Minibus Club Article Archive

A section 19 permit for a minibus comes with rules, which must be observed. The following questions and answers illustrate some of these rules.

Who May Drive?

Permit bus drivers must

Be at least 21 years old.

Have passed a Category B (or car) driving test before the 1st of January 1997, therefore gaining automatic entitlement to D1 categorisation, which allows them to drive a minibus with 9 to 16 passenger seats that is not used for hire or reward.

Drivers who passed their test before this date may drive such a minibus of any weight, provided they hold a permit. Category D1 licence holders (non-hire or reward) can renew their licence if they can pass the compulsory medical to meet the necessary health standard.

If a minibus driver with a D1 licence fails to renew their licence at age 70 but retains their category B (or car) licence they may still drive a 9 to 16-seat minibus if they meet the following conditions. The same applies to minibus drivers who passed their car test on or after the 1st of January 1997.

Such drivers must

Have held their Category B licence for no less than two years.

Must receive no payment or benefit other than out-of-pocket expenses.

Drive minibuses of no more than 3.5 tonnes gross weight, unless they are used to carry disabled passengers. In this instance, the gross weight rises to 4.25 tonnes, including the weight of any specialised equipment for disabled passengers.

Be able to pass the medical test mentioned above if they are 70 or older.

May Drivers Receive Payment?

If they hold a full PCV licence, yes. Minibus drivers who don’t may be paid if they have a licence granted before the 1st of January 1997 and have a full Category D1 (not for hire or reward) entitlement.

May Wheelchair Users be Carried?

Yes, provided such passengers are carried safely. See the Department of Transport’s Code of Practice ‘The Safety of Passengers in Wheelchairs on Buses’, which is available from the Department’s Mobility Unit.

May a Permit Vehicle Be Used Abroad?

No, the Section 19 permit is only for UK use.

May a Permit Bus Provide a Local Bus Service?

No, one may only be used for the members of clients of the organisation to which the permit applies.

Do EC Drivers Hours and Tachograph Rules Apply?

Not in the UK, provided the minibus has fewer than 17 passenger seats. Such a minibus would normally have to meet UK domestic driver’s hours rules. However, if it is being used privately or has volunteer drivers, no rules apply.

What Charges Can Apply to Passengers?

Fares or contributions may be accepted provided they cover vehicle running costs, including depreciation and drivers’ wages. However, fares that regularly yield a greater income than the above expenditure negate the operation’s non profit-making status and are not permitted.

What About Minibus Insurance?

Like all motor vehicles used on the road, a vehicle operated under a permit must be covered by an insurance policy which insures against liabilities to third parties (which includes the passengers being carried in the vehicle). This is the minimum requirement.

The minibus insurer must be aware that payment is being received from passengers but that a Section 19 permit applies, exempting the minibus user from PSV Operator Licence requirements.

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Most minibus drivers are justifiably proud of the their driving skills. However, training schemes exist that can not only let drivers hone and subsequently prove their minibus skills but also let them benefit from reduced insurance premiums. In practice, the majority of minibus insurance companies recognise the two training schemes concerned and substantial savings may be made from the lesser premiums offered.

The CTA (Community Transport Association) is the UK’s leading organisation concerned with community and voluntary transport. It administers two driver training schemes that the majority of insurance companies recognise.

Drivers who passed their test before the 1st of January 1997 automatically received a D1 classification, allowing them to drive a minibus. However, those who passed their test on or after this date received a Category B, or car, licence. This restricts their driving of a minibus to an extent because they have to meet the following conditions.

The minibus may not be used for hire or reward.

The driver must be 21 or over.

The driver must have held a Category B licence for over 2 years.

If over 70, the driver must meet Category D1 health standards.

The driver may not be paid for driving the minibus.

The minibus may not weigh over 3.5 tonnes, unless specialised equipment for the carrying of disabled passengers is fitted. In such an instance, the weight limit rises to 4.25 tonnes.

A trailer may not be towed.

The minibus may only be used in the UK.

The CTA’s CommunityDriver scheme provides everything a minibus driver needs to obtain a Category D1 licence, including training by locally based tutors, the use of special learning materials and the arranging of a test at an appropriate time in a location convenient to the pupil.

The second CTA scheme is called MiDAS, which is the acronym of the Minibus Driver Training Scheme. CTA-appointed training agents, who visit organisations to assess and train minibus drivers, run this nationally-recognised scheme. It is also possible for representatives of larger organisations to take the CTA’s Driver Assessor/Trainer Assessment, or DAT for short. Passing this allows a representative to assess and train drivers.

The MiDas test is a separate exercise and is particularly comprehensive. As such, it covers a number of areas including passenger and disability awareness, the use of passenger safety and access equipment, storage equipment, and drivers’ legal requirements. Minibus driving skills to an acceptable standard are tested, and attention is paid to general defensive driving, the driver’s personal safety and, of course, passenger safety. Lastly, roadside inspections and breakdown and accident procedures are examined.

The CTA’s schemes don’t just reduce insurance premiums. A MiDAS certificate is good for the image of the organisation or person possessing one, and passenger comfort and safety are improved. Last but not least, the certificate holder’s confidence increases, with a consequent reduction in stress at the wheel of a minibus.

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If you’d like to save money on your minibus insurance, look no further than The Minibus Club. Request a FREE quote now by calling our hotline on 0845 609 0323 or visit our website at www.minibusclub.co.uk.