Hiring a minibus: the facts

There are advantages to hiring a minibus, but what are the prerequisites for operating one? See our first-time driver’s guide for all the details.

A minibus may not be necessary every day, but in some circumstances, they are ideal.

Perhaps it’s a friend’s wedding, hen party, or stag do, and the celebration will be held in a stunning yet secluded spot. Or maybe you and your colleagues are going to a business function. Going to a sporting event or music festival with a big group of people? Taking a minibus is not the worst thing you could do.

Hiring a minibus has the following benefits:

1. Liberty!

Your group may unwind and enjoy the view while a skilled driver is behind the wheel. And it also means that everyone is welcome to a drink on special occasions! (Of course, not the driver.)

In addition, hiring a driver gives you control over the schedule—the driver will plan the route, leaving you in charge of the other one.

2. Cosiness

Minibuses are roomier than minibuses or public transportation, providing you with more legroom and overhead space for your luggage. They’re also excellent for fostering camaraderie and a lively party environment.

3. Greater financial value

Minibus hirea may appear a bit pricey at first, but group travel usually ends up being less expensive than individual travel.

4. Beneficial to the environment

Travelling in groups lowers expenses and reduces minibus emissions.

5. Time-saving

Minibuses save money and time by eliminating the need for passengers to wait around at bus or train stations.

Naturally, another choice is to take the wheel yourself rather than employing a driver. Before you press “book” on that fun mobile, let’s examine the legal limitations on who is able to and is not able to hire a minibus.

Who can drive a minibus?

Let’s start by thinking about hiring a minibus for personal use. “Non-commercial” refers to the fact that there is no exchange of money between the passengers and the hiring party. It’s not, to use legalese, for “hire or reward”; as we’ll see, the regulations change in that scenario.

That is, you are not planning to turn a profit at all when you hire a minibus. You must, of course, have a licence, but what kind of licence is appropriate?

A driver’s license may be sufficient for a minibus that can accommodate up to 16 people, but only if you, the license holder, also fulfil specific requirements. These are the following:

1. You are older than 21.
2. At least two years have passed since you passed your exam and got your driver’s license.
3. You obtained your licence prior to 1997.
4. As said, the minibus cannot be used for “hire or reward”.
5. The weight of the minibus cannot be more than 3.5 tonnes. If the vehicle has disabled access, such as a wheelchair ramp, its upper restriction is increased. In this instance, the maximum weight for the truck is 4.25 tonnes.
6. The minibus you’re operating needs to be free of a trailer.
7. You must be “fit to drive” if you are over 70. Medical standards from “Group 2” are used to determine this. Not sure if you fit this description? Speak with your doctor and request confirmation.

What happens if operating costs must be charged?

Consider that you are hiring a van to transport your neighbourhood football team to a game. To pay for operating expenses, you might have to charge your gamers a few pounds apiece. This is a significantly distinct set of restrictions because money is being exchanged, and you have to apply for a minibus permit.

Once more, there are requirements to meet in order to submit this application

1. You have to be at least 21.
2. You can accommodate nine to sixteen people in the minibus you hire.
3. It needs to be employed in order to fund the operations of a socially conscious, non-profit organisation. Translated: You might be qualified for a minibus permit if your organisation serves the community—a sports team, for example, or a religious institution.
4. The minibus is not available to the general public; it is only for your group’s members.
5. The money you charge travellers must only be used to pay operating expenses; it cannot be used to turn a profit.

The next step, if this describes you, is to apply online at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) website.

Consider taking a ride onboard

Depending! Your initial step should be to contact the licensing authority in your intended destination country and request further information if you wish to operate a minibus there.

There you have it: the dos and don’ts of minibus hire london. Are you trying to hire one? Explore our selection of hire minibuses; we offer a number of roomy minibuses with diffehire seating arrangements.