Can I Drive a Minibus With a Car Licence?

Passed before January 1st 1997?

If you passed a regular driving test, also known as the category B car test, before the 1^st of January 1997, you are automatically entitled to drive a 'D1' minibus with a seating capacity for up to 16 passengers.

You'll be able to drive a minibus that weighs up to 7.5 tonnes and is 8 metres long, but this cannot be for 'hire or reward' purposes.

Passed on/after January 1st 1997?

The rules are slightly more complex for those who passed their car driving test on or after 1st January 1997, but there is still some flexibility.

Automatic entitlement to drive a D1 minibus is not granted in this case. However, the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 introduced some exceptions, allowing individuals to drive 'out of category' under specific circumstances.

Here are the conditions for driving a minibus with up to 16 passengers on a car license obtained on or after January 1st 1997:

• The minibus is not used for hire or reward.
• The driver is 21 years of age or older.
• The driver has held a category B car driving license for at least two years.
• The driver operates the minibus voluntarily, and it is used for social purposes by a non-commercial organization.
• The maximum weight of the minibus does not exceed 3.5 tonnes, or 4.25 tonnes if it is equipped with specialized disability access equipment.
• If the driver is over 70 years old, they must meet the 'Group 2 Fitness to Drive' medical standards.
• Towing a trailer is not permitted.
• Driving abroad is not allowed.

Lightweight minibuses

No manufacturer currently offers a factory-built minibus under 3.5 tonnes therefore, to drive a minibus without a D1 category on your licence, the vehicle will need to be converted from a window or panel van by having the seats etc. fitted by an independent provider. This keeps the weight under the desired threshold.

At Bentley Walker School Minibus Leasing we offer Minibus Lite and Flexilite Minibus products which enable individuals who passed their driving test after January 1st 1997 to drive a minibus on a standard category B licence.

The number of staff with only a standard category B car licence will only increase in the coming years. Acquiring a lightweight minibus means your staff will not require additional training before they can drive.

For more information click the links below:

Minibus Lite Flexilite Minibus