Minibuses are large, passenger carrying vehicles. Because of this extra responsibility the driving regulations regarding licensing, servicing and minibus insurance are a lot stricter than a normal car.
This article is a guide to the frequently asked questions about driving a minibus.
What is a minibus?
The classification for a minibus is a vehicle that has between 9 to 16 passenger seats. With more than16 passenger seats the vehicle is classed as a coach.
What are the Driving Licence requirements for a minibus?
Driving licences issued after the 1st January 1997 require a category D1 classification, which can be obtained by applying to the DVLA and passing a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) test.
There are exemptions to this regulation that will allow a minibus to be driven with a full category B (car) licence, but the following conditions need to be met:
1. The minibus is used for a social purpose but not for hire and reward.
2. You must be over 21 and have held your Category B license for more than 2 years. If you are over 70 then you are required to meet the health standards for driving a D1 vehicle.
3. No payment can be accepted for driving the minibus.
4. The minibus cannot weigh more than 3.5 tonnes or 4.25 tonnes with special equipment for carrying disabled passengers.
If the minibus is towing a trailer the speed limit on motorways is reduced to 60 mph and the fast lane cannot be used for overtaking autel maxisys pro ms908p.
Minibuses registered after 1st January 2005 must now be fitted for with a speed limiter, restricting their maximum speed to 62 mph.
When driving in Europe a GB sticker or EU style GB sticker must be prominently displayed on the minibus at all times.
More information about minibus driving regulations can be obtained from the Directgov website or the Minibus Club.
The Minibus Club is a specialist minibus insurance provider and has offered UK minibus insurance quotes since 1997 launch x431 v+. Visit their website to get a free quote or call their hotline on 0845 609 0323. See how much you could save on your minibus insurance!
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