You can drive a 12-seater minibus on a standard B car licence provided the Gross Vehicle Weight is 3.5 tonnes or under for diesel vehicles, 4.25 tonnes for electric vehicles (A section 19 permit is required, and other conditions apply).

Generally, a vehicle described as a 9-seater will have 8 passengers and the driver. The DVSA describe minibuses as those carrying 9-16 passenger seats. This is why 9 seater minibuses (8 passengers plus driver) are considered cars.

There are advantages to having two vehicles that can be driven on a standard car licence, but you would have to complete a cost analysis of leasing, maintanence, fuel and insurance if you are unsure.

Wheelchair accessible 9-seat vehicles are available either a 9-seat MAXUS eDeliver9 with the capacity for upto 3 wheelchairs or an adapted smaller vehicle such as the Renault Trafic or Ford Tourneo.

9 seater minibuses can be driven on a standard car licence