Question: I'm taking a group of family or friends on a trip in a 15-passenger van. I've been driving for years, so is there anything different I need to know?
Yes. A 15-passenger van is not difficult to drive, but it does not handle exactly like the car or SUV you normally drive. The difference becomes more noticeable when the van is carrying a full load of people and luggage.
The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) provides Safety Guidelines for the Use of 15-Passenger Vans covering personal, commercial and student transportation. For the personal driver, the key is to understand how the vehicle responds and adjust your driving accordingly.
Give yourself more stopping room
A van carrying 15 people is considerably heavier than it is when you are driving it by yourself. More weight means more momentum and more time and distance may be needed to stop.
Leave a generous following distance and look well ahead so that you can begin slowing before a situation becomes an emergency. Avoid following another vehicle closely just because traffic is moving slowly. The extra space gives you more time to react without having to brake or steer abruptly.
Slow down before curves
A 15-passenger van is a large vehicle and does not respond well to abrupt steering. Enter curves at a speed that allows you to maintain control without sudden braking or steering.
This is especially important when the van is fully loaded. Avoid sudden lane changes and other sharp steering movements, and make any necessary corrections smoothly.
If a tire drops onto the shoulder, don't jerk the steering wheel to get back onto the pavement. Slow down, regain control and return to the roadway smoothly when it is safe to do so.
Load passengers and cargo carefully
Where passengers sit and where cargo is placed can affect how the van handles. Follow the loading instructions in the owner's manual and don't exceed the manufacturer's weight limit.
If the van is not full, seat passengers from the front toward the rear rather than filling the back seats first. This keeps more of the weight toward the front of the vehicle.
Keep heavy cargo low and toward the front of the vehicle where practical. Secure luggage and other objects so that they cannot move around or become dangerous projectiles if you have to brake suddenly.
Be particularly cautious about adding weight to the roof or the rear of the van. Roof racks, rear cargo carriers and trailers can affect the vehicle's stability and handling.
Pay attention to the tires
Properly inflated tires are particularly important on a heavily loaded passenger van. Check the tire pressure regularly and use the pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer, not the maximum pressure shown on the tire's sidewall.
Check the condition of the tires as well. They should have adequate tread and be appropriate for the weather and road conditions you expect to encounter.
Get familiar with the van first
If you normally drive a car or small SUV, take some time to become comfortable with the van before setting out with a full load of passengers.
Notice how much more space it needs when changing lanes and turning, how it responds to braking and how much more carefully you need to make steering inputs. A short drive with only the driver aboard can help you become familiar with the vehicle before the real trip begins.
What about your driver's licence?
Whether a Class 5 driver's licence is sufficient to operate a 15-passenger van in British Columbia depends on how the vehicle is being used. The number of seats alone does not determine the licence class required.
For a detailed explanation of the licensing requirements, see What Licence Do I Need to Drive a 15-Passenger Van?
The bottom line
A 15-passenger van isn't something to fear, but it deserves more care than the average family car. Give yourself more room to stop, slow down before curves, steer smoothly, load passengers and cargo sensibly and make sure everyone is properly restrained.
If you're unfamiliar with the vehicle, take the time to learn how it responds before filling it with passengers. Understanding the difference between driving an empty van and a fully loaded one is an important part of making sure everyone arrives safely.
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