Welcome to the Minibus website
Thank you for visiting and welcome to the Minibus Website. “Licence wise” a minibus still remains one of the most complicated vehicle to understand. Many people are confused with the various licence categories, operator licencing and a host of new and existing laws and regulations which don’t always make sense.
The site was created to raise awareness of any changing legislation, highlight important issues and offer training solutions for anyone who drives or operates a minibus. We hope you like the site and find it useful.
What's New...
DSA & DVLA say no to non-PCV licence holders instructing/supervising assessments for minibus drivers 
SC Driver Services have received correspondence from both the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) and DVLA (Driver & Vehicle Licencing Agency) stating that drivers
who just hold the standard car licence entitlements cannot act as instructors or supervising assessors for drivers of minibuses.
Therefore, if you are currently a MiDAS DAT or similar who is not a holder of a D or D1 PCV licence (i.e. obtained by separate test) for 3 years or more you may be committing an offence and liable to prosecution. more »
Questionable DSA endorsement of the MiDAS scheme?
A recent shock discovery suggests that the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) has no knowledge of ever endorsing the voluntary MiDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme) as claimed by Hampshire County Council more »
School minibus drivers should speak up and... "belt up"
Whilst at an inter school rugby event nr Putney during March 2007, I sadly noticed that out of 30 School minibuses which I counted leaving the event, only one of them had all their passengers wearing seat belts. As for the rest, pupils were witnessed travelling without seat belts. One minibus even left the event with the rear emergency exit open! ...and free seat belt signs for school minibuses. more »
Your minibus may not be suitable for the PCV D1 driving test
If you wish to use your own organisation's minibus for the PCV D1 practical driving test, you may wish to check that your minibus conforms to the new MTV (minimum test vehicles) specifications. All minibuses used for the PCV D1 practical driving test must conform to these new specifications from the end of June 2007. more »
Does your minibus need a new digital tachograph? 
From April 11, 2007 new government legislation will require businesses, schools, charities and other organisations operating minibuses with 10-17 seats commercially to fit tachograph equipment to their minibuses to monitor the amount of time drivers’ spend behind the wheel. Lower standard exemptions for volunteers and employees of section 19 & 22 permit minibuses more »
New Drivers' Hours rules from April 11th 2007
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) is providing guidelines to operators and drivers on the latest amendments to the European Union’s Drivers’ Hours Rules and Regulations governing driving and rest periods for drivers of lorries, buses and coaches. The new rules will came into effect on 11 April 2007. more »
PCV theory and practical driving tests to become longer
In line with the EU directive, both PCV theory and practical tests will become longer and more difficult by 2008. more »
Driver CPC
From September 2008 just holding a vocational driving licence will not be sufficient. Professional bus, coach minibus and lorry drivers will need to attain the Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) more »
Minibus FAQ's (frequently asked questions)
What is the Legal
definition of a minibus?
Can I drive a minibus
as part of my job?
How do I add a PCV D1 (minibus) category to my licence?
How do I start a
minibus business?
Do I need a licence to
operate a minibus, and if so which one?
More news & features
Can I legally drive a minibus?
Find out if your minibus driving duties are within the law and what to do if they are not? more »
VOSA and minibuses
Who are VOSA and how do their powers effect you as a minibus driver or operator? more »
Seat Belts in minibuses
Seat belt laws have changed. Find out your responsibilities as a minibus driver more »
Volunteers may face problems driving newer minibuses
Volunteer drivers who have passed their normal car driving test after 1997 may not be able to drive new minibuses! more »
The "2 second safety gap" is this enough for a minibus?
Watch Out! you may have been given the wrong advice from your driver assessor trainer more »
New rules will lead to lower speed limits and an outside Lane ban on motorways for minibuses.
These changes will effect and change the way you drive a minibus with advice from a professional more »
Are you fundraising for a new minibus?
Raising money for a new minibus can be difficult enough. Find out how a new minibus road safety initiative can support your fundraising efforts more »
Training too expensive?
this may help towards the cost of a D1 category for your licence or provide FREE places on the "Minibus Road Safety workshop" more »
Wanted... Instructors, trainers and PCV Driving Schools to join our network
We are looking for instructors, trainers and PCV Driving schools to join our network more »
Steven Caulston ... a commitment for minibus road safety.
Held a PCV/PSV licence for 18 years and entrusted to drive coaches worth almost a third of a £million. A PSV CPC Holder and volunteered with community minibus groups. Passed the IAM advanced driving test conducted by a serving traffic police officer, who made a recommendation to train and observe other drivers. Became a Midas Driver Assessor trainer and decided it wasn’t enough and endeavoured further by undertaking training for an ADI, created a minibus Road Safety workshop and produced this website.
Keep up to date with changes and new information
Drivers, volunteers and operators can keep up to date with minibus information, news and legislation through our e-mail news bulletins.