Driving a minibus on a car licence

By the end of this topic you can

• You can tell whether your licence already covers a minibus.
• You can explain what the 101 code on a licence means.
• You can list the conditions for driving a minibus voluntarily on a car licence passed from 1997.
• You can describe what a section 19 permit allows and what it does not allow.
• You can recognise when a full D1 licence and operator licence are needed.

What you need to know and understand

• Category D1 covers vehicles with no more than 16 passenger seats, a maximum length of 8 metres and a trailer up to 750kg.
• Code 101 on a licence means not for hire or reward, so you cannot drive that vehicle to make a profit.
• If you passed your car test before 1 January 1997, your licence normally already includes D1 with the 101 restriction.
• Drivers who passed from 1 January 1997 can only drive a minibus on a car licence if they meet strict volunteer conditions.
• Under those conditions you must not tow a trailer with the minibus.
• Section 19 permit vehicles cannot be used to carry members of the general public.
• Driving a minibus for profit needs a PCV (bus) licence entitlement and the operator needs a PSV operator licence.

Which car licence holders are covered

Look at the categories on your photocard. If you passed your car test before 1 January 1997, you will usually see D1 with the code 101. That means you can drive a minibus, but not for hire or reward.

If you passed from 1 January 1997, your licence will not show D1. You can still drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats in the UK if you meet every one of these conditions:

• You are 21 or over and have held your car licence for at least 2 years.
• You drive voluntarily, and the minibus is used for social purposes by a non-commercial body.
• You are not towing a trailer.
• The minibus has a maximum authorised mass (its weight fully loaded, including passengers) of no more than 3,500kg, or 4,250kg for an electric or hydrogen vehicle.
• An extra 750kg is allowed for specialist equipment for disabled passengers, such as a wheelchair ramp.
• If you are 70 or over, you meet the higher Group 2 medical standards.

Section 19 permits and charging for trips

Normally, any group that takes payment for carrying passengers needs a PSV operator licence. Section 19 of the Transport Act 1985 lets not-for-profit organisations, such as those working in education, religion, social welfare or recreation, charge for transport without that full licence.

A standard permit covers vehicles adapted to carry no more than 16 passengers, not counting the driver. A large bus permit covers 17 or more passengers. Organisations apply through DVSA, and designated bodies such as local authorities and some national voluntary organisations can also issue standard permits, but not large bus permits.

A permit only covers the organisation's members or the people it exists to help. It does not allow a service for the general public, and fares must only cover costs, not make a profit. The permit does not change your licence: the driver must still hold the right entitlement.

When you need a full D1 licence

If you are paid to drive, if the trip is run to make money, or if the minibus is too heavy for the car licence limits, you need full D1 entitlement. That means applying for a provisional bus licence with a medical report, then passing the bus theory and practical tests. If driving is the main part of your job you also need the Driver CPC qualification.

In Northern Ireland the minimum age for category D1 is normally 21, with some exceptions for younger drivers in training. Check with the DVA before relying on GB arrangements there.

Common mistakes

• Assuming any car licence covers a minibus. Check your passing date and whether D1 is shown.
• Accepting payment for driving while relying on volunteer status. Even small payments beyond expenses can count as hire or reward.
• Hitching a trailer for luggage. The volunteer route does not allow towing at all.
• Forgetting that wheelchair lifts and passengers add weight. Check the vehicle's plated weight against the limit.
• Treating a section 19 permit as a licence for the driver. It covers the organisation, not your driving entitlement.

Test yourself: Driving a minibus on a car licence

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

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