Driver Licences: Minibuses 9-16 passengers

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