Volunteer drivers may face licence problems
with new heavier minibuses
If you're a Volunteer minibus driver then you could be breaking the law.
Certain volunteer drivers are only allowed to drive non-accessible permit registered minibuses of up to 3,500 kgs in weight, this is because they only have a "B category" on their driving licence.
Some of the older minibuses weighed no more than this, but more recently, newer-built minibuses are now designed and plated for an increased weight in excess of this limit and therefore too heavy for some volunteers to drive.
However, if your minibus has a passenger lift and is adapted to carry passengers in wheelchairs then a minibus weighing up to 4,250 kgs may be driven by a volunteer driver, otherwise drivers will need to add a D1 category to their licence.
Most new 17 seater minibuses weigh in excess of 3,500 kgs. To view examples visit our Minibus Motorshow section. Please note: This is not an exhaustive list of the types of minibuses effected.
Find out more
Can I legally drive a minibus?
Adding a D1 category to a driving licence (what does it involve?)
Where can I find D1 (Minibus) driver training courses near me?
