You might be seeking if operating a minibus requires a D1. You might be lucky if you fit specific requirements and hold a conventional driver’s license. If you still need to, apply to become a minibus driver. Knowing the rules governing minibus driving is crucial whether you want to travel with a large family or a group of friends.
Before you get behind the wheel, double-check that the cars you are permitted to drive correspond to the ones shown on your driver’s license.
Conditions to Meet:
You can drive a minibus with 16 seats in the UK if you plan a trip without exchanging money for the passengers’ transportation (no situation of “hire-or-reward”). Some conditions must be met:
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- Drivers must be over 21 years old.
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- They have had a valid Category B driver’s license for at least two years.
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- Besides the additional expenses, the driver receives no compensation for their driving.
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- The maximum gross vehicle weight, including appropriate equipment for carrying individuals with disabilities, is 3.5 tons.
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- Drivers who are 70 or older must be free of any medical issues that would disqualify them from holding a D1 license.
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- No trailers are being pulled.
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- Only automobiles with automatic transmissions are used when the driver’s license permits such use.
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- Drivers who are 70 or older and do not meet the required medical standards cannot operate small buses. They can operate tiny vehicles with permission if they renew their driver’s license.
For Reference: Visit https://www.gov.uk/driving-a-minibus
Driving Minibuses Abroad:
If you plan to drive a minibus abroad, we advise contacting the destination country’s licensing office for more information.
Renewal of your license at 70+
Are you getting close to turning 70? If so, or if you are already 70 and renewing your license, you will need to take certain actions. These include getting a medical exam report and the required paperwork.
Minibus Permit to Charge Passengers
There are restrictions on when you can obtain a permit if you wish to charge for minibus service. For instance, the minibus can only be utilized by non-profits, and the fees collected should only go toward operating expenses.
Commercial Minibus Driving
If you want to drive a minibus commercially or if none of the conditions above apply, then get yourself:
- provisional entitlement for minibuses (PCV).
- operator’s license for public service vehicles (PSVs)
Don’t have a D1 license?
Don’t have a D1 license? No worries! We have got you covered if you need to travel and don’t possess a D1 license. You can hire a minibus or coach with Trans Coaches for your specific transportation needs. We have professional and experienced drivers who possess all the necessary licenses. You just have to sit back and relax while our drivers will efficiently transport you to your destination in a comfortable and timely manner.
Feel free to contact Trans Coaches if you have any specific requirements or queries.
