Driving a minibus in france

Hi,

I’m looking into hiring a minibus for our holiday to france, but am getting mixed views on weather we can or not.

I’m 36 and hold my class 1 licence but don’t hold a D or D1 licence. I’m looking to hire a 17 seater to take my family over to france for a couple of weeks, which i’m being told from the hire company that i don’t need a D1 licence for, but i’m not a 100% sure of the french law will allow it. There is only 8 of us going, but thought having the extra seats will give us space for luggage and buggies.

If i’m not allowed to drive then i’m thinking of taking a 9 seater and then look to get a trailer for our luggage.

Does anyone have any knowlege on this?

Many Thanks

Lee

The exemption that allows drivers with a D1 entitlement to drive minibuses not for hire and reward only applies in the U.K… You will therefore be illegal driving in France. A 9 seater with a trailer would however be fine.