Driving a minibus
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) have merged to form the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
You may be able to drive a minibus if you hold a car driving licence and follow certain conditions – otherwise youÂll need to apply for a minibus licence.
If the minibus is not for ‘hire or reward’
You may be able to drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats using your current car driving licence as long as it’s not for ‘hire or reward’ – ie there’s no payment from or on behalf of the passengers.
You held a driving licence before 1 January 1997
You can drive a minibus in the UK and on temporary visits abroad.
When your car licence is next renewed at the age of 70, youÂll need to re-apply for your entitlement and meet higher medical standards.
You’ll need to order and complete a D2 application form and print off and fill in a D4 medical examination report. Read the D4 guidance notes.
You got your driving licence after 1 January 1997
You can drive a minibus within the UK as long as the following conditions apply:
- you’re 21 or older
- the minibus is used for social purposes by a non-commercial body
- youÂve had your driving licence for at least 2 years
- you meet the ÂGroup 2Â medical standards if youÂre over 70 – check with your GP if youÂre not sure you meet the standards
- youÂre driving on a voluntary basis and the minibus is used for social purposes by a non-commercial body
- the maximum weight of the minibus is not more than 3.5 tonnes – or 4.25 tonnes including specialist equipment for disabled passengers, eg a wheelchair ramp
- youÂre not towing a trailer
Minibus permit – if you need to charge running costs
You can apply for a minibus permit if you need to charge passengers, as long as:
- you’re 21 or older
- the vehicle can carry between 9 and 16 passengers
- youÂre driving it for a voluntary organisation that benefits the community – eg an educational, religious or sports organisation
- the minibus service is only available for members of that organisation – not to the general public
- any charges are to cover running costs and are not for profit
Apply for a minibus permit from your local authority, or contact DVSA.
DVSA
permits@vosa.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 123 9000
Find out about call charges
Driving a minibus for profit
If you want to drive a minibus commercially, or if the above conditions donÂt apply, youÂll need to apply for a minibus provisional entitlement, also known as a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence.