Minibus regulations

If you hire and/or drive a minibus on behalf of the University please read the following guides:

• Driving a minbus on behalf of the University (PDF - 119KB)
• General driving information and minbus driving technique, including 'Minibus driver checklist' (PDF - 136KB)
• Minibus driver checklist (PDF -118KB)

Please note

If you hire a minibus on the business of the University, you must display a "Section 19 Minibus Permit" (also known as a "Small Bus Permit"), obtainable in laminated form from the University's Insurance Office (extn 8309).

Only authorised drivers over 21 with a category D1 (101) licence entitlement can drive minibuses.

Since 1 January 1997 drivers no longer receive automatic category D1 entitlement when they pass Category B car test. There is a restricted allowance for drivers who only hold a category B driving licence and have not passed a D1 (minibus) driving test for incidental driving under the following conditions:

• The driver is over 21 years of age/under 70
• the driver has held the category B driving licence for at least 2 years
• the driver receives no payment or consideration for driving the vehicle other than out-of- pocket expenses
• the minibus has a gross weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes (4.25 tonnes including any specialised equipment for carriage of disabled passengers). You need a special certificate to be able to carry disabled passengers
• the minibus is being driven for social or educational purposes and the driver is driving under section 19 permit which is clearly displayed on the vehicle
• the minibus has up to 14 passenger seats

Please note that there are few minibuses that are in this category, for instance; a Ford 17 seater bus could not be driven as it exceeds the weight allowance, but a 14 seater would be suitable.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct vehicle license.