A bus is defined as being a vehicle with 9 passenger seats or more, a small bus is a vehicle carrying 9-16 passengers.

Minibuses can be driven in most bus lanes UNLESS the bus lane sign says ‘local’ which means that the bus lane is reserved for local services.

The sign may also indicate what other vehicles can use the bus lane such as motorcycles or licenced taxis.

This sign means you are NOT allowed.

This sign shows that the bus lane is reserved for local services. You can not drive a minibus in this bus lane.

This sign means you are allowed

When there is no specific signage indicating the bus lane is for local public transport only, then it is ok to drive your minibus on the bus lane.

Learn more at the Minibus Management Course

If you want to learn more about operating a minibus then Rivervale’s Minibus Compliance Course is a great place to start.

The course covers licences, vehicle weights, safety inspections, daily checks and the on-the-road challenges of driving a minibus – including information like who can drive in a bus lane.

The course is relevant for those who drive the minibuses as well as the non-driving staff who might be responsible for the administration of the vehicles.

Completion of the online Minibus Compliance Course will dramatically increase your driver safety levels and enable you to implement a comprehensive safety system.