What is a professional minibus driver?
A professional minibus driver is a trained, licensed driver who transports passengers for a living, whether for hire or for non-profit organisations such as schools or community transport.
If you’re considering a career as a minibus driver and want to understand the licences and qualifications required, you’re in the right place! This guide breaks down the key steps you’ll need to take to get started.
How to become a professional minibus driver
1. Meet the basic criteria
Before committing to becoming a professional minibus driver, it’s important to check that you meet the basic requirements.
In order to be eligible to drive a minibus, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Hold a Category B UK driving licence.
- Be deemed medically fit enough to drive a minibus.
2. Obtain a D1 driving licence
To drive a minibus for hire and reward, you’ll need either a D1 entitlement on your standard car licence or a full D1 licence. To obtain this, you must pass both theory and practical driving tests as you would for a standard car, as well as medical and eyesight assessments to ensure you’re fit to drive.
A category D1 licence will qualify you to drive vehicles with:
- A maximum of 16 passenger seats.
- A maximum length of 8 metres.
- A trailer up to 750kg.
3. Secure a valid operator’s licence
If you plan to drive a minibus for profit, you will need to apply for a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operator’s licence.
A PSV licence is legally required to operate any vehicle that can carry 9 or more passengers for hire and reward. You can apply online via the government website, and decisions are typically issued within 7 weeks.
What about non-profit organisations?
Non-profit organisations – such as schools, charities, and community groups – may not need a full PSV operator’s licence to operate a minibus if they hold a Section 19 permit. This permit allows organisations charge for not-for-profit transport services without the need for a PSV licence.
To drive a minibus for not-for-profit purposes under a Section 19 permit, you must have a D1 (101) entitlement on your driving licence.
4. Complete the necessary training
To drive a minibus professionally for hire and reward, you will need to complete 35 hours of Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training to ensure that you meet the legal requirements for commercial driving.
Once you’ve been issued a Driver Qualification Card, you must carry it with you whenever you’re driving at work. To keep your CPC valid, you will need to undertake periodic training every 5 years.
5. Get minibus insurance
Once you have all the necessary qualifications, the next essential step is securing minibus insurance for your vehicle.
If you’re driving for a company, they may provide a minibus that’s already insured. However, if you’re self-employed, you’ll need to arrange your own cover.
Minibus insurance is specifically designed to cover vehicles with 9-16 passenger seats, or vehicles of the same size that have been adapted for special purposes, such as wheelchair access or additional storage.
We can provide competitive quotes for minibus policies with drivers aged between 21 and 75, whether it’s for a single vehicle or for a company operating a minibus fleet.
We can arrange cover for a range of companies and organisations, including:
- Private Hire (Hire and Reward), including travel and tour providers.
- Education, including schools, colleges and universities.
- Sports, social clubs, and community transport.
- Residential homes, nurseries and childminders.
- Employee transportation.
Final thoughts
If you’re looking to start your career as a minibus driver, follow these initial steps to help you get started. With the right qualifications and minibus insurance in place, you’ll be on the right path to hitting the road with confidence and setting yourself up for a rewarding career.
Looking for a minibus insurance quote? Start by filling out our quote form or giving our team a call on 0333 015 6886.
