Minibus Permit Parameters - What a Section 19 Permit Allows
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.
Article Resource
If you’d like to save money on your minibus insurance look no further than The Minibus Club. Why not visit their website to receive a free online quote for minibus insurance.
Tags: insurance, minibus, minibus insurance, section 19