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 you’ll 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, you’ll 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
    • you’ve had your driving licence for at least 2 years
    • you meet the ‘Group 2’ medical standards if you’re over 70 – check with your GP if you’re not sure you meet the standards
    • you’re 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
    • you’re 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
    • you’re 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 don’t apply, you’ll need to apply for a minibus provisional entitlement, also known as a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence.