If you’re thinking about renting a U-Haul truck, you’re probably wondering about how hard they are to drive. If you’ve never driven a larger vehicle before, this can be fairly intimidating.
Thankfully, the process isn’t as difficult as you would think.
Are U-Haul Trucks Automatic?
All U-Haul trucks are automatic. This makes it easier for people who don’t know how to drive stick, but driving a large vehicle can still be difficult, nonetheless. It takes some practice to properly drive U-Haul trucks, so it’s important to take your time.
U-Haul vehicles are heavy and large. Accordingly, they take a great deal of care and patience to drive properly and safely. If you have never driven a larger vehicle before, it might be a good idea to enlist the help of a friend or family member with experience.
Keep reading to find details on driving U-Haul trucks, as well as general information on licensing and amenities that are required and included.
How Difficult Is It to Drive a U-Haul Truck?
Although it takes practice to drive larger vehicles like U-Haul trucks, it isn’t that difficult once you get used to it. As long as you load your items carefully, adjust the mirrors accordingly, and familiarize yourself with the controls, you shouldn’t have too many issues.
Driving a U-Haul truck is not difficult, but it takes patience and care. All U-Haul trucks are automatic, and do not require knowledge of stick shifting to drive. However, the vehicles are still large and heavy, requiring a good deal of care to drive.
When driving a U-Haul, there are a few things you can do to make it easier for yourself:
- Drive slowly. U-Hauls are large and heavy, and it is harder to stop or slow down from high speeds with heavy loads. Driving slowly gives you more reaction time and makes it easier to stop if you need to.
- Pass cautiously. Since U-Haul trucks are longer than regular vehicles, it takes longer to pass other cars. This must be taken into account when attempting to pass while driving.
- Pay attention. Mistakes happen when you take your attention away from the road. Don’t drive if you’re feeling tired and avoid distractions such as phones.
- Know the terrain. Driving on hills, dirt roads, and other types of terrain requires special care, especially if you are driving quickly or must make sharp turns.
- Don’t turn too sharply. U-Haul trucks are longer than other vehicles, so you should make wider turns or drive slightly past where you intend to turn before doing so.
If you’re already experienced in driving heavier vehicles, then you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting used to driving a U-Haul truck. However, it is still important to keep in mind the fact that the truck will be heavier with a full load compared to when it is empty.
For more tips on driving a U-Haul safely and effectively, you can visit this page on uhaul.com.
Read: Can U-Haul Trucks Go on the Highway?
Do You Need a Special License to Drive a U-Haul?
You will require a government-issued driver’s license to rent and drive U-Haul vehicles. However, there is no special licensing requirement, since U-Haul trucks are not considered commercial vehicles.
You do not need a special license to drive a U-Haul. Your government issued driver’s license will be checked prior to your rental, and there is no further licensing requirement for operating U-Haul vehicles.
For more information on general U-Haul truck operation, you can visit the FAQ page on uhaul.com.
Are U-Haul Trucks Four Wheel Drive?
U-Haul offers a wide range of vehicles from pickup trucks to 27-foot cargo trucks. These vehicles come with a number of features, such as cruise control, AC, and automatic transmission. However, they generally do not come with four wheel drive.
U-Haul trucks are not four wheel drive. All U-Haul trucks are front-wheel drive unless specified otherwise. Roads requiring four wheel drive should be avoided when driving a U-Haul truck.
Since U-Haul trucks are front wheel drive, it’s important to pay attention to the terrain on which you are driving. For more information on the different types of trucks available at U-Haul, you can visit the moving truck sizes page on uhaul.com.
Read: How Long Can You Rent A U-Haul?
Final Thoughts
U-Hauls are not as difficult to drive as one may think. However, since the vehicles are larger and heavier than a typical car, special care must be taken when operating them. Typically, this just means taking it slow, adjusting your mirrors accordingly, and being familiar with the controls.
Special licensing is not required to operate U-Haul vehicles, since they are not classified as commercial vehicles. A valid government-issued driver’s license is all you need. Your license will be checked during the reservation process for your vehicle.
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