Ive been thinking about maybe getting a van over 3.5t

Pudsey Bear

Pudsey Bear

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But I let my entitlement go at 70, I just turned 75 on Sunday, and wondered if it was a chore or not to get it back?
 
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I think its the same process as if you kept the entitlement at 70, I let mine lapse but Val kept hers on a just in case basis. Pretty easy, fill the form and a medical to get it back. Whether its a chore probably depends on how far you have to travel to get the medical done.
 
Val54 said:
I think its the same process as if you kept the entitlement at 70, I let mine lapse but Val kept hers on a just in case basis. Pretty easy, fill the form and a medical to get it back. Whether its a chore probably depends on how far you have to travel to get the medical done.
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or IF you can pass the medical.
And if the medical can be passed in 3 years time - that would be something I would keep very strongly in mind. What is possible to pass at 78 can be quite a bit different to what can be passed at 75.

My question to the question is "why do you want a van with a greater GVW?". If it is to get a higher payload, can the current van be uprated to do that? If so, then it would be a simple process to downrate back down if the C1 cannot be maintained in 3 years.
 
We're thinking of being able to tow as well, I believe I need the same licence for that too.
 
wildebus said:
say you have a 3.5t GVW van with a 5.5t GTW - so towing limit of 2t - you can drive that combo on a standard licence.
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I did just that for many years, butcan I now? that used to be part of my grandad rights, a test is needed now I think.
 
If you've had a continuous licence since before 19/01/2013 you can drive vehicle up to 3.5t and trailer up to towing limit of vehicle; (DVLA quote)

"Vehicles up to 3,500 kg Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM). You can drive a vehicle with a MAM of 3,500 kg with a trailer. The size of the trailer depends on the BE 'valid from' date shown on the licence. If the date is before 19 January 2013 can tow any size trailer within the towing limits of the vehicle. If on or after 19 January 2013 can tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 3,500 kg within the towing limits of the vehicle"

You can check your licence online and the tabs will tell you what you can drive. You need your licence number and NatIns number: Licence Check
 
Ardachaidh said:
If you've had a continuous licence since before 19/01/2013 you can drive vehicle up to 3.5t and trailer up to towing limit of vehicle; (DVLA quote)

"Vehicles up to 3,500 kg Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM). You can drive a vehicle with a MAM of 3,500 kg with a trailer. The size of the trailer depends on the BE 'valid from' date shown on the licence. If the date is before 19 January 2013 can tow any size trailer within the towing limits of the vehicle. If on or after 19 January 2013 can tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 3,500 kg within the towing limits of the vehicle"

You can check your licence online and the tabs will tell you what you can drive. You need your licence number and NatIns number: Licence Check
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As in the OP, I let it lapse.
 
If you reapply for C1 having let it lapse worth remembering that Section 88 does not apply. In other words you have to wait for the DVLA to complete all their procedures and issue a new licence before driving a bigger vehicle.
 
Sorry, I thought you meant you’d let the C1 entitlement lapse but still had a licence. You can have the C1 reinstated by filling in the correct forms and getting the medical test. No driving test required. Some Info

I would have thought a 3.5 t m/h with trailer would be fine. That’s what we do.
 
Pudsey Bear said:
I did just that for many years, butcan I now? that used to be part of my grandad rights, a test is needed now I think.
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no, that is incorrect.

Click on this link - https://www.gov.uk/towing-rules - and chose the relevant options. It include the situation where you passed pre 1997 but no longer have C1 or D1. And remember a van under 3.5t is regarded as a "car".
 
Ardachaidh said:
Sorry, I thought you meant you’d let the C1 entitlement lapse but still had a licence. You can have the C1 reinstated by filling in the correct forms and getting the medical test. No driving test required. Some Info

I would have thought a 3.5 t m/h with trailer would be fine. That’s what we do.
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I do still have a licence, I renew every 3 years, I just didn't do anything when I reached 70.
 
Oh, and just a general comment about towing .... The Towing exam that used to be needed if the driving test was passed post 1/1/1997 has been scrapped. the "E" towing entitlement is now automatic when passing a test and is granted retrospectively for anyone without.

(I don't know if this is added for B or includes C and D as well though).
 
I now have a heavier van - same physical size as previous 3.5t van (7.4m) but because the quality of lighter vans has reduced dramatically I find that to get a van now that will see us out to we no longer want to travel, most reasonable quality vans are more than 3.5t. I am over 73 so have had two medicals so far - and passed no problem.
It will be interesting to see what happens with the electric van issue as to enable younger drivers to drive them there is talk of increasing the weight limit to 4.25t because of the weight of the battery. Maybe it could apply to us? Yes I can see the pigs flying over😎
 
I would just put a trailer on what you have Kev and wait and see what happens with licenses. Its more than likely we will come into line with the new EU rulings, just a matter of when
 
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