Travelling as a group is more fun, and often cheaper, when everyone is in one vehicle. A single van means one rental, one tank of fuel, one parking space and no worries about keeping two cars together on the highway.
This guide covers the van types available from Australian rental companies, the licence rules, how much luggage really fits, and the questions to ask before you book.
At a glance
1Which Van Is Right for Your Group?
7 and 8-seat people movers
A people mover such as the Kia Carnival drives much like a large car. It is comfortable on long trips, easy to park and fits in most car parks. With every seat in use, there is room for soft bags but not for large suitcases for everyone.
Also read: Kia Carnival rental guide
12-seat minibuses
A 12-seat van such as the Toyota HiAce Commuter is the largest vehicle most travellers can drive on a standard car licence. It suits sports teams, extended families and groups of friends, but it is taller and longer than a car, so plan parking in advance.
Also read: Toyota HiAce rental guide
Seven-seat SUVs
For six or seven people who want more ground clearance or a 4WD, a seven-seat SUV is an alternative. The third row is usually best for shorter trips or younger passengers.
2What Licence Do You Need?
In Australia, a standard car licence (class C) allows you to drive a vehicle with up to 12 seats, including the driver. For a bus with more than 12 seats, a light rigid or higher licence is needed, which is why most rental minibuses stop at 12 seats.
Overseas visitors can usually drive a 12-seat rental van on their home licence, with an International Driving Permit or English translation if the licence is not in English. Some suppliers set a higher minimum age or a minimum number of years licensed for minibuses.
Check the supplier’s age and licence requirements for the specific van before you book, not just for the rental company in general.
3How Much Luggage Will Fit?
Luggage space is where group trips go wrong most often. Vans list their seats, but with every seat in use the space behind the last row can be small.
- 8-seat people mover: room for about four medium suitcases or more soft bags with all seats in use.
- 12-seat minibus: room for about one bag per person behind the rear seat, depending on the model.
- Fewer people, more luggage: a 12-seater with eight people carries much more than an eight-seater full of passengers.
If your group has large suitcases, golf clubs or surfboards, book the next size up or ask whether a roof rack or trailer is available.
4Driving a Large Van
- Allow more distance to stop, especially when the van is full.
- Check height limits before entering car parks. Many city and airport car parks have clearances of around 2 metres, which can be too low for taller vans.
- Use the mirrors and reversing camera, and ask a passenger to guide you in tight spaces.
- Plan fuel stops: a full van uses more fuel than the published figures suggest.
- Share the driving. Add every driver to the rental agreement before you leave.
5Costs and Ways to Save
Vans cost more per day than cars, but the cost per person is usually lower than renting two vehicles. To get the best price, book early, compare suppliers and check what is included.
- Additional driver fees can add up; some suppliers include one extra driver.
- Child seats are charged per seat, per day, often with a maximum per rental.
- Toll charges apply once per vehicle, not per person.
- One-way rentals of large vans may carry higher fees, because fewer branches stock them.
Use Australia Rent Car to compare people movers and minibuses across suppliers in one search.
6Child Seats and Passenger Safety
Australian law requires children under seven to travel in an approved child restraint suited to their age and size, and every passenger must wear a seatbelt. Rental companies supply child seats and boosters on request, usually for a daily fee with a maximum charge per rental.
- Book child seats when you reserve the van, as supply is limited at busy branches.
- Tell the supplier the age and size of each child so they can provide the right seat.
- Check that each seat is fitted correctly before you leave. Some suppliers are not allowed to fit seats for you.
- If you bring your own seat from overseas, it must meet the Australian standard to be used legally.
In a 12-seater, the rear rows may not have the top tether points needed for some child seats. Ask the supplier which rows are suitable.
7Popular Group Trips in Australia
Groups often choose routes with plenty of stops and space to spread out: the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne, wine regions such as the Barossa and Hunter Valley, the Gold Coast and Byron Bay, or the beaches south of Perth. Each of these is easy to drive in a people mover or minibus on sealed roads.
Also read: Great Ocean Road in 3 days
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a 12-seater van on a normal car licence in Australia?
Yes. A standard class C car licence covers vehicles with up to 12 seats including the driver. Larger buses need a light rigid or higher licence.
What is the minimum age to hire a minibus in Australia?
It depends on the supplier. Some accept drivers from 21 with a young driver surcharge, while others require drivers to be 25 or older for 12-seat vans.
How many suitcases fit in an 8-seater people mover?
With all eight seats in use, most people movers fit about four medium suitcases. Folding part of the third row adds much more space.
Is it cheaper to hire one van or two cars for a group?
For groups of seven to twelve, one van is usually cheaper than two cars once you add up rental, fuel, tolls and parking, and it keeps everyone together.
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