What driving license do you need to drive a van?

When you want to drive a van, it is important to know which driving license you need. This depends on various factors, such as the weight of the van, the number of seats and the type of use. Whether you need a van for work, a camper for a road trip or a people carrier for a group of friends, the rules can differ per situation. In this blog we clearly explain which driving license is required for driving different types of vans, so that you can hit the road well prepared.

What kind of vehicle are you allowed to drive with a B driving license?

Although the driving license B is called a “car driving license”, with this license you are allowed to drive multiple vehicles in addition to the passenger car. With a driving license B you are allowed to drive cars and vans with a total weight of up to 3500 kg and with a maximum of 8 seats (excluding the driver's). In short, which driving license do you need for the 9-person bus from Adrem Limburg? Nothing more than a valid car driving license! A van for 9 people still meets the requirement of a maximum of 8 seats, excluding the driver's. However, this is also the largest bus that you are allowed to drive with a driving license B.

How many people can you transport with a B driving license?

How many people are you allowed to transport with a B driving licence? The government website states that you are allowed to transport up to eight people with your car driving licence. The driver does not count. So if you have a Want to drive a 9 person bus?, you can do this with a B driving license. Do you want to drive a van with 12 people in it? Then you need a different driving license, namely the D driving license. With a D driving license you are allowed to drive buses. However, if you have a van for 12 people or 14 people, then you are allowed to drive it with the special D1 driving license. The D1 driving license allows you to drive smaller buses for up to 16 people.

Is this strictly monitored?

Some car rental companies sometimes choose to look the other way if you want to rent a 12-person van with a B driving license. However, we strongly advise against doing this, because you will no longer be insured if you cause damage or injury with the van. An insurance company will check all relevant matters in order not to have to pay out in the event of (high) damage. If it turns out that you do not have a valid driving license for the vehicle in question, you will have to pay the costs yourself.

Driving license for a van with trailer

If you are travelling with many people and luggage, you can also attach a trailer to the back of your bus for extra luggage space. However, which driving licence do you need? With a car driving licence, you need an addition before you can drive on the road with a trailer. Whether you need a BE driving licence depends on, among other things, the weight to be pulled. Driving a van is no different. To drive a van with a trailer, you need an addition to your D or D1 driving licence: the DE or D1E driving licence. With this driving licence in your pocket, you are allowed to tow a trailer with a maximum mass of approximately 750 kilograms. With a D1E driving licence, the total mass of the van and trailer may not exceed 12.000 kilograms.

What driving license do you need to rent a van for moving?

The driver's license you need to rent and drive a moving van depends on the weight of the moving truck. In most cases, your car driver's license is also sufficient to drive this buses for rent. The weight of the bus and its contents must remain below 3500 kilograms. If the weight exceeds 3500, you will need a truck driving license: driving license C.