What licence do I need to drive a minibus?

If you were lucky enough to be born after 1996, in order to drive a minibus without a D1 licence you need to meet the following criteria:

• You must be over 21.
• You must have held a full driving licence for more than two years.
• You do not receive payment for driving the minibus.
• The organisation that operates the minibus is a not-for-profit, non-commercial entity. For instance, charity, club, school.

The maximum weight limit of the minibus is 3500kg or 4250kg with wheelchair access.

If you have a D1 driving licence, it enables you to drive a minibus between 3500kg and 7500kg and carry up to 16 passengers. You can also tow up to 750kg should you need to, for instance, a trailer, bikes, canoes etc. However, the overall vehicle length must not exceed 8m.

To apply for a D1 driving licence you need to be over 21, held your licence for two years and do not have more than six penalty points. You then need to apply to the DVLA and pass a medical (which your GP can do but may charge for). Then you need to pass your theory and practical test (available from a variety of suppliers). Please note, that you will still not be able to drive for profit, this requires an additional Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence.

Should you need to ‘go large’ on your minibus, the category D1E enables you to drive a vehicle up to a weight of 12,000kg with a trailer in excess of 750kg. However, the overall weight must still be under 12,000kg.

If you drive a minibus without a D1 licence in the UK and are not exempt, you could face an LC20 penalty (and potentially others) which could lead to a fine, points and therefore higher insurance and potentially a driving ban.

By driving without the correct licence you would also invalidate any insurance which could have massive ramifications should the vehicle be in an accident.

1. The first step towards your D1 licence is to apply for a provisional from the DVLA.
2. Next, arrange a medical with your GP or private practice which will charge around £50.
3. At this stage, you can now drive a minibus with ‘L’ plates with a fully qualified driver alongside you.
4. Next, it’s on to the theory and practical. Looking around fully inclusive courses (along with testing) range from £1,000 to £1,500.

Whether you are driving your minibus with a D1 licence or without, your number one priority is your passenger’s safety. Unlike a car, the considerations when driving a minibus are different.

• Buckle up – make sure all passengers are sat down and wearing seatbelts before you move off. Warn your passengers when you intend to get going.
• Brakes – a minibus is a heavy vehicle and takes longer to slow down than a car, so keep your distance and slow down well in advance.
• How High – beware of overhead barriers (especially in supermarkets and car parks), a minibus is a high vehicle.
• Size – avoid single-track roads or narrow built-up areas where manoeuvrability might be an issue. Your turning circle should also be considered.
• Visibility – check for pedestrians and cyclists at all times.

Minibuses are becoming more popular as a way for schools, clubs, charities and private hire companies to transport people. Cost-effective and practical, it’s no wonder more people want to be able to drive one.

Can I drive a minibus without a D1 licence was the question and the answer is yes, but subject to a number of conditions. The main conditions being you have held your licence for two years, you are over 21 and are driving for a not-for-profit organisation without payment.