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FAQ's - Hire drive mini-buses


Who can hire out mini-buses?

Anyone can hire out a mini-bus.
The only pre-requisite is that the driver has the appropriate licence to drive the vehicle hired.


What sizes are the mini-buses and how many people can they legally carry?

Refer to 'Our Fleet'


What type of licence is required?

The type of licence required depends on the vehicle hired.
Refer to 'Our Fleet'


What is the age limit?

Drivers aged 22 years and over, with the appropriate licence are able to drive, however under the insurance terms, a $1000 excess is mandatory.
For drivers 25 years and over a $1000 excess applies, however vehicle insurance is available.



Can I have more than one driver?

Yes, you can have more than one driver, however the extra driver must produce licence credentials.


Can Cole's Coaches supply a driver?

Yes, Cole's Coaches have experienced tour drivers available.


Does the hirer and/or drivers have to sign any forms?

Yes, the driver must provide licence details and sign an agreement form. The hirer's name will also appear on the agreement form as the vehicle will ultimately be their responsibility.
The agreement forms can be faxed or emailed to the driver or alternatively the driver can call into the Warrnambool office in Raglan Parade.


Can I hire a mini-bus for half the day?

Yes, you can hire a mini-bus for half the day, however you will be charged the daily hire rate. Mini-buses are hired on a day-to-day basis, as opposed to a 24-hour period.


What information needs to be provided for a quotation or booking?

The hirer provides Cole's Coaches with:
a) type of vehicle or seating capacity required;
b) the destination and the approximate mileage to be covered - if known;
c) the number of days the vehicle is required;
d) is a trailer required;
e) is a Cole's Coaches tour driver required - number of hours to be provided.


How are vehicle costs calculated?

A kilometre rate is charged along with a daily hire fee. The fuel cost is also included in the quotation. Other options such as insurance, trailers, tour drivers or any other costs will be added to the quotation if requested. If after the trip any additional kilometres or days are accrued, this will be added to the quoted price and be charged out at the normal vehicle rates.


Do I need to pay a deposit once a booking is confirmed?

A $100 deposit may be required to secure your booking. A security bond may also be imposed at the discretion of Cole's Coaches.


How do I pay for the hire of the vehicle?

An invoice will be sent to you either prior to your travel date or after you return.


Do cancellation fees apply?

If the vehicle is cancelled less than 7 days prior to the date hired, a cancellation fee of $100 may apply.


Where do I collect the vehicle from?

Vehicles are at the Cole's Coaches depot on Raglan Parade, Warrnambool.  There is 24-hour free parking available for the driver of the vehicle.
Vehicles can be delivered to the hirer at a fee of $30 one way (Warrnambool area only).


Is fuel included?

Yes, fuel is included in your cost. The hirer or driver is provided with a fuel card to charge any fuel needed to Cole's Coaches. Fuel is calculated on the amount of mileage allowed for the trip. The vehicles can also be hired out with no fuel cost or card.


Is the consumption of alcohol or smoking allowed on the vehicles?

In certain circumstances the consumption of alcohol is allowed on the vehicle. The driver must not consume alcohol. It is the responsibility of the hirer and driver in regards to alcohol.
Smoking is not allowed in any of the vehicles.


How much luggage space do mini-buses have?

The mini buses have limited luggage space. If you have luggage we suggest you hire out a trailer with Cole's Coaches.


When travelling through or in Melbourne, who pays for the use of Citylink?

Some vehicles are fitted with e-Tag devices. Prior to travel, please advise if you will be using Citylink. This will then be added to your bill. If the vehicle does not have a device, it is the responsibility of the hirer to purchase the necessary pass. Fines will be forwarded to the hirer if no pass is purchased.


Who pays for parking or speeding fines?

The hirer is responsible for any parking or speeding fines incurred. Fines incurred will be passed onto the hirer of the vehicle.


What happens if the vehicle hired has been damaged?

All mini-buses are covered by third party insurance and have a $1000 excess in the event the vehicle is damaged. Cole's Coaches has insurance available for $20 per day that reduces the excess to $500.
If the hirer or driver has been negligent, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or broken the law in any way, then all insurance cover is void. In this case the hirer/driver will be fully responsible for any associated costs.


What happens if the vehicle has a flat tyre or is not functioning properly?

All Cole's Coaches vehicles are fully maintained and accredited. However, ocasionally vehicle breakdowns do occur. It is the hirer/driver's responsibility to ensure that the vehicle is not at risk to any further damage and that Cole's Coaches is contacted immediately. Each vehicle has a contact list for emergency breakdowns and the appropriate number should be contacted at the first available opportunity.


Who is responsible for cleaning the vehicle?

The cleaning of the vehicle is not required by Cole's Coaches, however the vehicle must be returned in a reasonable condition. If the vehicle is not returned in a reasonable condition, a cleaning fee will be charged to the hirer.









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