Minibus Driving Regulations



Driving licence held before 1 January 1997

If you had entitlement to drive cars before 1 January 1997 you may drive a minibus provided it has a maximum of 17 seats including the driver's seat and is not being used for hire or reward (Hire or reward means "any payment in cash or kind made by or on behalf of passengers that gives them right to be carried in a vehicle"). Your minibus entitlement will remain valid in the United Kingdom until your licence is next renewed.

If you do not have the Minibus entitlement

If your current driving licence doesn't have the minibus entitlement, there are certain circumstances where you may still be able to drive a Minibus.

Renewing your licence

When you come to renew your licence, your minibus entitlement can only be issued if you make an application to the DVLA, which will involve meeting higher medical standards.

If your minibus entitlement is renewed, at the age of 70, you will normally be granted a licence for three years that will allow you to drive a minibus not for hire or reward. If your minibus entitlement is not renewed, the entitlement will no longer appear on your licence.

Driving Licence vehicle category descriptions

For information on the vehicle categories which appear on your driving licence and to check the description of each one click here

The permit scheme

To be able to drive a minibus that has nine or more passenger seats for hire or reward you will normally need passenger carrying vehicle (PCV) entitlement. This involves taking a further driving test. However, if you will be driving the minibus for an organisation under the minibus or community bus permit scheme you will not need to have the PCV entitlement.

If you own or operate a minibus we would like to hear from you so we can provide a low cost Minibus Insurance quotation.

 

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If you would like us to call you to discuss you insurance requirements or to do a quotation over the phone, please select one of the subjects below: