Thinking of Hiring a Minibus with a driver? - 6th July 2010

If you are thinking of hiring a Private Hire Minibus (Minibus with a driver) for a big night out or special occasion then we have put together a guide for you to ensure any vehicle you hire is safe and the driver is fully licensed.

If the operator is unlicensed, their vehicles and drivers may not meet the legal requirements and they could be unsafe and uninsured.

When you hire a vehicle with a driver for the exclusive use of your group, the licence the operator needs depends on the size of the vehicles they have for hire:

• vehicles that carry eight or fewer passengers and are hired exclusively to an individual or group are classed as private hire vehicles (PHVs) - the operating company must have a PHV operator's licence and the driver and vehicle also need PHV licences
• vehicles that carry more than eight passengers and Minibuses with more than eight passengers are classed as public service vehicles (PSVs) and the operating company needs a PSV operator's licence.

Always check that the driver of the Minibus has an operators Licence which are licensed by the Traffic Commissioners and make a note of the Operators Licence number.

If you want to check further you can do so by calling the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) helpline on 0300 123 9000 or click here. Ask the VOSA adviser to check the PSV number and confirm the company it has been issued to.

Another point is to make sure that you avoid hiring a PSV from a company that does not supply a driver with the Minibus. If the operator tells you to hire a driver separately and gives you a list of possible drivers, they are likely to be unlicensed and operating illegally.

If you need any further information regarding the Hire of Private Hire Minibuses then we will be more than willing to give help and advice, or if you are a Minibus Operator and require Private Hire Minibus Insurance then please contact us for a free quotation.