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Which school minibus can I drive on a normal licence?
25/02/2021
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