Every car in our fleet can be hired two ways: you drive, or we drive. Both have their place, and picking the right one makes the day better and often cheaper. Here is the honest comparison.
Self-drive: the freedom option
Self-drive is exactly what it sounds like, the car is yours for the hire period. It suits weekends away, road trips, trying a car you are considering buying, and any occasion where the driving is the point (a performance estate on the right road takes some beating).
What you need: a full UK or EEA licence held for at least two years, a DVLA check code, ID and proof of address. Age limits vary by car, typically 23 to 30 with us depending on the model. Insurance is included; you cover fuel and stay within the mileage allowance.
Chauffeur: the occasion option
With a chauffeur you buy the experience without the responsibility: no parking, no navigating, no staying off the champagne. It is the natural choice for weddings, proms (parents relax, photos still spectacular), airport transfers where your driver tracks the flight, and business days when the back seat becomes an office.
No licence checks, no deposit against your driving, no age requirements, if you can book it, you can ride in it.
The cost difference
Self-drive is normally cheaper for multi-day hires, you pay the daily rate and drive. Chauffeur hire adds a driver's time, so it suits single days and set journeys rather than week-long hires. For a one-day wedding or an airport run the difference is often smaller than people expect, ask for both prices and compare.
The quick rule of thumb
- Weekend away, road trip, car enthusiast: self-drive.
- Wedding, prom, corporate day, airport: chauffeur.
- Not sure: tell us the occasion on WhatsApp and we will price both.
Either way you get the same immaculate, fully insured cars, delivered anywhere in the UK from Bristol. Pick your car and we will handle the rest.
Fancy something special for your next trip? Hire the our fleet or browse the full Avant Drive fleet, delivered nationwide from Bristol.