What do I require to use the Mersey Weaver Minibuses?

UK Driving Licence requirements for minibuses

Under certain circumstances, drivers without a full category D1 entitlement may drive a minibus within the UK provided that it is not being used for hire or reward (ie provided there’s no payment from or on behalf of the passengers).

Those who passed their driving test before 1 January 1997 automatically received category D1(101) (not for hire or reward) entitlement. So adult volunteers with such a licence can drive a minibus carrying up to 16 passengers with no maximum weight limit.

Those who passed a driving test on or after 1 January 1997 may drive a minibus with a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes, and not for hire and reward under certain conditions (see UK government advice here).

Non-profit-making organisations including Scout Groups may provide transport for their own members or for the local community on a hire and reward basis under a section 19 permit.

All drivers where transporting young people are required to have completed a MiDAS or equivalent driver's competency test.