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Can I Drive A Minibus?

Can I Drive a Minibus

The question we are asked most often at Minibus World is "Can I Drive a Minibus?" And, in many cases, the answer is "yes!".

Minibus World is here to help you understand if it's a "Yes!" to driving a Minibus!

↓ Can I drive a Minibus on a Car Licence?

↓ Do I need a D1 Classification to drive a Minibus?



Let's take a look at our CanDrive Minibus Range and UK Driving Regulations


The CanDrive Minibus range stands as a testament to innovation, practicality, and a commitment to making your journeys safe and comfortable. Whether a Minibus for School excursions, Community Transport, Care & Nursing Home transport these minibuses are designed to cater to all your needs. What's more, the CanDrive Minibus range aligns perfectly with UK government regulations that allow you to drive minibuses on a standard B license.

Below, we'll explore the CanDrive Minibus range and how their conformity to UK driving regulations allows you to drive them on a standard car licence.


Is a CanDrive Minibus for You?


The CanDrive Minibus range is a testament to versatility. These vehicles are available in various models, each tailored to answer specific requirements. There's a CanDrive Minibus to fit most needs, including Wheelchair Accessibility. With a choice of seating capacities and accessibility options, you can accommodate your passengers comfortably while staying well within the bounds of UK driving licence regulations.


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The B License Advantage


In the UK, you typically need a ↓ Category D1 license to drive a minibus, which is a category specifically for minibuses with up to 16 passenger seats. However, there's an exception to this rule. If you passed your driving test before January 1, 1997, you might already have the D1 category on your license.

What if you don't possess a D1 license, and you're not interested in going through the process of obtaining one? That's where the CanDrive Minibus is your saviour.

A standout feature of the CanDrive Minibus range is that it can be driven on a standard B license. This regulation, as outlined by the UK government, allows individuals to operate vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes. Given the lightweight and versatile nature of CanDrive Minibuses, they comfortably fall within these parameters.

So, how does it work? If you hold a standard B license, you can drive a CanDrive Minibus as long as you adhere to the following guidelines:

If you passed your driving test before 1st January 1997 you’re automatically granted a D1 (101) entitlement which allows you to drive a Minibus with up to 16 Passengers, often referred to as a 17 Seater Minibus. This is as long as the Minibus is not being driven for hire or reward!


What if I passed my test after 1st January 1997?


You can drive what is generally known as a category B licence minibus. You might also be able to drive a Lightweight Minibus with up to 16 passengers, which is not being used for hire or reward, as long as the following criteria are met:

✅ Must be at least 21 years old.

✅ Must have held your car licence (sometimes called a non-D1, category B or even a 'standard' or 'ordinary' driving licence) for a minimum of 2 years.

✅ The Minibus is being used on a voluntary basis for social purposes by a non-commercial body e.g. State Schools, Scouts, charities and not for profit sports clubs.

✅ The maximum weight of the Minibus and all of its contents (GVW or MAM) cannot exceed 3.5 tonnes, or 4.25 tonnes where specialist equipment is fitted to carry disabled passengers e.g. wheelchair lifts or ramps, and this specialist equipment increases the vehicle's weight.

❌ Towing a trailer is not allowed.

❌ You receive no payment for driving the Minibus either directly or indirectly where it is incidental to your main employment, or any other reward other than recovery of out of pocket costs such as fuel and parking expenses.



To recap if you can drive a Minibus on a Car Licence


If you passed your category B driving test on or after 1 January 1997 and meet the necessary criteria, you will be able to drive our full range of small minibuses and any minibus with the CanDrive™ branding, typically known as a Lightweight Minibus.



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↓ More on driving a Minibus on a Car Licence

↓ Further Advice for Schools


CanDrive Minibuses Fun, Functional and Fit for Purpose


CanDrive Minibuses aren't just about adhering to regulations; they're also about creating a safe, enjoyable transport experience. Let's explore some of the key features that make these minibuses a must-have:

🪑 Comfortable seating

Long journeys or short trips, you and your passengers deserve a comfortable ride. The CanDrive Minibus range boasts plush, well-padded seats that make your time on the road enjoyable, even on the longest of routes.

🦺 Advanced Safety Features

Safety is always a top priority, and the CanDrive Minibus range doesn't disappoint. Equipped with cutting-edge safety features, including 3 point seat belts, ABS, airbags, and stability control, you can cruise with peace of mind, knowing that you're protected on the road.

🧰 Room for Customisation

Your CanDrive Minibus is not just a vehicle; it's a canvas for your creativity! Choose from a variety of customisation options to make it uniquely yours. Add decals, graphics, or even a splash of your School or Team's colours to stand out from the crowd.

🙆 Outstanding Customer Service

Purchasing a CanDrive Minibus isn't just about the vehicle; it's also about the customer service experience. The friendly and knowledgeable team behind the CanDrive range is there to support you every step of the way, from choosing the right model to after-sales service.

🚐 Your Journey Awaits

Speak with our friendly professional team of Minibus experts to find the most suitable CanDrive Minibus for you 01782 444289.



Are you ready to embark on a journey with the CanDrive Minibus range?


Understanding how when passing your Driving Test impacts if you CanDrive a Minibus on a Car Licence


Car Licence Pre Jan 1997

Did you pass your test before 1 January 1997?


You may drive a category B licence minibus with up to 9 seats and weighing up to 3.5 tonnes and you can also drive a D1 minibus over 3.5 tonne and up to 17 seats.

Your category B driving licence should automatically have a D1 (101) entitlement, which allows you to drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats, that is not being used for hire or reward, with an upper weight limit of 12,000kg for a vehicle and trailer combined. However, the following guidelines should still be considered in order to decide what size minibus you can drive:

✅ Check on your photocard licence or by entering your details into the DVLA website that a category D1 (101) entitlement is present on your licence.

✅ Your D1 (101) entitlement expires when you are 70 years old, or can be withdrawn (usually for medical reasons) by the DVLA (DVA in Northern Ireland) at any time.

✅ If your category B licence has a D1 + E (101) entitlement, you can tow a trailer weighing over 750kg.


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Car Licence Post Jan 1997

Did you pass your test on or after 1 January 1997?


You can drive what is generally known as a category B licence minibus. You might also be able to drive a Lightweight Minibus with up to 16 passengers, which is not being used for hire or reward, so long as you meet all the following criteria:

✅ You are at least 21 years old.

✅ You have held your car licence (sometimes called a non-D1, category B or even a 'standard' or 'ordinary' driving licence) for a minimum of 2 years.

✅ The minibus is being used on a voluntary basis for social purposes by a non-commercial body e.g. State Schools, Scouts, charities and not for profit sports clubs.

✅ The maximum weight of the minibus and all of its contents (GVW or MAM) cannot exceed 3.5 tonnes, or 4.25 tonnes where specialist equipment is fitted to carry disabled passengers e.g. wheelchair lifts or ramps, and this specialist equipment increases the vehicle's weight.

✅ You do not tow a trailer of any size or weight.

✅ You receive no payment for driving a minibus either directly or indirectly where it is incidental to your main employment, or any other reward other than recovery of out of pocket costs such as fuel and parking expenses.

✅ If you are over 70 years-old, you will be required to undertake a medical examination to ensure you meet 'Group 2' medical standards.

❌ If in doubt as to whether you meet the criteria you should seek legal advice.


If you meet the criteria to drive a Minibus on a standard car licence. There's a wide range of ↓ CanDrive Minibuses available to you.


Can I Drive A Minibus - Advice for Schools

Advice for Schools


Do you run an independent school with charitable status, or a state school such as a free school academy or grammar?

If you take pupils off-site for trips within the school day or during an extra-curricular activity, where pupils do not pay for the transport, this is unlikely to be classed as operating for hire or reward*.

Do you run an independent, fee-paying school without charitable status?

It is possible schools in this category may be viewed as a commercial body, with school fees being considered as hire or reward where minibus transport is provided*.

Find more information on School Minibuses and School Minibus leasing by clicking the buttons below:


* Minibus World is not able to provide legal advice, and as this legislation has not to our knowledge been tested in court, any organisations seeking further clarification should contact the DVLA.


Can I Drive A Minibus - Driving on a D1 Licence

Driving a Minibus on a D1 Licence


If you passed your driving test before 1 January 1997 and have a D1 (101) entitlement, or hold a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) D1 licence, you can drive our entire range of 9 to 16 passenger seat minibuses.

A Driver with a D1 (101) entitlement is able to drive our largest minibuses, while category B licence holders will need to apply for a PCV D1 licence. Carrying up to 17 occupants and a maximum of 6 wheelchairs, our extra-large minibuses usually have a longer saloon compartment and/or additional payload, such as the Ford Transit 17 Seater Minibus (4.6 tonne GVW).


Drive on a D1 Licence - Large Minibuses


Typically providing seating for 15 to 17 people and a maximum of up to 6 wheelchair passengers, our large minibus range is our most popular and versatile, and includes the CanDrive Light 16 Seat Minibus, CanDrive Flexi 17 Seat Minibus, CanDrive Maxi 17 Seat Minibus and fully wheelchair accessible CanDrive EasyOn offering various configurations of wheelchair and passenger seating for up to 17 people in total. Our large CanDrive range is also led by the popular Peugeot Boxer Lightweight Minibus, along with the Ford Transit CanDrive Light Minibus.


Start Your Journey
Enquire Now
Speak to the Minibus Experts
CALL 01782 444 289


CanDrive Minibuses | The Minibuses you CanDrive on a Car Licence

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