Mainstream is the only provider in our locality to operate its own DSA driving test centre, giving you the unique advantage of hitting the road in the test locality at the start of each training day, whereas other providers usually need to test out of area. We believe that this, coupled with our modern fleet of automatic vehicles, gives you a better chance of passing first time!
The law relating to the driving of mini-buses is complicated; please see www.gov.uk/driving-a-minibus for a comprehensive explanation.
If you passed your test before 1st January 1997, you already hold the Category D1 entitlement but with the 101 restriction of ‘not for hire or reward’, so if you would like to have the 101 restriction removed so that you can earn money driving a minibus, then you will need to take a category D1 driving test.
‘Hire or reward’ includes any payment in cash or kind or on behalf of passengers, which gives them a right to be carried. If you passed your test after 1st January 1997 you do not have the Category D1 entitlement on your licence.
So you can only drive a small mini-bus if: you drive for a non-commercial body but not for hire or reward; you are over 21; you have held a full car licence for more than 2 years; are providing your service on a voluntary basis; and the minibus is under 3.5 tonnes and less than nine seats.