Van Driving Job...what licence is needed?

oldscoil

Hi All.

I was thinking about looking into to van driving, as a plan B in case my job goes belly up.

A few quick questions.

I have a full clean car licence (is that a B?), but do I need a "C" licence to drive a van, and how do I go about getting it, is there a test.

Also, is anyone a van driver at the moment, are there jobs available AT ALL in this sector?

Thanks in advance folks.

corcaigh07

think you dont strictly speaking need one but most would ask for 1.

GalwayKiefer

Your "B" licence will allow you to drive anything up to 3 and a half tonnes, eg. Ford Transit etc. Anything above that and you need at least a C1 licence. Best to have it to be honest if you're serious about it because it'll give you better prospects. Try checking out daries, I know a lad who's brother works for Dawn and they have trouble from time to time getting delivery drivers (some people just cant hack the really early starts). Get your foot in the door and you're sorted.

bikki

B License up 3500kg
C1 License 3500kg - 7500kg
C License 7500kg - 18000kg

niceirishfella

bikki wrote: »

B License up 3500kg
C1 License 3500kg - 7500kg
C License 7500kg - 18000kg

This is correct. and remember, its up to the weight........a fully loaded and laden high roof transit for example could be over 3.5tonnes and then your not licenced to drive it.

Better off with the C licence to cover yourself and enhance your driving opportunities.

Wishbone Ash

bikki wrote: »

B License up 3500kg
C1 License 3500kg - 7500kg
C License 7500kg - 18000kg

Apologies for being pedantic but there is no lower or upper weight limit on a category C licence. A typical example would be a four axle tipper which is legally limited to 32,000kgs and may be driven on a category C. Heavier non-articulated trucks may also be driven on a C licence provided they have specific special exemptions regarding weight limits.

niceirishfella wrote: »

a fully loaded and laden high roof transit for example could be over 3.5tonnes and then your not licenced to drive it

Yes, many vans require a C1, especially the Transits with twin wheel rear axles and the larger Mercedes vans.

Generally, vans which require a C1 licence, have green and yellow reflective strips at the sides and red and orange reflective strips to the rear.

oldscoil

Thanks a mil Folks.

This is all solid gold!

How would I go about getting a C licence.
Is there a test (theory or practical).
Do you have to pay for it.

....And last of all, is anyone a van driver at the moment, I don't want to muscle in on your job, but how are driver vacancies these days?

Thanks again for all the info so far.

Wishbone Ash

oldscoil wrote: »

How would I go about getting a C licence.
Is there a test (theory or practical)

Apply for and pass theory test first.

Apply for category C Learner permit. You will be required to be accompanied by someone who has held a full category C licence and has held that licence for at least two years.

Arrange lessons with a driving school who do trucks.

Apply for category C Driving Test. (The 6 months waiting time does not apply to category C).

Pass driving test and apply for a category C driving licence.

oldscoil wrote:

Do you have to pay for it

What planet are you living in? Come back to the real world!

(I think Fás may do a special deal for those who are unemployed and wish to obtain a truck licence).