Which school minibus can I drive on a normal licence?

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Which school minibus can I drive on a normal licence?

25/02/2021

Which school minibus can I drive on a normal licence?

What is a minibus?

A minibus is a passenger carrying vehicle with a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 16 passenger seats (plus the driver's seat). 

Which minibus can I drive on a normal licence?

Anyone with a normal licence can drive a minibus with up to 12 seats.

For people who passed their test and got their driving licence before 1 January 1997, you are likely to have a Category D1 licence.

This allows you to drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats - but not for hire or reward.

A school minibus is fine, a taxi is not allowed. 

For people who passed their test and got their driving licence after 1 January 1997 it's a different story. You won't have a Category D1 licence (you'll have a category B car licence) so you need to meet the following conditions or take an additional driving test.

You may drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats if: 

  • the vehicle is used for social purposes by a non-commercial body but not for hire or reward;
  • the driver is aged 21 or over;
  • the driver has held a car (category B) licence for at least 2 years;
  • the driver is providing the service on a voluntary basis;
  • the minibus maximum weight is not more than 3.5 tonnes (or 4.25 tonnes including any specialist equipment for the carriage of disabled passengers);
  • if the driver is aged 70 or over, is able to meet the health standards for driving a D1 vehicle.

You cannot:

  • receive any payment
  • tow a trailer
  • drive the minibus outside of the UK

Obvioulsy it is really important to check before you drive a school minibus.

If you are at all in doubt, please contact our expert and friendly team - here

If you would like to read more about school minibus leasing, go to this page https://www.minibusleasinguk.co.uk/school-minibus-leasing

 

 


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