12 Seater Minibuses
12-seat minibuses (11 passengers plus driver) are smaller minibuses that you may be able to drive on a car licence.
A 12-seater minibus is small enough for less confident drivers, but large enough for a football team.
12-seater minibuses often have a Gross Vehicle Weight of 3.5 tonnes or under (4.25 tonnes for electric options) and so can be driven on a standard car licence. There are also wheelchair accessible 12-seat minibus options for schools and organisations with limited-mobility passengers.
Schools, charities, businesses, and community groups are choosing 12-seater minibuses because they are easier to park and manoeuvre compared to their 17-seat counterparts.
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What’s included when leasing a 12-seater minibus from Rivervale Minibus
An introduction to the 12-seat Wheelchair Accessible MAXUS eDeliver9
This all-electric 12-seater minibus has:
- The capacity for 2 wheelchairs and 5 seated passengers
- Real-world mileage range of 120-150 miles
- AC and DC charging options for slow/fast charges
- Cantrails throughout and a fully-tracked floor
- Electric side step for easy access
- Easy to use inboard lift
- GVW of 4.25 tonnes, drivable on a car licence.
Licences required drive a 12-seater minibus
You will be able to drive the majority of 12-seater minibuses on a standard car licence, without the need for D1 entitlement because their GVW will be 3.5 tonnes or under (4.25 tonnes for electric vehicles).
The Ford Transit 12-seat minibus can be driven on a car licence.
The MAXUS eDeliver9 12-seat wheelchair accessible minibus can be driven on a car licence.
It is important to check the details on the minibus you are thinking of leasing/purchasing to ensure that it can be driven on a car licence, because the responsibility to ensure your drivers have the correct licence lies with you.
Common 12 seater minibus FAQs
Ongoing costs and maintenance
If you lease a brand new 12-seater minibus with a funder-maintained contract, that will include MOTs, regular services, and breakdown cover, so you will pay a flat- fee per month. If you decide to go for an owner-maintained contract, then you will need to find budget for the maintenance on top of the inital and monthly payments.
Safety Inspections are also required every 6-10 weeks, depending on the age and usage of your minibus.
Recommended training
We recommend that anyone driving a minibus completes regular driving training. This could include MiDAS which is every 4 years, Rivervale’s Minibus Management Course, and some form of practical assessment.
Leasing options
Rivervale Minibus has a selection of 12-seater minibuses to lease, purchase outright, or rent for 12 months.
