License requirements for 12-seater van hire in Orlando

Question

I am an 73 year old driver and have booked a 12-seater mini-van for the two weeks we are in Orlando next Easter. My UK driver license seems to limit me from driving larger vehicles due to my age as standard. Has anyone of a similar age rented a van in Florida recently and had any problems renting? There is confusion about whether the restriction is for commercial vehicles only.

I am unable to speak with Thrifty the Car Rental Company without calling them direct at Orlando Airport.

Thank you.

Answer

Renting a 12-seater van in Orlando as a visitor from the UK can be a bit tricky, particularly if you are over 70. Here’s a detailed overview based on recent experiences and standard rental policies in Florida:

Firstly, most US car rental companies, including Thrifty, Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise, do allow visitors to rent standard passenger vans (like 12-seaters) with a valid foreign driver’s license. However, there are some important caveats related to age, license type, and insurance coverage.

Age Restrictions: Many US rental companies have an upper age limit (often around 75), but some require additional documentation or insurance for drivers over 70. Being 73 is usually fine, but you may be asked to pay a "senior driver fee" or provide extra ID.
License Restrictions: Standard UK licenses generally allow you to drive vehicles up to 3.5 tons and 9 passenger seats. Since a 12-seater exceeds this, some rental agencies may classify it as a “specialty” or “passenger van” requiring an additional endorsement. Importantly, the restriction is usually about commercial or heavy vehicles, not necessarily vans for personal use—but policies vary by company.
Insurance Requirements: Rental companies may require additional coverage for large vans, especially for senior drivers. You might need to show proof of full UK license, an International Driving Permit (IDP), and purchase extra liability coverage.

Practical tips:

Call the Orlando airport rental desk directly before arrival to confirm your eligibility. Explain your UK license, age, and the van model.
Ask specifically if an International Driving Permit is required in addition to your UK license.
Check if there are any extra fees or forms for drivers over 70.
Consider booking a smaller van (like a 9-seater) if policies on 12-seaters are restrictive, as this may be simpler.

In summary, while your age and UK license may trigger extra checks, many visitors over 70 have successfully rented 12-seater vans in Florida for personal use. The key is confirming with the rental desk directly and ensuring all documentation and insurance requirements are met before your trip.