O licence question: From when is a van not a van anymore

Hello everybody.
I am thinking about setting up a recovery/vehicle movement company. I would want say a 5 tonne van + trailer. Now if I want an O licence for a van it’s 1600 + no operating centre+ no need for newspaper ad.
If i get a 5 tonne van however, is that still a van or is it a HGV? Because if its a HGV might as well get a real HGV.
Please let me know
Many thanks

anything over 3.5 needs an o license i think. no idea how the do as you like brigade get on with a beaver tail and a trailer

If you’re unsure on this starter point, then perhaps better to get some paid advise.
That you’re doing veh movements would cancel any exemption you imagine comes with the recovery.
GVW upto 3500kgs is your van, 3501kgs is into O,licences. Any trailer for your activity also brings it into play