Are you planning a group trip in Morocco? Maybe you want an 8-seat rental, or a minibus with 10, 11 or 12 seats. First, you need to answer one question: which driving licence do you need? In Morocco, the limit is 9 seats, including the driver. Up to 9 seats, a normal car licence (B) is enough. Above 9 seats, you need a special licence. This guide explains the rules in simple words.
The basic rule: licence B up to 9 seats
Most drivers have a licence B. With it, you can drive a vehicle with up to 9 seats, including the driver's seat. The vehicle must also weigh 3.5 tonnes or less when fully loaded. So with a licence B, you can carry up to 8 passengers.
Be careful: the number of seats always includes the driver. An "8-seat" van is 1 driver and 7 passengers. A 9-seat van is 1 driver and 8 passengers. Count everyone in your group, including the driver, before you book.
- 4 to 7 seats: small van or MPV, licence B.
- 8 seats: large family van, licence B.
- 9 seats: the biggest size for licence B.
- 10 seats or more: licence D is needed.
These are the rules today, but rules can change. Please check with us when you book, especially if your licence is from another country.
More than 9 seats: you need licence D
A vehicle with more than 9 seats is a passenger transport vehicle. To drive it, you need a category D licence. This is true for a minibus with 10, 11 or 12 seats, and also for big minibuses with 14 to 18 seats.
Very few travellers have this licence. For this reason, Alliance Tours rents its 14 to 18-seat minibuses with a professional driver.
10, 11 or 12-seat minibus: what you should know
Many people search for a 12-seat minibus. To be honest, our current fleet has no vehicle with 10, 11 or 12 seats. Also, you would need licence D to drive one. Here are the closest options for your group.
Groups of 8 people or fewer
An 8-seat van, like the Hyundai Staria (from 130 €/day), the Hyundai H1 or the Renault Trafic Combi, carries 7 passengers and the driver. For 8 passengers and the driver, choose our 9-seat Renault Trafic L2 minivan, from 110 €/day. You can drive all of them with a licence B.
Groups of 10 to 13 people
You have two options. Option 1: rent two vehicles, for example a 9-seat van and a 4 or 7-seat van. You need two drivers with licence B. Option 2: book a 14-seat Fiat Ducato minibus (from 120 €/day) with a driver. The whole group travels together, with space for bags.
Groups of 14 people or more
Our 14, 16, 17 and 18-seat minibuses are for you. You can see them on our minivan and minibus rental page. Do you need another model? Contact our team and we will check what we can do.
Summary table: vehicle, seats and licence
| Vehicle | Seats (with driver) | Licence | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Tourneo Connect | 4 | B | 85 €/day |
| Opel Vivaro Combi | 7 | B | 95 €/day |
| Hyundai Staria | 8 | B | 130 €/day |
| Renault Trafic L2 | 9 | B | 110 €/day |
| Fiat Ducato | 14 | D (with driver) | 120 €/day |
| Fiat Ducato Maxi | 16 | D (with driver) | 130 €/day |
| Mercedes Sprinter | 17 | D (with driver) | 180 €/day |
| Volkswagen Crafter | 18 | D (with driver) | 150 €/day |
Not sure which van to take? Read our guide Vito, Sprinter or H1: which van to choose.
Foreign licence: what to bring
If you visit Morocco as a tourist, your national licence is usually accepted for a licence B vehicle. We still recommend an international driving permit. Bring your passport too. We tell you the age and licence rules when you book.
Driving a 9-seat van in Morocco: practical tips
A 9-seat van drives like a big car. These tips will help:
- Speed limits: 60 km/h in towns, 100 km/h on roads, 120 km/h on motorways. A full van needs more distance to stop.
- Tolls: you pay to use the motorways. Keep some cash or a card ready.
- Police checks: they are common. Keep your licence, passport and car papers close.
- Size: old town streets (medinas) are narrow. Park outside and walk or take a taxi.
- Bags: 9 people often means 9 suitcases. Check the boot space, or choose a bigger vehicle.
With a driver: the easiest choice for groups
For more than 9 people, a driver is required by law, unless someone in your group has licence D. For smaller groups, a driver is also a good idea. Our car rental with driver service means no stress, no parking problems and no unknown roads. The driver knows the routes and the best places to stop. We also deliver vehicles to Marrakech, Tangier and Agadir.
FAQ: licence and minibus rental in Morocco
Can I drive a 12-seat minibus with a licence B?
No. Licence B stops at 9 seats, including the driver. A 10, 11 or 12-seat minibus needs licence D. You can rent two vehicles with 9 seats or fewer, or a minibus with a driver.
How many passengers fit in an 8-seat rental?
The number includes the driver. So an 8-seat vehicle carries 7 passengers and the driver. A 9-seat vehicle carries 8 passengers.
Can I rent your 14 to 18-seat minibuses without a driver?
These vehicles need licence D, so we rent them with a professional driver. For a special case, contact us and we will look at your request.
Now you know which licence fits your group. The next step is easy: book online or send us a WhatsApp message from the Alliance Tours car rental in Morocco website. We will help you find the right van or minibus.