Definition of a Minibus & Minibus Driving Licence Requirements

The classification for a minibus is a vehicle that has between 9 to 16 passenger seats. With more than16 passenger seats the vehicle is classed as a coach.If your vehicle is classed as a minibus, do you have a valid driving licence? If you are over 21, your license was obtained before 1 January 1997 and the minibus is not used for hire or reward, then the answer is ‘yes’. All licences issued after this date need a category  D1 classification, which can be obtained by applying to the DVLA and passing a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) test.There are exemptions to this regulation that will allow you to drive a minibus on a full category B (car) licence, but the following conditions need to be met:1. The minibus is used for a social purpose but not for hire and reward.2. You must be over 21 and have held your Category B license for more than 2 years. If you are over 70 then you are required to meet the health standards for driving a D1 vehicle.3. No payment can be accepted for driving the minibus.4. The minibus cannot weigh more than 3.5 tonnes or 4.25 tonnes with special equipment for carrying disabled passengers.5. Towing a trailer of any size is prohibited.6. The minibus can only be driven in the UK. Driving in Europe will require a D1 licence.There are other regulations which apply to driving a minibus, not just a valid driving licence. The Directgov website has more information about what is required. If you find your vehicle is classed as a minibus then your standard car insurance policy may not have the correct cover. A minibus insurance specialist such as the MinibusClub.co.uk will be able to offer you guidance on this.This article is intended as a guide. It is recommended to seek your own advice if you are planning to drive a minibus or are in doubt about any of these issues.