Days out for your business

Looking to treat your corporate work force to days out

Need a vehicle large enough for 9 people.

See our handy guide to 9 seater hire for days with your work force.

Passenger & Luggage Capacity (Renault 9-Seater Minibus)

Seats

  • Passengers: Seats up to 9 people (including the driver).

Luggage / Boot Space

  • Renault Trafic Passenger models are designed to balance seating and load space.
  • According to Renault’s own specs, the Trafic Passenger (9-seat configuration) can offer up to around 1,000 to 6,000 litres (1.0–6.0 m³) of boot/cargo space depending on how seats are configured or removed.
    • With all 9 seats in place there will be limited luggage space behind the rear row.
    • If you remove or fold seats (2nd or 3rd row), cargo space increases significantly. Renault Group

(Many official spec sheets for leasing list only payload and load volume figures; exact suitcase count depends on occupant size and seat arrangement.) Pink Car Leasing

⚖️ Driving Licence Requirements & Restrictions (UK)

Standard UK Car Licence (Category B)

  • A normal UK Category B driving licence (standard car licence) typically does not allow you to drive minibuses that have more than 8 passenger seats. GOV.UK
  • However, there is a common exception
    • You are 21 or over, AND
    • You have held your licence for at least 2 years, AND
    • The minibus has no trailer, AND
    • Its Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) is ≤ 3.5 tonnes (or ≤ 4.25 t for zero-emission/electric versions).
  • In that case you do not need a Category D1 licence for a 9-seater for private/social use (e.g., family trip).
  • Taking your team out for a days team bonding is covered under this as well.

Category D1 Licence

  • If you want to drive a 9-seater for commercial/hire-for-reward purposes, or the conditions above aren’t met, a Category D1 (minibus) entitlement is required.
    • This allows you to drive vehicles with 9–16 passenger seats.

Other Requirements & Notes

  • If you hire the minibus commercially, you may also need to comply with PSV/operator licence rules, and drivers may require Driver CPC if operating professionally. BVRLAWebsite
  • Minibus insurance and vehicle hire insurance can have extra conditions for larger passenger vehicles, so always check with the rental company. (Specific insurance details vary.)

Summary — What It Means for You

SituationLicence Needed?
You’re hiring a 9-seater for a private trip and meet the Gov.uk conditions aboveCategory B (normal car licence) may suffice
You’re being paid to transport passengers, or operating commerciallyCategory D1 required
The vehicle weighs over 3.5 t (or adapted for disabled passengers)