What to bring when you hire a van

Hiring a van for the first time can feel like there is a lot to think about. One of the most common questions we get is what to bring on collection day. Getting this right means you can pick up your van quickly and get on with your day. This guide covers everything you need to know before you arrive at our depot on Hurricane Way.

Why it matters

We need to verify who is hiring and driving the vehicle before we hand over the keys. This is a standard part of the hire process and protects everyone involved. The good news is that once you know what to bring, it is straightforward. Most people have everything they need already. It is just a case of getting it together before you come in.

What to bring depending on your situation

You are hiring and driving the van

This is the most common scenario. You will need:

• Your driving licence
• Two forms of ID: any two from a passport, a bank statement, or a utility bill
• A driving licence check code, generated at gov.uk/view-driving-licence

You are an additional driver but not paying for the hire

If someone else is paying but you will be driving, you will need the same documents as above. You must also come into the depot in person on collection day. We cannot process additional drivers remotely or in advance.

This is worth knowing if you are hiring a van for a house move and planning to share the driving. Everyone who will be behind the wheel needs to come in with us on the day.

You have an old paper driving licence

If you have not yet switched to a photocard licence, you will need:

• Your paper driving licence
• A passport
• A bank statement or utility bill
• A driving licence check code, generated at gov.uk/view-driving-licence

Paper licences are still valid but they do require an extra step. If you are unsure whether yours is acceptable, give us a call before you come in and we will let you know.

You are paying for the hire but not driving

If you are organising the hire for someone else and will not be driving yourself, you will need:

• A passport
• Two bank statements or utility bills

The person driving will still need to bring their own documents as listed above.

How to generate your driving licence check code

This is something a lot of people have not done before, so here is how it works.

Go to gov.uk/view-driving-licence on your phone or computer. You will need your driving licence number, your National Insurance number, and your postcode. Log in and follow the steps to generate a check code. The code is valid for 21 days so you can do this a few days before your hire date.

The check code allows us to verify your licence details electronically with the DVLA. It takes a minute or two and means we can confirm your entitlements and check for any endorsements quickly and accurately. If you have any trouble generating the code, call us in advance and we can talk you through it.

Things to check before you arrive

A few things are worth double-checking before collection day to avoid any issues.

Your photocard driving licence has an expiry date on the front. Many people do not realise it needs renewing periodically, separate from your entitlement to drive. 

Check the date in section 4b on the front of your card. If it has expired, you will need to renew it before hiring.

Bank statements and utility bills must be dated within the last three months. Printed online versions are fine, so you do not need to wait for a paper copy to arrive in the post. 

Just make sure the date is visible and the document shows your current address.

Passports must be in date and valid. An expired passport cannot be used as ID even if you are not travelling abroad.

We can only accept full UK or EU driving licences that have been held for a minimum of one year (2 years if aged between 21 & 24)

What happens on collection day

When you arrive at our depot, one of our team will go through your documents and get you set up on the system. This usually takes around ten to fifteen minutes. Once everything is checked and signed, we will walk you round the van together. We check the vehicle condition with you before you drive away so everything is noted and agreed between us.

We will also walk you through the van itself. Where the controls are, how the mirrors adjust, and anything specific to the vehicle you are hiring. If you have not driven a van before, this is a good opportunity to ask questions. We would rather you feel comfortable and confident before you leave than have any uncertainty once you are on the road.

A note for first-time hirers

If this is your first time hiring a van, there is nothing to worry about. Our vans are all automatic, which makes them easier to drive than you might expect. We go through everything with you before you set off and we are available by phone throughout your hire if anything comes up. Thousands of people hire from us each year for house moves, DIY projects, and business jobs. Most of them have not driven a van before either.

Ready to book?

If you have your documents ready and want to check availability, you can book online or call us on 0800 328 3887. If you are not sure which vehicle is right for your job, our team is happy to help you choose.