in St Helens and Warrington

At PSD Vehicle Rental, we believe hiring a van should be straightforward. That’s why we offer a flexible, customer-focused service with competitive rates and no hidden charges. Whether you’re looking for small van hire for a day or a month, we’ll match you with the right vehicle for the job.

All of our vans are regularly maintained and presented in excellent condition. We also provide a 24/7 breakdown and recovery service for peace of mind while you’re on the road.

If you’re based in St Helens, Warrington, or the surrounding areas and need a reliable van hire company, we’re here to help.

Ready to Book a Small Van?

You can book your small van hire online today, or give us a call on 0345 222 1022 for advice. Our team is always happy to help and will make sure you get the right vehicle at the right price.