Driver regulations
D1 Licence entitlement will depend on when the driver passed their driving test. If you passed before January 1997 you will have D1 entitlement and can drive a school minibus. If you passed after this date you won’t have D1 entitlement. However, a Minibus Lite™ can be driven on a car licence as long as certain criteria are met.
Drivers who passed their driving test (referred to as category B entitlement) before 1 January 1997 were automatically given D1 entitlement on their licence to drive a school minibus with 9 to 16 seats (17 seats to include the driver) assuming there’s no payment from or on behalf of the passengers (it’s not for ‘hire or reward’).
Did you pass your test after 1st January 1997
You may also drive a school minibus with up to 16 passenger seats using your current car driving licence as long as the following conditions apply:
- You’re 21 or older
- You’ve had your driving licence for at least 2 years
- You meet the ‘Group 2’ medical standards if you’re over 70 – check with your GP if you’re not sure you meet the standards
- You’re driving on a voluntary basis and there’s no payment from or on behalf of the passengers (it’s not for hire or reward)
- The maximum weight of the minibus is not more than 3.5 tonnes – or 4.25 tonnes including specialist equipment for disabled passengers, e.g. a wheelchair ramp
- You’re not towing a trailer
The following documents, published by the Dept of Transport, provide information with regards to Section 19 permits. Click the download button now to view.
The summary document below outlines and summarises the driver licences and legalities of the Minibus Lite™. There are links in this document to the attachments. Click the download button below.
We know that legalities are a lot to take in, so if you feel like you have any questions, or want some clarification, please contact us here at GM School Minibus.