When do you get to form bigger parties?

Hello
We're a few old farts that used to play D2 exp and are now about to replace
it with GW. We've noticed that the "tutorial part" is capped to a party of 2.
Then after "joining up" it's capped to 4 players.
Here's the question: When will all of us (8) be able to play in a party?
Thanks in advance

You're allowed a party of eight after ascension, which a long way off. However, it increases to six at Yak's Bend, which is much sooner.

Though its worth pointing out that you really dont want anymore than a team of 4 if your new!

In fact I try to keep it to 3.. you will get much better drops, missions are more exciting and gives you chance to get used to the common problems of playing in a team.

Other party members capabilties really does make a difference to your ability to complete missions.. so by the time you get to 8man teams your experienced enough to work well with them as part of a team.