Section 19 permits

01 November 2022

Are you aware that, subject to certain conditions being met, it is possible to drive a 17-seat minibus with accessibility on a normal car licence if you are transporting passengers on a not-for-profit basis?

What is a Section 19 permit?

Section 19 refers to a section of the Road Traffic Act which sets out the rules for carrying passengers for profit. These rules where applicable may also have a requirement for additional driver training to be completed.

If your organisation is providing minibus transportation on a “not-for-profit” basis, then you may be able to apply for a Section 19 permit which exempts your organisation from some of the rules. Examples of not-for-profit services could include transporting children to and from activities, to special educational needs schools or taking patients to hospital appointments.

It is generally understood that to qualify for the Section 19 permit exemptions the following requirements would need to be met:

• The driver must have held a full B (car) licence for at least two years.
• The driver is aged 21 or over.
• The driver is aged under 70 (unless the driver has passed a PCV Medical).
• The driver receives no payment or other consideration for driving the vehicle other than out-of-pocket expenses (such as fuel costs).
• The vehicle weighs no more than 3500kg (maximum authorised mass) or 4250kg if the vehicle has equipment to allow easier accessibility such as a passenger lift to allow the carriage of disabled passengers.
• Trailers of any weight are not allowed.
• The conditions that tend to cause most misunderstanding within organisations relates generally to the vehicle weight restrictions and what is meant by “expenses”.

Section 19 permits are issued by local authorities, most of which have very clear internal guidelines relating to this subject and it is important that you check the rules and guidelines from your own governing authority as they often differ from area to area.

You can find out more about Section 19 permits and not for profit passenger transport from the government website.

Marshall Minibus always advises that it is important to check your driving licence and your local authority rules and regulations prior to allowing someone to drive a minibus.

If you would like to speak with our friendly team of minibus experts, please get in touch using the button below.

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