Lease for as long as you actually need the vehicle — no longer. At DriveOn that means a fixed term of 6, 9, 12, 18 or 24 months. A 6-month lease suits seasonal or temporary needs; 12 months fits a one-year plan or an annual budget; 24 months gives the lowest monthly cost for settled, everyday use. All terms are fixed, all credit is considered, and enquiring doesn't affect your credit score.
DriveOn owns the vehicles and runs the leasing ourselves, so you deal with us directly rather than a broker. Because we hold more than 100 cars and vans, the real question isn't whether you can get one — it's how long to commit for. Get the term right and you keep your monthly cost sensible without paying for months you don't need. This guide breaks down each option.
How long can you lease a car or van for?
With DriveOn you lease on fixed 6–24 month terms, in set lengths of 6, 9, 12, 18 or 24 months. Six months is the shortest we offer — we're built for months rather than the day-rate market — and 24 is the longest short-term term. You choose the length at the start and the monthly figure is locked for the whole period, so there are no surprises. Browse the cars and vans we've got in stock, then match a term to how long you'll realistically need one.
When does a 6-month lease make sense?
A 6-month term is the one to reach for when the need is clearly temporary. It suits seasonal work, a short contract or project, a probationary period in a new job, or covering a gap while you sort out something more permanent. You get a proper vehicle for half a year, then hand it back with nothing left hanging over you. The monthly cost is a little higher than the longer terms, and that's the trade for keeping your commitment short. If six months still feels like a stretch, our short-term leasing page lays out how the shortest terms work.
When does a 12-month lease make sense?
Twelve months is the middle ground, and it's the length a lot of people land on. It fits a one-year job assignment, lines up neatly with an annual budget or tax year, and works as a try-before-you-commit-longer run — you get a full year with a car or van before deciding whether to renew. The monthly cost sits between the 6 and 24 month figures, so you trim what you pay each month without tying yourself down for two years. If you want to understand the arrangement in full first, our how leasing works guide runs through it step by step.
When does a 24-month lease make sense?
A 24-month term is for settled, everyday driving — the daily commute, the school run, work you know isn't going anywhere. Spreading the cost over two years gives you the lowest monthly figure of any of our terms, so it's the most budget-friendly month to month. The trade is the longer commitment: you're on one vehicle for two years. If that matches your life, it's usually the best value. Our personal leasing page covers what a longer everyday term looks like.
6 vs 12 vs 24 months at a glance
| Term length | 6 months | 12 months | 24 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Seasonal work, a short project or a probationary period | A one-year assignment, an annual budget or a try-before-longer run | Settled everyday driving where you want the lowest monthly cost |
| Monthly cost (relative) | Highest per month | In the middle | Lowest per month |
| Commitment | Short — you are free again in half a year | Medium — a full year, then hand it back | Longer — two settled years on one vehicle |
Monthly cost shown as a relative trend, not a quote. The 9 and 18 month terms sit between the columns above.
How does the term affect the monthly cost?
The general rule is simple: the longer the term, the lower the monthly payment. Spreading the cost across 24 months usually lands lighter each month than packing it into 6. So the choice is a balance — a shorter term keeps you free sooner but costs a bit more per month, while a longer term costs less monthly in exchange for staying on one vehicle longer. The deposit doesn't change with the term either way: it's £500, non-refundable, credited in full to your initial payment. Tell us the vehicle you're after and we'll give you the real monthly figure for each length so you can compare like for like.
Can I get a short lease with bad credit?
Yes — the term you pick doesn't change that. All credit is considered on 6, 12 and 24 month leases alike, because you're hiring the vehicle rather than taking out finance, so a low score doesn't decide things on its own. We run our own checks and look at the fuller picture. If you've been turned down for finance before, our bad credit car and van leasing guide explains how leasing differs. Making an enquiry leaves no mark on your credit file.