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Minibuses have become an increasingly popular method of transportation for group travel in recent years. While many people are familiar with traditional buses, fewer may know about minibuses and their unique characteristics. This brings us to the question, ‘What is a minibus?’
Minibuses have fewer seats than regular buses but can transport more passengers than smaller cars and SUVs. In this article, we will explore what a minibus is, how it differs from other types of vehicles and why it has become a go-to option for certain types of trips. We’ll also go over the driving licence requirements for minibuses.
Table Of Contents
What Is A Minibus?
A minibus is a vehicle designed to transport a small to medium-sized group of people. These vehicles comfortably seat 8 to 16 passengers, making them smaller than full-size buses but larger than minivans and SUVs. Minibuses are used for a variety of purposes, such as airport transfers, school field trips, corporate events and private tours. See our article ‘What is a minivan’ to learn what minivans are and how they differ from minibuses.
What Licence Do You Need To Drive A Minibus?
The licence you need to drive a minibus depends on several factors, including the vehicle’s capacity and driving conditions. You can drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats on a B licence if you fulfil the criteria listed below.
You need to meet the following criteria:
- Be 21 years or older.
- You must have had your driving licence for at least two years.
- You must meet the medical standards if you’re over 70 years old.
- You are driving as a volunteer, and the minibus is being used for social purposes by a non-commercial body.
- The minibus maximum weight must not exceed 3.5 tonnes (3500kg). The gross vehicle weight limit may extend to 4.2 tonnes (4200 kg) if you’re carrying specialist equipment for disabled passengers, such as a wheelchair ramp.
- You cannot tow a trailer with the minibus.
However, you need a D1 certification on your normal car licence if you want to drive a minibus commercially or if it exceeds the weight limit. If you obtained your driving licence before January 1, 1997, you already have a D1 entitlement on your driving licence.
You need a D1 licence to drive a minibus with 16 passenger seats that is shorter than 8 metres in length. To obtain a D1 car licence, you must gain medical clearance from your GP, pass a two-part theory test and pass a 90-minute practical car driving test while driving a category D car.
Tip: When transporting disabled passengers in your minibus, ensure the wheelchair or other specialist equipment has securement straps to prevent it from tipping over during transit.
Minibuses You Can Drive On A Normal Licence
Here are some examples of minibuses that you may be able to drive on a standard driving licence in the UK as long as they meet the requirements:
- Ford Tourneo Minibus: The Ford Tourneo Minibus is a 9-seater vehicle that requires only a standard car driving licence for operation within the UK.
- Renault Trafic Passenger Minibus: Similar to the Ford Tourneo above, this Renault minibus has enough space for eight passengers, and you can drive it on your current car driving licence.
- Mercedes Sprinter Transfer Minibus: In addition to the driver, this vehicle can carry 15 passengers.
See our minibus collection, among which 12-seaters are the most popular.
Driving For Profit
If you intend to drive a minibus on a non-voluntary basis in the United Kingdom, you need to obtain a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence, also known as a minibus provisional entitlement. This minibus licence is compulsory for anyone who wants to transport passengers for hire or reward. You also need to obtain a public service vehicle (PSV) minibus permit to operate a minibus in the UK.
Tachograph
In the UK, any minibus registered after May 1, 2006, built to transport more than eight passengers, must have a digital tachograph. For motor vehicles before this date, you can use either an analogue or digital tachograph.
Tachographs record vehicle and driver activities like speed and distance travelled. In most European countries, you need a tachograph if you use your minibus for hire or reward. You don’t need a tachograph if you drive a minibus non-commercially.
Driving Abroad
Planning on driving a minibus abroad? Before hitting the road, you have to consult with the licensing authority or driving standards agency in that country. Each country has its own driving laws and regulations that you must follow. Failure to do so could land you in a heap of trouble.
To help avoid any potential drama during your travels, research what documents are required for international travel before leaving. In most cases, you need only a standard car licence, but some countries may demand other licences or an additional driving test result.
SDVH offers a range of minibus models, from 9-seater VW Transporter Shuttle to 17-seater Ford Transit for hire. Reach out to us today to book your preferred option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Vehicles Are Classed As Minibuses?
Any small passenger-carrying vehicle that has between 8 and 16 passenger seats is classed as a minibus. What qualifies as a minibus depends on the country or region you’re in. In the UK, a vehicle must stay below 3.5 tonnes to qualify as a minibus model. Some popular examples include the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit.
What Is The Difference Between A Minibus And A Van?
The difference between a minibus and a van is that a minibus is larger than a van and is designed to carry more passengers. Most vans only have a single row of passenger seats, but minibus can carry between 9 and 16 passengers. Minibuses are better for transporting people, while vans work better for moving goods.
How Many Seats Does A Minibus Have?
The number of seats a minibus has varies depending on the model and configuration. Most minibuses have more than nine passenger seats since they are usually built for carrying passengers. You may even find a school minibus with up to 16 seats. The exact number of seats in the minibus varies depending on the model and what it was designed for.
Can I Drive A Minibus In Europe?
Yes, you can drive a minibus in Europe. However, each country has its own specific regulations and requirements for minibus drivers. The requirements to drive a minibus abroad usually vary depending on if you’re driving the vehicle for a voluntary organisation or using it for hire or reward. In most cases, you’ll need a minibus permit, except if you drive for a non-commercial body.
Is Driving A Minibus Easy?
Driving a minibus is not as easy as getting behind the wheels of a regular car, but it shouldn’t be much more challenging also. To make it easier, make sure you are familiar with the vehicle’s size and features. Also, take time to practice and learn from other minibus drivers.
Conclusion
After exploring the ‘what is a minibus’ topic, we can agree that minibuses bring efficiency and versatility to many situations, making them the perfect choice for groups of all sizes. From 9-16 passengers, this reliable mode of transportation is ideal for shuttle services at airports and universities or sightseeing tours with friends.
