Requirements for Minibus Driving

TedKelly

Hello People,

I was wondering if you can help me. I'm toying with the idea of buying a minibus and wanted to know all the factors I should take in before making my mind up.

license - (D1 as far as I know). Is the theory test for a minibus the same as for a car?

insurance - How much would it be to insure a 14 seater minibus for a year (say 2001 - 2005 ford transit for example)

I see there is other tests CPC I think it's called to be done too. What sort of timeframe would I be looking at to get all this done and be able to drive a minibus on the road.

If I have left anything else out any help would be gratefully appreciated.

cheers,


Ted.

TedKelly

Anybody?

DriveSkill

TedKelly wrote: »

license - (D1 as far as I know). Is the theory test for a minibus the same as for a car?

You need at least at D1 if you go over 8 seats (passengers) which is what you are allowed on a standard B (car) licence. The D1 allows you to go up to 16 seats and above that you need a full D licence.

Personally, I would recommend going for the full D straight away - there is no requirement to do the D1 first and you may need a full D later.

There is a separate theory test for Cat D so there are some additional questions, obviously the same road signs apply etc but there are questions on passenger safety and so on. The Theory Test Book (4th Edition) covers all categories.

TedKelly wrote: »

insurance - How much would it be to insure a 14 seater minibus for a year (say 2001 - 2005 ford transit for example)

No idea I'm afraid but probably not cheap :rolleyes:

TedKelly wrote: »

I see there is other tests CPC I think it's called to be done too. What sort of timeframe would I be looking at to get all this done and be able to drive a minibus on the road.

In order to drive a bus or mini-bus commercially now you need to hold a valid CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) . I assume you will be planning on making some money from driving the minibus so therefore you will need this. If however you just happen to have 10 kids in the family and are using the mini-bus to ferry them around then it doesnt apply!

The CPC involves separate 2 stage exams (theory test and case study).

In terms of time frame I would estimate a least a few months taking into account that you will need to get some lessons (I assume) and also the waiting list for the test date itself. Note the 6 month waiting time does not apply to Cat D tests.

TedKelly wrote: »

If I have left anything else out any help would be gratefully appreciated.

You also need to get a GP to complete a medical form before applying for the Cat D Learner Permit

Good luck with it.

TedKelly

That's a great help, much appreciated!

Marlow

DriveSkill wrote: »

8 seats (passengers)

There's a bit of a misconception here: 9 seats = 8 passengers + 1 driver = regular B license

But yes, as soon as your minibus has 10 seats, driver seat including, you need a D1 driving license at a minimum.

/M

TedKelly

Marlow wrote: »

There's a bit of a misconception here: 9 seats = 8 passengers + 1 driver = regular B license

But yes, as soon as your minibus has 10 seats, driver seat including, you need a D1 driving license at a minimum.

/M

That's interesting Marlow. Presumably I couldn't just be able to buy an 8 passenger minibus and go out working straight away. Would I still need the CPC on this and speed limiter and taco?

Wishbone Ash

TedKelly wrote: »

Presumably I couldn't just be able to buy an 8 passenger minibus and go out working straight away. Would I still need the CPC on this and speed limiter and taco?

There's a huge difference between driving 8 passengers and driving 8 passengers for reward.

Marlow

TedKelly wrote: »

That's interesting Marlow. Presumably I couldn't just be able to buy an 8 passenger minibus and go out working straight away. Would I still need the CPC on this and speed limiter and taco?

I'm not sure on the regulations for commercial. I guess a 9-seater (ergo 8 passengers) you probably need to register and insure as taxi or hackney to use it commercially, but I wouldn't be the right person to ask, when it comes to commercial use of people carrying vehicles.

/M

TedKelly

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

There's a huge difference between driving 8 passengers and driving 8 passengers for reward.

Words of wisdom I'm sure but doesn't really answer my question.

el pasco

Can you drive a mini bus on a B licence with no passengers on board?

Marlow

el pasco wrote: »

Can you drive a mini bus on a B licence with no passengers on board?

It doesn't matter how many passengers you have on board.

What matters is what the bus is registered for.

So if it's a 9-seater (8 passengers + 1 driver), then you can drive it on a B-license.

If it's a 10-seater or more, then you need a D license.

Doesn't matter how many people you've got on board.

/M

biko

Hope that cleared it up.
Old thread lock.