What You Need to Know About 12- and 15-Passenger Van Rentals
Planning a group trip for a department outing, club event, or research project often means using a 12- or 15-passenger van. Because these vehicles handle differently than standard cars, both university policies and rental vendor rules must be followed.
Here’s a simplified guide to help you stay compliant and safe:
1. Driver Qualifications (University Requirements)
To be eligible to drive a passenger van under university policy, all drivers must:
- Be at least 20 years old
- Have held a valid driver’s license for at least two years
- Have no medical conditions that could interfere with safe vehicle operation
- Read the Vehicle Accident Prevention and Safety Policy and sign the required acknowledgment form
2. Required Training
Before transporting passengers, drivers must complete all of the following:
- University-authorized online defensive driving course
- University-authorized van driving safety course
- In-person “behind-the-wheel” van training conducted by VCU Police
Pro Tip: Schedule your behind-the-wheel training early—sessions fill up quickly.
3. Rental Vendor Age Requirements (Important Distinction)
In addition to university requirements, rental companies may have their own minimum age policies, which can be stricter.
- University minimum age to drive: 20
- Rental company minimum age to rent/drive their vehicles: Often 21–25+, depending on the vendor
| Vendor | Minimum Age | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise/National | 25+ | You must be 25 or older to rent through them, even though the university allows drivers 20+ |
| Hertz | Typically 21+ (may vary) | Some flexibility, but drivers must still meet university requirements |
Key takeaway:
You must meet both the university’s requirements and the rental company’s requirements. If a vendor requires a higher minimum age, that rule takes precedence for that rental.
Contact [email protected] if you have any questions.
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