Minibus Insurance and Section 19 Permits
May 2nd, 2012If your organisation operates a larger vehicle then there are lots of different factors to bear in mind, such as getting specialist minibus insurance, making sure that drivers have the right DVLA driving licences or getting the appropriate permits to allow you to operate your vehicle. Understanding which minibus permits are required can often be very confusing.
For example, commercial operators, such as taxi drivers, need to obtain a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Operator’s licence as well as the appropriate minibus insurance. Anyone driving the vehicle would also need to have a PCV (Category D1 or D) entitlement on their driving licence to cover the use for hire and reward.
Many non-profit making bodies run transport services which benefit the wider community. They may need to make a small charge to help defray their running costs, which could be considered as hire and reward. However, this does not automatically mean that they fall under the same restrictions that apply to commercial minibus operators. As long as they meet certain criteria, they might be able to operate under a Section 19 permit instead.
A Section 19 permit is issued by the government and allows not-for-profit bodies to operate for hire and reward (i.e. making a charge). An organisation which has a Section 19 permit does not need to apply for a Public Service Vehicle Operator’s licence and the drivers do not necessarily need to have the PCV entitlement on their driving licences. A Section 19 permit also indicates to your minibus insurance company that your vehicle is operated on a strictly not-for-profit basis. To qualify, organisations must demonstrate that:
• They are wholly not-for-profit and will not be operating any service with a view to profit
• They will not operate any services that benefit or contribute to another profit-making organisation
• The vehicle has no more that 16 passenger seats
To drive a vehicle under a Section 19 permit you must have passed a car test before 1 January 1997 and hold a licence with a category D1 101, or you must meet ALL of the following conditions:
• You are over 21 and have held a category B licence for at least two years
• You receive no payment other than the recovery of your out-of-pocket expenses (for example, fuel or parking costs)
• You provide the service on a voluntary basis
• The minibus maximum weight is not more than 3.5 tonnes (4.25 tonnes if including any specialist equipment to carry disabled passengers)
• You do not tow a trailer
Section 19 permits are issued by VOSA or certain accredited organisations such as local councils. A small charge is made for each permit.
If you have any questions about whether your organisation qualifies for a Section 19 permit or whether you can drive under your existing Section 19 permit then please contact either VOSA or the DVLA for further information.
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This article was brought to you by The Minibus Club. For more information about Minibus insurance visit www.minibusclub.co.uk