In the UK, the minibus is used to transport passengers to and from sporting events, concerts, social occasions, and so on. In most cases a minibus licence is required, but not in every case. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss the regulations regarding minibus operation and who needs a licence to do so.
Before getting to the licencing question, however, let’s take a moment to define what a minibus is according to UK law. A minibus is a vehicle with a seating capacity of between 9 and 16 passengers. Seating for 17 passengers or more constitutes a coach, while eight or less allows the vehicle to be classified as a standard passenger vehicle.
It is important to note that “seating capacity” is not the same thing as “number of seats.” In other words, a vehicle with a single seat for the driver and five bench seats capable of seating three persons each would have a total seating capacity of 16. Under this arrangement, such a vehicle would be considered a minibus.
Licensing Requirements
Under the law, anyone operating a minibus for commercial purposes must apply for the appropriate minibus licence. Getting such a licence requires a certain amount of training along with an exam. It is illegal to operate a commercial minibus with a straight class B licence, regardless of the circumstances.
If a minibus is being used for purposes that are not commercial, it may not be necessary for the driver to have a minibus licence. In order to drive such a vehicle with a standard class B licence the following conditions apply:
- Age Requirements – The driver must have first earned his or her class B licence no later than 1997. In addition, a driver 70 years old or greater will need to pass an assessment before being allowed to operate a minibus.
- No Compensation – In order to operate a minibus, the driver is not allowed to receive compensation him or herself, or on behalf of any of his or her passengers. In other words, the driving must be totally voluntary. The no compensation requirement applies to cash, gifts, or any other type of personal benefit.
- Weight Limits – The minibus in question cannot exceed more than 3.5 tonnes under most circumstances. That weight can be increased to 4.25 tonnes if it is equipped with things necessary to transport the disabled.
- Towing Trailers – Towing a trailer behind a minibus is absolutely prohibited without an appropriate minibus licence. There are no exceptions to this rule under any circumstances.
- UK Only – Driving a minibus on a class B licence applies only to trips taken within the UK. Drivers venturing outside of the country will be required to have a D1 licence valid throughout Europe.
If you are considering working as a minibus driver, it is important that you receive the proper training and licensing. The HGV Training Centre offers comprehensive PCV training that will prepare you to drive both minibuses and full-size coaches. Contact us today if this sounds like something you are interested in.
