You have booked the van and picked a collection time. The only thing left is turning up with the right things in your pocket. Here is what Hirus needs from you on the day, and why.
Four things to bring
- Your photocard driving licence
- Your DVLA check code, unless you already entered it when you booked
- Proof of your address from the last 3 months
- The card you booked with
That is the whole list. The rest of this guide explains each one.
1. Your photocard licence
Bring the card with you. It must be a full UK licence that you have held for at least two years.
A normal car licence is all you need for any of our vans, including the Luton with tail lift. The one exception is the 7.5 tonne lorry, which needs category C1. We have a separate guide on who can drive the 7.5 tonne lorry.
A few other rules to be aware of:
- Drivers must be aged 23 to 75. For the lorry, it is 25 or over.
- Up to six points on your licence is fine. More than six, give us a call before you book.
- If your licence is not a UK one, call us first. Online booking is for UK licence holders.
2. Your DVLA check code
The check code gives us a short-term view of your driving record. Our insurer needs it for every driver.
You get it from the government website in a couple of minutes. It lasts 21 days, so do it a day or two before you collect. If you put a code in when you booked and it has not expired, you are already sorted.
Not done one before? Our DVLA check code guide walks you through it.
3. Proof of address
One document with your name and address on it, dated within the last 3 months. A utility bill or bank statement will do.
The date is the thing to check. A bill from six months ago will not be accepted, and it is an easy one to miss when you are grabbing paperwork on the way out.
4. The card you booked with
We take cards only, not cash, and the card you booked with is the one to bring.
Here is how the deposit works on collection day:
- Booked online? We did not take a deposit when you booked. When you collect, we place a hold for the deposit on the card you paid with. The money is reserved, not taken, but the card does need to have enough available.
- Booked by phone or in person? You pay the deposit by card when you collect.
If the hold cannot be placed, you can pay the deposit at the depot instead. Either way, it is sorted out once the van is back and has been checked.
Bringing another driver?
Anyone who will drive the van has to be named on the hire agreement, because only named drivers are insured. Each additional driver needs:
- their own photocard licence
- their own DVLA check code
They also have to meet the same age and licence rules. Sometimes we need an additional driver to come to the depot with you at collection. If that applies, we will let you know in advance.
At the depot
Collection is quick when everything is in order. We check your documents, you sign the hire agreement, and we record the condition of the van with photos. We do the same when it comes back, so there is a clear record at both ends.
Three things worth doing before you pull away:
- Look at the fuel gauge. The van needs to come back with the same amount.
- Check the fuel type. Putting the wrong fuel in is not covered by the insurance.
- Read the height in the cab. Car parks, low bridges and drive-throughs are where vans get damaged.
What if I forget something?
Without a licence and check code for each driver, we cannot let the van go, and the booking is treated as cancelled on the day. Nobody wants that, least of all us.
So lay everything out the night before. If anything is unclear, call either of our depots and we will tell you what you need. You will find our numbers on the contact page and more answers in the FAQ.