If you are unsure on what van you can drive on your licence it is best to find out as you can be fined up to £1,000 and get 3 to 6 penalty points or even disqualified for driving without the right licence. You may also invalidate the van’s insurance, causing your employer to get into trouble.

So, what exactly makes you eligible to drive a van? Well here is everything you need to know regarding what van you can drive depending on the licence you have.Driver’s Licence explained:

On the front and reverse of your driver’s licence, there is a list of letters which state what vehicles your licence allows you to drive. Here is the list of what vehicles the letters relate to:

What van can you drive on a standard licence?

If you have a standard UK driving licence you can drive any van with an unladen weight of up to 3500 kg.

Any driver who passed their test after 1^st January 1997 can tow a trailer of up to 750kg with no extra training or test. A trailer may only be towed if the combined weight of the trailer and towing vehicle is below 4,250kg.

There are two exceptions where you can tow a trailer heavier than 750kg:

• The combined weight of the vehicle and trailer must not exceed 3.5 tonnes.

• The weight of the trailer must be below the unladen weight of the towing vehicle.

If you want to tow vehicles and trailers that exceed these allowances, you need a B+E entitlement.

If you passed your test before 1^st of January 1997 then you can drive a trailer combination of 8250kg, this mass includes the weight of the vehicle, all passengers, cargo, trailers and petrol. You may also drive a trailer over 750kg.

Heavy Goods Vehicles:

If you want to drive vehicles that have a heavier weight than the allowances for the standard licence, you’ll have to take a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).

Applying for a category C vehicle licence allows you to drive a vehicle over the weight of 3500kg.

But if you are looking to drive an HGV you will need to apply for the full CPC, this is only if you are driving the vehicle for your full occupation.

Once you have got your CPC you must always have it on you when driving a lorry, bus or coach. If you don’t you will be fined a £50 penalty charge.

Ensure you know what vehicle you are eligible to drive on your licence. Also make sure your driving records are all up to date at all times, inform the DVLA of any changes to your licence they need to know.