Most collections at Laser Van Rentals take a few minutes. The ones that take longer nearly always come down to something left at home. This checklist covers everything we need to see before we can hand over the keys.
The checklist
Bring these four things:
- Your photocard driving licence.
- Your DVLA check code, if you did not enter it when you booked.
- Proof of your address dated within the last 3 months. A utility bill or a bank statement is fine.
- The card you booked with.
If anyone else is going to drive, they need their own licence and their own check code too.
Your driving licence
You need a full UK licence that you have held for at least two years. A standard car licence covers every van we hire up to and including the Luton. The 7.5 tonne lorry is different: see our guide to driving a 7.5 tonne lorry on a car licence.
Drivers must be aged 23 to 75, or 25 and over for the lorry. You can hire with up to six points on your licence. If you have more than six, call us before you book.
If your licence was issued outside the UK, call us before you book. Online booking is for UK licence holders, and we will tell you whether we can hire to you and what to bring.
Your DVLA check code
The check code lets us see your driving record, which our insurer requires for every driver. You create it on the government website and it lasts 21 days, so a day or two before you collect is the right time to do it.
If you entered a code when you booked online and it is still in date, you do not need another one. Our DVLA check code guide has the steps in full.
Proof of address
We need one document showing your name and address, dated within the last 3 months. A utility bill or a bank statement is what most customers bring. Check the date before you leave the house: an older document is the most common reason a collection is delayed.
Your payment card
Bring the card you used to book. We do not accept cash.
The card matters because of the security deposit:
- If you booked online, nothing was taken for the deposit when you booked. On the day you collect, we place a hold for the deposit on the card you paid with. A hold reserves the money but does not take it, so make sure the card has enough available.
- If you booked by phone or at the depot, you pay the deposit by card when you collect.
If a hold cannot be placed on your card, you will need to pay the deposit at the depot before you drive away. The hold is released once the van is back and checked.
If someone else is driving
Every driver has to be named on the hire agreement. Only named drivers are insured. Each one needs their own photocard licence and check code, and must meet the same age and licence rules as you.
We sometimes need an additional driver to come to the depot with their licence when you collect. We will tell you beforehand if that applies to your booking.
What happens at the depot
When you arrive, we check your documents, go through the hire agreement with you and ask you to sign it. The condition of the van is recorded with photos before you leave, and again when you bring it back.
Before you drive off, take a minute to:
- note how much fuel is in the van, as it needs to come back with the same amount
- check the fuel type on the filler cap
- look at the height shown in the cab, because vans are taller than they feel
If something is missing
If a driver cannot show their licence and check code, we cannot release the van. This is treated as a cancellation on the day, so it is worth getting everything together the evening before.
If you are unsure about any of it, call us before your hire date and we will tell you exactly what you need. Our numbers and opening hours are on the contact page, and the FAQ covers deposits, fuel and returns in more detail.