If you want to be able to drive your van on a car licence and don’t want to have the hassle of applying for an operator’s licence, then you need to make sure that you are opting for a 3.5 tonne panel van (or lighter). Over recent years, there have been an increasing number of panel van models available above this gross vehicle weight. If you were to buy one of these heavier vans then a whole new tranche of legislation kicks in including tachographs and additional licencing. This is why the 3.5 tonne panel van is so well loved in the UK. With huge loading areas available on the extra long wheel base, high roof versions, these vans appear to be able to swallow any load Be very careful, however, as it is all too easy to overload one of these 3.5 tonners as their payloads are relatively small – especially if the van is a long and high one and is fitted with ply lining and perhaps some additional accessories. Payloads of no more than one tonne are commonplace. If you want to carry heavier, less bulky loads, then try to find a shorter wheelbase version with a lower roof.