Preparing for a girls weekend? Booking a stag do? Taking the entire family away on a holiday? Whatever the reason, hiring a minibus is a great way to bring a big group of people together without having to organise multiple drivers or hire several cars.
That said, most people don’t cruise around in a minibus usually, so it’s only natural to have a few questions about hiring and driving a people mover with SIXT.
Here are your questions answered!
How many people can you fit in a minibus?
There are many makes and models of minibuses available, including the Toyota Commuter and Toyota Hiace, but whichever model you rent, when you book with SIXT you’ll receive one of Australia’s most popular and reliable minibuses. These models comfortably seat twelve people including the driver, so you’ll have room for eleven passengers plus whoever’s behind the wheel.
If a 12-seat minibus isn’t quite the right fit, SIXT hires out a range of group vehicles to match your party size:
- Vans for smaller groups. For groups of around 6, a van can be the simpler choice, and like the minibus, it’s drivable on a standard car licence.
- 25-seat buses for larger groups. For bigger parties, SIXT also offers larger buses seating up to 25. These sit beyond a standard car licence, so you’ll need a driver with the appropriate licence, typically a Light Rigid (LR) licence or higher depending on the vehicle’s weight.
Not sure which size suits your group? Your local SIXT location can help you match the right vehicle to your numbers and luggage.
How much does it cost to hire a minibus?
The cost of your minibus hire will depend on the time of year, the location where you pick it up and drop it off, and how long you’re looking to hire for.
As an approximate quote, you might expect to spend roughly $160 per day for a coach hire from a regional office, but be sure to request an exact quote from your local SIXT location for a much more accurate idea of what you may spend.
And keep in mind that this cost is almost certainly cheaper than renting two or more cars separately!
Do I need a special licence to drive a minibus?
No special licence needed. In Australia, a standard (full) car licence, Class C, lets you drive a minibus that seats up to 12 people including the driver and weighs under 4.5 tonnes. A SIXT 12-seater sits comfortably within both limits, so the car licence you already hold is all you need.
The one thing to know is that the “12 seats” includes the driver, so it’s eleven passengers plus you. If you ever need to carry more than that, a larger 13 or 14-seat vehicle would require a Light Rigid (LR) licence instead.
Note that any drivers must be aged at least 21, and for any drivers aged 21 to 24, there will be an additional daily surcharge for any rentals.
What safety tips should I know about driving a minibus?
Driving a minibus is mostly very similar to driving any other standard vehicle, but there are a few safety tips to keep in mind to be extra diligent.
- Allow more room to stop. With up to twelve people and their luggage on board, a minibus is heavier than most vehicles you’re used to, so it takes longer to slow down. Follow at a safe distance, brake well before corners, and keep to the speed limits.
- Manage the distractions. With a full load of passengers, it’s easy to get pulled into the chatter, especially if you usually drive in peace and quiet. Focus on the road while you’re moving, and join in on the fun once you’ve stopped.
- Check your blind spots. Blind spots on a minibus sit differently to a normal car. Before you set off, adjust your rear and wing mirrors for your height, and always double-check the blind spots before turning or changing lanes.
Ready to book your minibus and get started on your Australian adventure? Lock in your rental with SIXT so you can start planning your itinerary and road trip playlist
SIXT has other commercial vehicles to rent. Browse our entire fleet to find the vehicle for your needs.
