Definition of a Minibus & Minibus Driving Licence Requirements

Family cars today are getting larger. MPV’s and People Carriers can have 7 or 8 seats. But when does your family car become classed as a minibus? This is an important distinction as it can have insurance implications and your driving licence may not be valid.

The classification for a minibus is a vehicle that has between 9 to 16 passenger seats. With more than 16 passenger seats the vehicle is classed as a coach.

If your vehicle is classed as a minibus, do you have a valid driving license? 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 probably ‘yes’. All licenses 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) license, 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.