Planning group transport doesn’t have to be complicated. Self-drive minibus hire gives you the flexibility to move your group on your own schedule, without the added cost of a professional driver.

This guide covers everything you need to know before you book, including vehicle options, licence requirements, what’s included in the hire, and how to make sure everything goes smoothly on the day. We operate from two locations in Hertfordshire, in Hatfield and Hoddesdon, and offer self-drive minibus hire to customers nationwide.

Uses for minibuses and MPVs

Day trips

For groups of all kinds, from sports clubs and school trips to corporate events, it’s one of the most practical and cost-effective ways to get everyone from A to B together.

Tourism

Our MPVs are also very popular with tourists who find their comfort and convenience ideal for travelling around the UK. Our location next to the Hatfield train station makes it ideal for leaving the capital and exploring the country, without having to drive on London’s busy roads.

Vehicle options

We offer a range of MPVs and minibuses to suit different group sizes and requirements, from executive 9-seaters through to wheelchair-accessible 17-seat vehicles.

9-seater MPV

The 9-seater MPV is a convenient option for smaller groups of up to 8 passengers plus the driver. Straightforward to drive, easy to park, and with a good amount of luggage space. Drivers need only a standard category B licence, making it the most accessible hire option for most people.

9-seater executive MPV

The 9-seater executive MPV has same capacity as the standard 9-seater but with a more comfortable interior. Premium seating, improved comfort, and a more refined finish make this the right choice for corporate travel, client transfers, or any occasion where a more luxurious vehicle is required.

17-seat minibus

Our 17 seater minibuses are the most popular self-drive option for larger groups. Carries up to 16 passengers plus the driver, with ample room for luggage. Suitable for sports teams, school trips, airport runs, and large club/social group travel.

17-seat PSV minibus

A public service vehicle specification minibus, used commercially to carry passengers for a profit or “hire and reward”, requiring a special PSV operator licence, and a professional driver holding a PCV licence. These are ideal for community transport providers, schools, and voluntary groups.

17-seat wheelchair-accessible minibus

17-seater wheelchair-accessible minibuses are fitted with a Lite2Go fold-out wheelchair ramp and the necessary equipment to safely accommodate one or two wheelchair users.

Licence requirements

Understanding licence requirements before you book is essential, particularly for larger vehicles.

For a 9-seater minibus, a full category B driving licence is all you need. This is the standard car licence held by most drivers.

For a 17-seat minibus, you usually need category D1 entitlement on your licence, however, we have some 17-seaters than can be driven on a car licence. We find this option gives great flexibility to those who don’t have the D1 entitlement.

The rules depend on when you passed your driving test. If you passed before 1 January 1997, D1 entitlement is automatically included on your licence as a legacy entitlement, and you can drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats without any further action. If you passed your test on or after 1 January 1997, D1 will not be automatically included. You will need to apply to the DVLA to add D1 entitlement to your licence before you can legally drive a 17-seat vehicle.

You can check which entitlements you currently hold by looking at the back of your photocard licence, where all categories and their expiry dates are listed. We conduct a DVLA licence check as part of every booking, so you’ll need to bring your licence with you when you collect the vehicle.

Driver eligibility

To hire an MPV or minibus with us, drivers must be at least 25 years old and have held a full licence for a minimum of two years. The driver will also need to confirm if they have a clean licence or any points/convictions.

Additional drivers can be added to the hire agreement, provided they meet the same age, licence, and eligibility requirements as the primary driver. An additional charge applies for each extra driver named on the agreement.

What’s included in the hire

All our self-drive minibus hire includes insurance and breakdown cover as standard. The vehicles start the hire with a stated amount of fuel and should be returned with the same amount. Any vehicles that require AdBlue will be charged a supplementary charge of £2 for 7-14 day hires or £4 for 15+ day hires.

Booking in advance

For most bookings, a few days’ notice is sufficient to guarantee availability. During busy periods, including summer, school holidays, and bank holiday weekends, demand increases significantly and the vehicle you need may not be available at short notice.

As a general rule, it’s a good idea to book as soon as your date is confirmed. Wheelchair-accessible minibuses and executive vehicles are in particularly high demand and are more likely to be unavailable at short notice than standard hire vehicles. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get the vehicle you need.

FAQs

What licence do I need to drive a 17-seat minibus?

You normally need a category D1 entitlement on your driving licence. However, some of our 17-seater minibuses can be driven on a car licence.

Is insurance included in the hire price?

Yes, standard hire insurance is included. If you’d prefer, you can also use your own insurance if it’s fully comprehensive. You can read more details about our insurance policies here.

Can anyone in my group drive the minibus?

Additional drivers can be added to the hire agreement, provided they meet the same age, licence, and eligibility requirements as the primary driver. An additional charge applies per extra driver added to the agreement.

What is the milage allowance?

The hire rates are calculated to include a mileage allowance of up to 300 miles per day and 1800 miles per week.

How much does self-drive minibus hire cost?

Pricing depends on the vehicle type, hire duration, and any additional options selected. Get in touch with our Hatfield or Hoddesdon team for a quote based on your specific dates and requirements.

Do you offer European hire?

Yes, we are pleased to offer this service, and our staff will quote for your specific requirements on request.

Hire an MPV or minibus today

Don’t hesitate to get in touch to check availability and get a quote for your dates.