Minibus Driver Training

Did you know that if you passed your driving test after 1997 you may not be automatically entitled to drive a Minibus?

Driver Licensing regulation changes brought in in 1997 mean that drivers no longer receive automatic entitlement to drive Minibuses over 3.5 tonnes in weight, or drive Minibuses as part of their daily work. Any affected drivers who want to drive a Minibus over 3.5 tonnes or as part of their daily work need to take the DSA D1 Test.

The rules relating to driving a Minibus on a standard car license are complex to say the least, below is a summary of the basics;

Driving licence obtained before 1 January 1997

If you had entitlement to drive cars before 1 January 1997 you can drive a minibus provided it has a maximum of 17 seats including the driver's seat and is not being used for hire or reward. Your minibus entitlement will remain valid in the United Kingdom until your licence is next renewed.

Driving licence obtained since 1 January 1997

Holders of a full category B (car) driving licence may drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats provided the following conditions are met:  

• The vehicle is used for social purposes by a non-commercial body but not for hire or reward
• The driver is aged 21
• The driver has held a car (category B) licence for at least 2 years
• The driver is providing the service on a voluntary basis
• The minibus maximum weight is not more than 3.5 tonnes or 4.25 tonnes including any specialist equipment for the carriage of disabled passengers
• If the driver is aged 70 or over and is able to meet the health standards for driving a D1 vehicle

In both cases the entitlement excludes driving a Minibus for 'Hire or Reward'. 

If you are driving a Minibus as part of your daily work, and you are being paid while you drive it, you are driving for 'Reward' and will therefore need to take and pass the DSA D1 Test.

The process to get the additional entitlement is quite simple;

• Attend a Drivers Medical
• Apply for D1 Provisional entitlement to be added to you license
• Take the PCV Theory and Hazard Perception Test
• Complete a recognised D1 Driver Training course
• Take DSA D1 Driving Test

KJC Driver Training can help to guide you through this process from checking your entitlements, pointing you in the right direction for your medical to helping you to fully prepare for both the Theory and Practical Tests.

Full details of the DSA D1 test can be found below;

At the beginning of the test, you will be asked some vehicle safety questions. You will then be examined on your practical road driving ability and some off-road exercises. The test will last about 90 minutes in total.

The off-road exercises will include:

During your practical road driving, the examiner will observe how you:

• use the vehicle controls
• move away at an angle, uphill and downhill
• conduct a braking exercise
• use the mirrors
• give appropriate signals
• show awareness and anticipation of other road users intentions
• manage your progress and control your vehicle speed
• deal with hazards
• select a safe place to stop

For full details of our courses and help with your entitlements call us on 0845 805 1678