Conditions to drive a Minibus on a Car License

The conditions to drive minibuses on a car licence include; operating under a Section 19 Permit, driving as a volunteer, driving a vehicle under 3.5 tonnes, being over 21 nd having held a licence for over two years.

A minibus is defined as a vehicle that can carry between 9 and 16 passengers, plus the driver. These vehicles are used by schools, sports teams, community groups, and businesses for transporting larger groups but there is confusion as to the conditions under which you can drive a minibus on a car licence because there are varying permits and vehicle weight limits and types of drivers which affect the licence needed.

This article explains who can drive a minibus on a car licence, the circumstances under which this is allowed, and what additional requirements may apply.

Simply put, if you are being paid to drive a minibus, you will need a full D1 licence, so you can not drive a minibus on a standard car licence because you are driving as a job and further training is required.

In the UK if you are have charitable status and/or are not operating for profit you can apply for a Section 19 Permit which enables you to run your minibuses without a PSV Operator’s licence and pay for your drivers (provided they have a full D1 licence) and charge for your minibus operations to cover the costs.

Under a Section 19 Permit volunteer drivers, those driving not for reward or hire can drive minibus with up to 16 passengers on a car licence provided they are:

• Over 21 years old: The driver must be aged 21 or older to be eligible to drive a minibus on a car licence.
• Have 2 years experience: Have held their licence for over 2 years
• Volunteer drivers: Drivers are not driving for hire or reward, they are not being paid except reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
• Minibus with GVW of 3.5 tonnes or under: The minibus you are driving must not exceed 3.5 tonnes in maximum authorised mass (MAM) or 4.25 tonnes if the vehicle is equipped with specialist disability equipment.

You are not allowed to tow a trailer or drive abroad and there are additional rules for drivers aged 70 and Over.

So in conclusion you can drive a minibus on a car licence if you meet these conditions, mainly being the organisation is a charity or non-profit so has a Section 19 Permit, drivers are over 21 and are also volunteers and the vehicles are under 3.5 tonnes GVW. Otherwise minibus drivers will need to complete D1 driver training.

If you’re confused about bus driving licences then please give our friendly team at Rivervale Minibus a call on 01869 253744 or email minibus@rivervale.co.uk and they will talk you through all the conditions and help you understand what licence your minibus drivers will need.