Driver Licensing: Minibuses 9 – 16 Passengers
If you passed a car driving test before 1 January 1997 - you have a D1 entitlement:
Your Licence will have either D1 (101) or D1 79 (NFHR) on the back
You can:
- Can drive a minibus for not-for-profit organisation
- Can be paid for driving (incidental expenses only)
But…
- Cannot drive minibus abroad
- Cannot drive for a commercial company in UK
- Age 70 must pass full ‘PCV’ medical to renew ‘minibus entitlement’.
If you passed a car driving test after 1 January 1997 - you have a B Licence only you not have a D1 entitlement:
You may drive minibus in UK only but ALL these conditions apply:
- 21 or over
- Held full licence for 2 years
- Driving on voluntary basis
- Minibus used by not-for-profit organisation
- Minibus max weight (MAM or GVW) no more than 3.5 tonnes (4.25 if accessible)
- Must not tow a trailer
- Age 70 must pass full ‘PCV’ medical to renew this entitlement.
Impact on B Licence holders of the 3.5 tonne weight limit
- A minibus with a MAM of 3.5 tonne is often referred to as a 'Light Bus' .
- Under normal circumstances a light bus can only carry a maximum of 13 passengers and not the legal maximum of 16 passengers.
- This does not mean an organisation can reduce the number of seats in the bus from 16 to 13 and therefore be within the limits.
- It is not the weight of the passengers that causes the problem it is the design of the bus to carry up to 16 passengers.
- Organisations should be aware of this limit on the B Licence holders as many currently have 16 passenger seat minibuses.
- For more information/advice please contact the BCM office