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Rivervale Minibus

01869 253 744

Minibus Leasing Deals2026-09-01T04:26:13+00:00

Minibus Leasing Deals

Each month, we have a new minibus deal, so this is a page it’s worth returning to. Prices are valid for only 28 days.

Minibus Leasing Deals

September’s Back-to-School Minibus Leading Deal

More Minibus For Your Money!

Ford Transit Leader 17-seat – only £449 + VAT per month*

We have a limited number of silver and blue 17-seat Ford Transit Leaders, in stock and ready to go.

These minibuses are perfect for schools and organisations looking for a last-minute addition to their fleet, with a commitment of only 24 months.

You will still receive all the benefits of leasing a minibus with Rivervale, including a low initial payment, but you’re only committed for 2 years.

  • Low initial rental payment
  • Standard logo and livery included
  • Breakdown cover for the term of your contract
  • Road fund licence included
  • UK-wide delivery
  • Dedicated Account Manager
  • Part-exchange available

17-Seat Minibus FAQs

Can you drive a 17-seat Ford Minibus on a car licence?2026-08-24T11:59:10+00:00

No, you need D1 entitlement to drive a Ford Transit 17-seat minibus as it has a GVW of 4.6 tonnes.

There are two types of D1 entitlement.

  1. Full D1 entitlement, where you have completed the D1 theory and practical driving tests. A full D1 is required if you are driving for an organisation with an Operator’s licence
  2. Inherited D1 entitlement. If you passed your driving test before January 1st 1997, you will have D1 (101) on the back of your licence. This means you can drive a 9-16 seat passenger minibus

If drivers have D1 entitlement on their licence, they can be paid to drive under a Section 19 Permit.

What is D1 and inherited D1 entitlement?2026-08-18T18:45:18+00:00

To drive a minibus over certain weights (3.5 tonnes for diesel, 4.25 tonnes for electric – with an additional  750kg allowance for specialist equipment) or/and be paid to do so, you need to have D1 on your driving licence.

There are two types of D1 entitlement.

  1. Full D1 entitlement, where you have completed the D1 theory and practical driving tests. A full D1 is required if you are driving for an organisation with an Operator’s licence
  2. Inherited D1 entitlement. If you passed your driving test before January 1st 1997, you will have D1 (101) on the back of your licence. This means you can drive a 9-16 seat passenger minibus (and be paid to do so, under a Section 19 Permit).
Is there a 17-seat electric minibus?2026-08-24T11:50:43+00:00

Currently (Aug 2026) the largest capacity electric minibuses on the UK market is 16 seats. Both the Ford eTransit and the MAXUS eDeliver9 have 15 passenger seats plus the driver.  The advantage of these larger electric minibuses is that because of a change in UK legislation, they can be driven on a standard car licence (conditions apply).

Can you be paid to drive a 17-seat minibus with a car licence?2026-08-18T18:09:36+00:00

No, if you only have a standard B car licence with no D1 entitlement, you can not be paid to drive

If the minibus is operating under a Section 19 Permit, you can only be paid to drive a 17-seat minibus if you have a full D1 licence or you have inherited D1 entitlement – if you passed your test before 1st January 1997. Other conditions apply.

Get in touch

We are here to help and would love to talk through any aspect of getting your minibus

Ford Transit 17 seater minibus

*This month’s leasing deal on the Ford Transit Leader 17-seater minibus from £449 + VAT per month is based on:

  • Monthly payment: £449 +VAT
  • Initial rental payment: £1347 +VAT
  • Rental profile: 3+23
  • Annual mileage allowance: 5,000 miles
  • Funder-maintained contract
  • Standard livery and logo included

Monthly payments are what you will pay monthly.

The inital rental payment is the larger initial payment you will make on the first month.

The rental profile shows the way your payments are split. For example, 3+59 means an initial rental payment of three months, and then 59 monthly payments.

A funder-maintained contract means MOTs’ regular services and tyre replacements (fair wear and tear) are included in your contract. A customer-maintained contract means you are responsible for the maintenance.

Read more about driving and leasing 17-seater minibuses

Business users only, subject to status, guarantees and indemnities may be required. Excess Mileage charges apply. Unfair Wear and Tear and Damage Charges may apply. Full terms and conditions below. Rivervale is a broker and not a lender. Rivervale Minibus Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registration number 3723474). We do not provide independent financial advice. We will receive a commission and/or quality-derived bonus for introducing you to one of our panel of leasing companies or finance providers. The commission we receive may be preset but can vary and will impact the amount payable by the customer.

Rivervale Minibus Ltd. Registered in England, No. 03723474. VAT Registration No. 831 9582 10. Units A1-A3, Dolphin Enterprise Cnt. Evershed Way, Shoreham. BN43 6QB. Rivervale Minibus Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a broker and not a lender

Get in touch

We are here to help and would love to talk through any aspect of getting your minibus

Contact Details

Rivervale Minibus
A5 Telford Road
Bicester
OX26 4LD

Email: minibus@rivervale.co.uk

01869 253 744

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© 2026 Rivervale or our affiliates & partners. Rivervale, Making Minibus Manageable, The Rivervale Wordmark, and Rivervale ‘R’ Logo are among the trademarks of Rivervale Minibus Limited, part of the Rivervale Group. Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Rivervale Minibus Limited are registered in England with company number 03723474, VAT number 429 2763 74, and are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 734354. Registered company address: Units A1-A3, Dolphin Enterprise Cnt. Evershed Way, Shoreham. BN43 6QB

Rivervale Minibus Limited operate as a leasing broker and used vehicle retailer. We are brokers, not lenders. We do not provide independent financial advice. We will receive a commission and/or quality-derived bonus for introducing you to one of our panel of leasing companies or finance providers. The commission we receive may be preset but can vary and will impact the amount payable by the customer.

© 2026 Rivervale or our affiliates & partners. Rivervale, Making Minibus Manageable, The Rivervale Wordmark and Rivervale ‘R’ Logo are among the trademarks of Rivervale Minibus Limited, part of the Rivervale Group. Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Rivervale Minibus Limited are registered in England with company number 03723474, VAT number 429 2763 74 and are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 734354. Registered company address: Units A1-A3, Dolphin Enterprise Cnt. Evershed Way, Shoreham. BN43 6QB

Rivervale Minibus Limited operate as leasing brokers and used vehicle retailers. We are brokers not lenders. We do not provide independent financial advice. We will receive a commission and / or quality derived bonus for introducing you to one of our panel of leasing companies or finance providers. The commission we receive may be pre-set but can vary and will impact the amount payable by the customer.

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