Can a driver with a "regular license" rent a 15-passenger van?

Question

I'm American and have a regular passenger driver's license, but as I live overseas now it is a locally issued license, the equivalent to what most drivers have in the States.

I also have an "international license" that says I'm eligible to drive only vehicles with UP TO 8 passengers.

I want to rent a 15-passenger van in Canada this summer and when I asked the rental car company (Budget) they specifically said as long as you're just driving "friends and family" in the van you do not need a special higher-level license.

Does anyone out there have any experience renting a 15-passenger van with a regular vehicle (non-truck) license?

Answer 1

The rental agency is correct. You only need a commercial passenger license if you are being paid to carry passengers

Answer 2

Bus driving that is !

Are you being paid for driving ?

What state/province are you driving in through ?

I would guess that the passengers are not strangers to you a passenger car license would be adequate---but make sure you know how to drive it,its safety features,handling, road/parking restrictions.  You do not have to have an accident to get sued ! You are in command of the people who are riding in the vehicle, they MUST conform to your requests from the safety standpoint. Illegal acts by them are chargeable against you as well.

Answer 3

i think you have to have a Chauffer's license or a special endorsement depending on what state you're in but if you're license has a limit on the amount of passangers than i'd say you can probibly rent it but not drive it with 15 passengers..