Looking for 16 seater minibus hire near me for a sports team - any recommendations?
Hello forum members, I'm the coach of a local football team, and we need to travel to away matches regularly. I'm looking for recommendations for 16 seater minibus hire services in the Manchester area. We usually need the vehicle for a full day (early morning to evening) on weekends. Does anyone have experience with reliable companies that offer good rates for sports teams or regular bookings? Also, do I need a special license to drive a 16-seater, or can I use my regular driving license? Thanks for any advice!
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For a 16-seater, you'll definitely need a D1 license if you passed your driving test after January 1997. If you passed before that, you might have grandfather rights to drive minibuses up to 17 seats. As for companies, I've used Manchester Minibus Hire for team events, and they were reliable. They offer weekend packages specifically for sports teams at around £150-180 per day.
Another option is to look into community transport schemes. Some local councils or community organizations offer minibuses at reduced rates for sports teams and community groups. They might even provide a driver, which solves the license issue. Worth checking with your local council to see what's available.