Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs – Minibus Driving and Permits
Who can drive a minibus?
If you are not paid to drive, you might be able to drive a minibus with your regular car licence. For example, if you are a 21-year-old teacher who passed your car test at 19 and want to take students to a match (which isn’t part of your paid job), you can drive a minibus up to 3.5 tonnes with your car licence.
Do I need a permit for the minibus?
It can be tricky to know what permits are needed. We can help guide you, but here is some key information:
Section 19 permits – for schools and similar groups
Section 22 permits – for community buses
These permits come under the Transport Act 1985.
How many permits do I need?
One permit can be used on different vehicles, but only one vehicle at a time.
An organization can have multiple permits and hold both section 19 and section 22 permits.
However, a vehicle can only use one permit type at a time.
The correct permit disc must be displayed on the vehicle during use.
FAQs – General questions
How much notice is needed to train someone?
This may vary depending on the time of year. One important consideration is that there must be enough time between booking a course and attending the practical training for the individual to complete the online training. The online training takes approximately 90 minutes, so while it is not a large commitment, it is common practice to provide sufficient notice to allow the person to fit this into their potentially busy schedule.
Why should you trust me to train your drivers?
I bring extensive experience in delivering MiDAS minibus training specifically tailored to non-profit organisations such as schools and colleges. My focus is on safe, legal, and smooth driving practices that prioritise passenger welfare and road safety. I am committed to fostering a positive attitude among drivers, ensuring a professional and pleasant environment for everyone on board and other road users. This dedication, combined with thorough knowledge of current regulations and best practices, makes me a reliable choice for training your drivers effectively.