Minibuses are a versatile vehicle, used in a variety of businesses by many. Minibuses became a popular choice for schools, residential homes, and extra-curricular activities due to their smaller size and adaptability.
Regardless of whether you are well versed in the use of minibuses, or a complete newbie, it is always beneficial to refresh your knowledge around the subject.
So, what qualifications do you need to drive a minibus?
You must obtain a Category D1 license (also known as a Passenger Carrying Vehicle Licence) to drive a minibus with a trailer rated under 750Kg. You must be at least 21 years of age and held a driving license for two years.
If you need to drive a minibus with a trailer attachment, and if the trailer is rated over 750Kg, then you will need the D1+E minibus and trailer license entitlement.
If you are not driving the minibus for profit (hire or reward) there is a possibility that you may be able to drive this vehicle on a current car licence. If this is the case, then you should seek more guidance from the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency.
Although, driving a minibus for profit requires you to not only have the Category D1 entitlement, but you must have a drivers qualification card (DQC). Additionally, the company must hold an Operators Licence.
There are four types of PSV Operator Licences
Standard licence - national operations only
This will allow you to Operate in Great Britain. When applying for this licence type, you will be asked to nominate a transport manager for your application. The fee for this licence application is £209.
Standard licence - national and international operations
This allows you to operate in both Great Britain, and internationally, such as taking passengers abroad. The fee for this licence application is £209.
For the Standard licenses, you must have a qualified transport manager. You can find out more about the roles and responsibilities of a Transport Manager in our other post.
Restricted licence
The restricted licence allows those to use 1-2 vehicles, and neither can carry no more than 8 passengers. A restricted licence is only for small-scale operations.
You are permitted to carry up to 16 passengers in either vehicle if it isn’t used as part of a passenger transport business. Nor if the individual is operating these vehicles as an addition, not as the main job. The fee for this licence application is £209.
Special restricted licence
These licences are used to operate licensed taxis on local services. This license is only applicable to licensed taxi operators.
A local service is one where:
- Stops do not exceed 24.15 kilometres (15 miles) between two destinations
- One stop is at least within the area of the district council whom issued the taxi or private hire vehicle (PHV) licence
- The services provided are registered with the local Traffic Commissioner as a compulsory requirement.
How many seats are in a minibus?
A vehicle must have at least 9 seats (including both the passengers & driver) to be considered a minibus. A category D1 vehicle can have up to 17 seats (including the driver). Anything over this will require a bus (also known as the Category D) license entitlement.
Minibuses are great for medium sized groups that either are unable to drive themselves and require assistance, or want to commute together rather than use multiple cars.
Grandfather Rights
Also known as “Acquired rights” this allows anyone who passed their test before 1997 to drive a Category D1 vehicle, but not for hire or reward. This will be shown on your license as restriction code “101”.
If you have these rights, but want to earn a living from driving minibuses, you would have to complete initial Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training. If you want to learn more about Driver CPC, then you can read our post here.
Careers
The jobs revolving around driving a minibus are vast. This is due to the high demand for drivers, as it can help provide big groups with transport while using only one vehicle. Also, you can drive a minibus in different job roles, as it could be a necessity to have the additional skill/ license to do so.
The different types of places which require minibus drivers include:
- Taxi hire
- Airport Services
- Assisted living / retirement homes
- Schools
- Communities
- Home to School Transport
This is why the minibus will always be a necessity, it gives those the opportunity to go out when they can’t get out themselves. Minibuses can also aid for disabilities, as some Category D1 vehicles have ramps installed.
Also, depending on what type of driving you will do will once again, dictate whether or not you must complete you Driver CPC. For example, if you are driving for schools, you could be entitled to the section 19 (using vehicles by education bodies) or section 22 (community transport permit) of the Transport Act 1985.
Your “main profession” will also dictate if you can apply for one of these permits. The government give examples of those who would be exempt, depending on the goal of their D1 license, and who it would be aimed at, the business in question etc.
Your Salary Expectation
Minibus driver salary expectations can depend on your profession. This is because an individual can have a main job role, but then drive a minibus as an addition.
However, for a full-time minibus driver, you can expect to be on approximately between £18,000-£27,000.
Expanding Your Opportunities From Minibuses
Of course, this entitlement doesn’t stop there. First, you could also train for the Category D1+E license, as mentioned prior. To branch out further, if you are an individual who enjoys driving a minibus, you could make it a full-time profession.
What’s Your Next Step?
So, the minibus is a great vehicle which you can operate as full time or part time in either a dedicated driver’s role, or within your current communal role.
If your organisation needs a minibus driver, then pick up the phone and call 2 Start on 02392 123 555, and increase your earning potential today.
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