What you need to drive and rent a minibus in Prague
Travelling in a larger group — whether for a family holiday, a trip to the mountains with friends, or a company outing — brings specific challenges. The biggest one is usually transport. Splitting the group into two or three passenger cars may seem like the easiest option, but in practice it creates a number of complications, including double fuel costs, motorway tolls, parking fees, and, last but not least, the loss of a shared travel experience.
This is exactly where renting a 7+1 van or minibus makes sense. Although it is one of the most efficient ways to transport a group, many drivers are cautious about these vehicles or worry about legal requirements. In this article, we explain everything you need to know so you can make a clear and informed decision.
1. What driving licence do you actually need for a minibus?
The biggest concern is often the assumption that you need a category D driving licence for buses or a category C licence for trucks. Let’s clear up this myth once and for all.
To drive all multi-seat vehicles in our fleet, category 7+1, a standard category B driving licence is sufficient. Czech road traffic law defines category B vehicles as vehicles with a maximum of eight passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and a maximum permissible weight not exceeding 3,500 kg.
Our minibuses, such as the Ford Tourneo Custom or Mercedes-Benz V-Class, meet these conditions fully. For the authorities, insurance companies, and the police, this type of vehicle is essentially just a slightly larger passenger car.
2. No need to fear the size: modern technology has your back
Another common barrier is the fear of handling a larger vehicle. Questions like “Will I hit the first wall in Prague?” or “How am I supposed to park this at a supermarket?” are perfectly reasonable. The truth is that driving a modern minibus today is almost as intuitive as driving an SUV.
Thanks to the modern vehicles in our fleet, you benefit from features that make manoeuvring much easier:
- Because you sit higher than in a standard passenger car, you get an excellent overview of the road ahead. You can see over the roofs of other cars, which improves your reaction time and feeling of safety.
- Most of our minibuses are equipped with parking sensors and rear-view cameras. You can see exactly how much space you have left, and thanks to large side mirrors, often split to reduce blind spots, you remain in full control.
- Our multi-seat vehicles can also be rented with an automatic transmission. This removes the stress of changing gears on hills or in Prague traffic jams.
Should you travel by minibus or two cars?
When you calculate the real costs, you will find that one minibus is almost always cheaper than two passenger cars. Let’s break it down.
In terms of fuel, it is important to remember that modern diesel minibuses have an average consumption of around 7.5–9 litres per 100 km. Two passenger cars together usually consume around 12–15 litres. On a trip to the Tatra Mountains or to the seaside, this can save you thousands.
Another saving comes from motorway vignettes and tolls. In the Czech Republic and abroad, for example in Austria or Slovakia, you pay for only one vehicle. On long-distance routes, this is a significant saving.
Then there is parking. Not only in Prague but also in other tourist destinations, parking can be expensive. One vehicle means one parking ticket and also looking for only one available parking space.
Besides money, you also save energy. Instead of two tired drivers, you only need one — or you can comfortably take turns, because with us, additional drivers are included in the price.
Remember: not every van is the same. Why choose a passenger version?
When searching on Google, you will often come across “van rental” offers. However, be careful about what you are actually renting. Cheap offers often hide panel vans with additional seats installed afterwards.
At Taggart, we specialise in passenger multi-seat vehicles. You will notice the difference immediately:
- Our vehicles have full interior upholstery and insulation. You can talk comfortably even at 130 km/h.
- Air conditioning and ventilation reach all the way to the third row. Nobody in the front has to freeze while passengers in the back are too warm.
- Need a huge boot for five people? The seats can be easily removed or adjusted.
💡 If you are considering the best financing option for your company, we recommend reading our article about the differences between operational leasing and flexible rental. For minibuses that are often used seasonally, Taggart’s flexibility is a clear advantage.
How does rental work at Taggart?
We believe the rental process should be just as smooth as the drive itself. All you need is a valid ID card, a category B driving licence, and a refundable deposit. And with us, you do not necessarily have to block the deposit on a credit card — we also accept cash or debit cards.
Thanks to our wide vehicle fleet, we can respond very quickly. If your project team suddenly loses a vehicle or your family decides to travel at the last minute, you can usually drive away within an average of 15 minutes after signing the contract.
💡 If you are looking for a minibus for business purposes, remember that the entire rental payment at Taggart is a 100% tax-deductible expense. No asset depreciation over five years — just immediate optimisation of your profit.
With us, you are never on your own
Driving with eight people on board is a responsibility. That is why our vehicles are kept in excellent technical condition and are under constant supervision by our service team. However, if anything unexpected happens on the road, you have access to our NON-STOP assistance line.
Whether you are in the centre of Prague or on a mountain pass in the Alps, we will take care of you. If the vehicle becomes immobile, we will arrange replacement transport for your entire crew so that you do not have to interrupt your holiday or business trip.
Frequently asked questions about driving a minibus
Can I enter Prague blue zones with an 8-seat vehicle?
Yes. An M1 category minibus, passenger vehicle, is treated the same as a standard car from a parking perspective. However, you must have paid parking in the relevant zone or hold a resident parking permit. The only thing to watch is the vehicle length, especially with L2/Long versions, so the vehicle does not extend into entrances or pedestrian crossings.
What about motorway vignettes abroad?
Our vehicles always have a valid Czech motorway vignette. When travelling to Slovakia, Austria, or other countries, foreign motorway vignettes are paid by you, usually electronically based on the licence plate. We will be happy to advise you on purchasing a foreign motorway vignette for your minibus.
Is a second driver included in the price?
Yes. This is our standard even with multi-seat vehicles. We understand that safety is the priority on long journeys. That is why we add additional drivers to the contract free of charge, so you can take turns safely.
Can I adjust the number of seats in the minibus?
Yes. For example, if five people are travelling and you need an extremely large boot, perhaps for bicycles or diving equipment, we can remove the last row of seats by agreement and store them at our premises.
What happens if I damage the roof of the rented minibus in a low-ceiling garage?
When handing over the vehicle, we always inform you of the exact height of the specific car. If the driver ignores “Maximum height” traffic signs and damages the vehicle, this is considered a serious breach of the rental terms. In such a case, the excess may be higher, or the damage may be recovered in full, because insurance companies consider this a conscious risk. Therefore, the golden rule always applies: if you are not sure, do not enter the garage.