Can I drive a minibus? Driving rules explained

MINIBUSES come in handy when transporting big groups of people around, but not everyone is allowed to drive a minibus.

Here, we outline everything you need to know about the rules of driving a minibus.

1

Can I drive a minibus?

Minibuses usually have a seating capacity of between 8 and 16 and can be handy for transporting big groups of people around.

There are several conditions that must be met in order for you to be allowed to drive a minibus with a standard driving licence.

According to the GOV UK website, you are allowed to drive a minibus in the UK if the following conditions apply to you:

• you’re 21 or older
• you’ve had your driving licence for at least 2 years
• you meet the ‘Group 2’ medical standards if you’re over 70 – check with your GP if you’re not sure you meet the standards
• you’re driving on a voluntary basis and the minibus is used for social purposes by a non-commercial body
• the total weight of the minibus including passengers is not more than 3.5 tonnes – plus up to 750kg of equipment for disabled passengers, for example a wheelchair ramp
• you’re not towing a trailer

If you are charging passengers to ride in your minibus, then you will need to apply for a minibus permit from the DVSA.

You can apply for a permit if these conditions apply to you:

• the vehicle can carry between 9 and 16 passengers
• you’re driving it for a voluntary organisation that benefits the community – for example an educational, religious or sports organisation
• the minibus service is only available for members of that organisation – not to the general public
• any charges are to cover running costs and are not for profit

What licence do I need to drive a minibus?

People who passed their driving test before January 1, 1997, are allowed to drive a minibus with their driving licence.

However, those that passed after that date will need to take an additional test known as the D1 test, that is administered in a minibus.

If you want to drive a minibus for profit commercially, then you will need to apply for two special licences.

You will need to apply for a passenger carrying vehicle (PCV) licence and a PSV (Public Service Vehicle) operator licence.

What vehicle is classed as a minibus?

A minibus is a vehicle that has the ability to transport between eight and 16 passengers.

A vehicle with seven seats would be classed as a car.

Anything with over 16 passengers (plus the drivers seat) would be too large to be considered a minibus.