No, you need D1 entitlement to drive a Ford Transit 17-seat minibus as it has a GVW of 4.6 tonnes.

There are two types of D1 entitlement.

  1. Full D1 entitlement, where you have completed the D1 theory and practical driving tests. A full D1 is required if you are driving for an organisation with an Operator’s licence
  2. Inherited D1 entitlement. If you passed your driving test before January 1st 1997, you will have D1 (101) on the back of your licence. This means you can drive a 9-16 seat passenger minibus

If drivers have D1 entitlement on their licence, they can be paid to drive under a Section 19 Permit.