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Driving a minibus

If you’ve been planning a group trip, take the hassle out of the travel with a Meashams minibus. Get your friends and family together and make the journey part of the fun by sharing the ride.

But, driving a minibus for the first time might be a little daunting if you’re unfamiliar with handling larger vehicles. Take a look at our self drive minibus tips and start preparing for your group staycation or day trip.

Tips for driving a minibus

You might be a little nervous about getting behind the wheel of a larger vehicle than you’ve driven before, especially with your loved ones on board! But, following these tips for driving a minibus will help give you confidence on the road.

  • Give plenty of turning space to allow for the larger turning circle of the longer vehicle
  • Remember you’re much taller than in a car, so take note of height restrictions
  • Leave longer breaking distances to account for the heavy vehicle
  • Accelerate and decelerate smoothly to make the drive more enjoyable
  • Take a break to avoid driver fatigue
  • Keep passengers calm to minimise noise distraction
  • Reduce speed before tight corners to maintain control
  • Plan your route and any stops
  • Familiarise yourself with the controls pre-journey
  • Have a practice on familiar roads

View our tips for parking a minibus too!

Meashams minibus

Want to keep your passengers entertained? Try these minibus games

Do you need a difference licence?

You can drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats on your ordinary driving licence provided you meet certain criteria, including being over the age of 21 and have had your licence for more than 2 years.

Check out our terms of hire

Speed limits

Minibuses must comply with different speed limits to cars, so make sure you familiarise yourself with them before you travel.

Minibuses (shorter than 12 meters in length) should comply with these speed regulations:

  • 30 mph in built up areas
  • 50 mph on single carriageways
  • 60 mph on dual carriageways
  • 70 mph on motorways

Find out what happens if you’re caught speeding in the UK and familiarise yourself with the 2022 changes to the Highway Code.

If you’re planning your holiday and want to get away in a minibus, take a look at our current range. We have 9 to 17 seater minibuses available to hire.

View our minibuses