Minibus Rental Information

By Matt May

Are you considering hiring a self-drive minibus during your holiday? If you are, it is advisable to be aware of the rules and regulations concerning driving larger vehicles in the country which you are visiting.

Driving Licence Requirements in Europe

In Europe a 9 seat minibus (8 passengers and a driver) is generally the maximum permitted rental vehicle size on a standard UK/EU licence.

If you are hiring any vehicle including a minibus with a non-EU licence in countries such as Spain, you will require an International Driving Permit issued from your own country. Although the vehicle rental company may not request this document you are liable to receive a police fine if you are stopped when driving the vehicle.

Minibus Rental Questions

If you are considering renting a minibus without a driver, below are a few commonly asked questions:-

Latest advice from www.gov.co.uk.

In most European locations including Cyprus, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the UK, 9 seat minibus rental is permitted with a UK/EU drivers licence.

In most of Europe e.g. Italy, Portugal and Spain this is not possible. 9 seats is the maximum.

However in the UK only if you held a full UK licence before 1 January 1997, you can drive a minibus/minivan with up to 16 seats to drive in the UK. If your licence was issued after this date then you must have held your licence for at least 2 years. read more

In the UK the minimum age to drive a 9 seat minibus is 21 years. However, if you are a young driver, check the rental terms and conditions before you book if you are travelling abroad, as some companies may stipulate that the hirer is older than 21.

NOTE: Some rental companies may stipulate a maximum age, so please check the "Terms and Conditions" before booking if you are over 70.

• Typically 4-5 large cases (with 9 people). If you are in a party of less than 9 some of the seating area can be used for cases

Rental vehicles should be fitted with seat belts to all seats, and their use is compulsory for all passengers.

• 2.0 litre petrol typically 30-33 miles per gallon
• 2.0 litre diesel typically 32-35 miles per gallon

Unlike in the UK, in many European countries diesel is cheaper than unleaded fuel. In France diesel is nearly 15% cheaper than unleaded fuel. In Portugal the difference is around 10% and slightly less in Spain and Italy.

Some of the most popular minibus rental models are:-

• Mercedes Vito
• Ford Transit
• Renault Traffic
• Volkswagen Caravelle
• Vauxhall Movano

Usually you will not be able to take larger rental vehicles including minibuses out of the country in which they were rented.

In some cases this may be possible, but check the T&Cs of the quote or call us before booking.

Yes, usually this is possible, but there may be a surcharge. Please check with the rental company.

Yes - the CDW excess for larger vehicles is typically around 1000 €. The CDW excess insurance cover split between 8 or 9 people should work out at 10-15 € per person for a week's rental.

Most rental companies do not permit roof racks due to the local laws governing transportation of oversize equipment. It should be possible to fit a surfboard inside the vehicle, although it is worth checking the dimensions before you book.

No, it is not permitted to use a trailer (in any case, the rental vehicle will not have a tow hook).

Automatic transmission models are not common in the car rental industry. There are automatic Ford Transit models with limited availability at some destinations in France, Portugal and Spain, but most rental companies will only provide manual transmission vehicles.

Unlikely! A party of 8-9 golfers will need to consider hiring a second vehicle such as a large estate car for the golfing equipment.

Alternatives

One alternative is to hire 2 smaller cars which may work out significantly cheaper than a minibus.

For city destinations, a smaller car (or 2 smaller cars) would be a better alternative, especially with parking considerations.

If you are planning to do a lot of driving in a busy city then probably the largest vehicle that you should consider hiring is a 7 seater such as a Ford Galaxy or a Renault Espace.

If there are more than 9 persons in your party you may wish to consider hiring a larger van or minibus (generally up to 16 seat) including a driver for airport transfers and day-trips.