Lightweight B1 minibuses that can be driven on a car licence

Minibuses that can be driven on a standard car licence, under certain conditions

Lightweight or B1 minibuses can be driven on a standard B1 car licence

Understanding what minibuses you can drive on a B1 car licence can be confusing, as there are certain conditions the organisation, driver, and vehicle must meet.

If you passed your driving test after 1st January 1997, you can only drive minibuses under certain conditions

You are over 21 years old
You have been driving for 2 years
Your diesel minibus has a GVW of 3.5 tonnes or under (or 4.25 tonnes with specialist equipment)
Your electric minibus has a GVW of 4.25 tonnes or under (or 4.25 tonnes with specialist equipment)
You do not tow a trailer
You do not drive abroad
You do not receive payment, or other consideration, for driving
Journeys are for social purposes
The organisation you are driving for holds Section 19 Permits.

If you passed your driving test before 1997 then you can drive up to 16 passengers (the above weight restrictions do not apply) and be paid to do so, provided the organisation has Section 19 Permits.

If you are a commercial company operating under a PSV Operator’s Licence you drivers must hold a full D1 licence to drive 9-16 passengers.

minibuses you can drive on a car licence

Minibus driver training for car licence holders

The DVSA recommends that you regularly train your minibus drivers, and this is especially important for those who have never driven a minibus before and can legally drive 16-passengers with no additional training.

We recommend that, as a minimum, your drivers complete MiDAS before they drive for your organisation. This is a nationally recognised scheme that includes a theory test and a practical assessment, and is valid for 4 years.

There are other training options available such as practical assessments that are convenient and affordable.