Do I need a special license to drive a moving van?

DIY Moving vs. Hiring Pros

Feb 08, 2026

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and clarity.

Do I Need a Special Licence to Drive a Moving Van?

Driving a moving van in the UK requires the correct driving licence, which largely depends on the vehicle's size and weight. For most domestic moves using commonly available rental vans, a standard car licence is often sufficient. However, larger vehicles or professional operations have additional legal requirements.

Standard Driving Licence (Category B)

A standard Category B driving licence, which permits driving a car, also allows the holder to operate vehicles with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of up to 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes). This covers most common panel vans, such as long-wheelbase Ford Transits or similar models, frequently used for smaller house moves or for transporting larger items.

Additionally, a Category B licence permits towing a trailer of up to 750 kg MAM. If the combined MAM of the vehicle and trailer exceeds 3,500 kg, or the trailer's MAM exceeds the unladen weight of the towing vehicle, specific towing entitlements are needed, depending on when the licence was obtained.

The 1997 Cut-Off: What Your Licence Entitles You To

The date a driving licence was obtained significantly affects the types of vehicles an individual is permitted to drive in the UK.

Licences issued before 1 January 1997: Holders typically have 'grandfather rights' or 'acquired rights' for Categories B, B+E, C1, C1+E, D1, and D1+E. This means a driver can usually operate vehicles up to 7,500 kg MAM (Category C1) and tow a trailer over 750 kg MAM, provided the combined MAM of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 12,000 kg (Category C1+E). This covers many larger removal lorries commonly used for house removals.
Licences issued on or after 1 January 1997: Drivers are generally limited to vehicles up to 3,500 kg MAM (Category B). To drive vehicles between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg MAM (Category C1) or larger vehicles (Category C), a separate theory and practical test must be passed to upgrade the licence.

Driving Larger Removal Lorries (Over 3.5 Tonnes)

For vehicles exceeding 3,500 kg MAM, such as the larger 7.5-tonne lorries commonly used by professional removal companies, a Category C1 driving licence is required. If the vehicle's MAM is over 7,500 kg, a Category C (often referred to as 'HGV' – Heavy Goods Vehicle) licence is necessary. These categories are typically obtained through additional training and testing programmes.

Professional Operations and Business Requirements

For individuals or businesses operating a moving van or lorry for hire or reward, beyond the correct driving licence, there are additional legal obligations. Understanding how a man with a van works, from a regulatory standpoint, is crucial for those in the industry.

Operator's Licence (O Licence): Any business operating goods vehicles over 3,500 kg MAM for hire or reward, or for their own business use (if over 3,500 kg MAM), generally requires a Goods Vehicle Operator's Licence from the Traffic Commissioner. This ensures vehicles are safe and properly maintained, and drivers adhere to driving hours rules.
Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC): Professional drivers who hold a Category C1 or C licence (and obtained it on or after 10 September 2009) typically need to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years to maintain their Driver CPC qualification. There are some exemptions, for instance, for non-commercial carriage of goods for personal use.
Vehicle Insurance: Adequate commercial insurance for a man with a van or removals business is essential. This usually includes 'Goods in Transit' insurance to cover the items being moved and 'Public Liability' insurance.

Important Considerations and Best Practice

For those considering a DIY move versus hiring professionals, understanding these licence requirements is a key factor. Weighing up whether it is cheaper to hire a van or a man with a van service often involves assessing not only the cost but also the legal and practical implications of driving different vehicle sizes.

Check Vehicle MAM: Always verify the Maximum Authorised Mass of any vehicle before driving it. This information is usually found on a plate inside the vehicle's cab or in the logbook (V5C).
Overloading: Driving an overloaded vehicle is illegal, unsafe, and can invalidate insurance. The vehicle's MAM is its maximum legal operating weight, including the vehicle itself, its load, and occupants.
Driving Hours and Tachographs: Drivers of lorries over 3,500 kg MAM used for hire or reward, or operating commercially, are typically subject to strict EU and UK driving hours regulations and may need to use a tachograph to record driving activity.
Foreign Licences: Drivers with non-UK licences must ensure their licence is valid for driving in Great Britain and for the class of vehicle being operated.