Self-Drive Minibus Hire in East of England
Need a minibus you can drive yourself? Self-drive minibus hire is a cost-effective option for groups travelling together across the East of England. Whether it is a family holiday, sports team trip or group of friends heading to the coast, we list operators offering self-drive minibuses across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire.
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What Is Self-Drive Minibus Hire?
Self-drive minibus hire means you rent a minibus and drive it yourself, similar to hiring a car but with more seats. Most self-drive minibuses seat 9 to 17 passengers. You collect the vehicle from the operator, use it for your trip, and return it when finished. This is typically cheaper than hiring a minibus with a driver because you are not paying for the driver's time.
Who Can Drive a Self-Drive Minibus?
In the UK, you can drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats on a standard Category B car licence, provided you meet certain conditions. You must be aged 21 or over, have held your licence for at least 2 years, and the vehicle must not be used for hire or reward. For vehicles over 3,500kg MAM or with more than 16 seats, a Category D1 licence is required. Some hire companies have their own age and licence requirements, so always check when booking.
How Much Does Self-Drive Minibus Hire Cost?
Self-drive minibus hire in the East of England typically starts from £80-£120 per day for a 9-seater and £120-£200 per day for a 15-17 seater. Weekend rates may be higher, and most operators offer discounts for multi-day hire. A security deposit is usually required, and you should check whether insurance, VAT and mileage are included in the quote. Some operators offer unlimited mileage while others charge per mile above a set limit.
Popular Self-Drive Destinations
The East of England is well suited to self-drive minibus trips. Popular destinations include the Norfolk Broads for group holidays, the Suffolk coast including Aldeburgh, Southwold and Felixstowe, Cambridge for day trips and university visits, Colchester Zoo and adventure parks, the North Norfolk coast from Cromer to Wells-next-the-Sea, and Stansted or Luton airports for group airport runs.
What to Check Before Hiring
Before booking a self-drive minibus, confirm the vehicle size suits your group (allow for luggage space), check the insurance cover provided and whether you need additional cover, understand the fuel policy (full-to-full is standard), ask about breakdown cover, and inspect the vehicle for existing damage before driving away. Most operators in the East of England will walk you through the vehicle and provide a damage report to sign.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special licence to drive a minibus?▼
For minibuses up to 16 passenger seats and under 3,500kg, a standard Category B car licence is usually sufficient if you are over 21 and have held your licence for 2+ years. For larger minibuses, a D1 licence is required. Each hire company may have additional requirements.
Can I take a self-drive minibus outside the East of England?▼
Most operators allow travel throughout the UK. Some have mileage limits or restrictions on taking vehicles to certain areas. Very few allow vehicles to be taken abroad. Always check with the operator before booking.
What happens if I break down?▼
Reputable self-drive hire companies include breakdown cover with the hire. If you break down, call the operator's 24-hour helpline. They will arrange recovery or a replacement vehicle. Always carry the operator's contact details with you.
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