Can I drive...?
 

I'm DJ'ing at a night in Manchester later this month with a mate and we were looking into doing a "fun bus". Now I passed my test in 2006 so understand I can drive upto 3.5t on a B-B1 license (standard UK drivers license - I'm 28).

Looking on a couple of websites for a private hire where I am the designated driver. I think but I'm not sure I can drive upto a 9 seater on my license (licence?) which is one driver and a maximum of 8 passengers. But then it says I can't drive a minibus which I thought a 9 seater was classified as?

I did a quick quote through these guys http://www.ukvanandminibushire.co.uk/ but I'm not sure if I can drive one of their 9 seater Torneo Ford minibuses?

Tried calling to ask but no answer. Is there a definitive yes/no on what I can drive, or does it depend on what it's classified as by different companies? :lol1:

Thanks.

Not sure if the rules have changed but I can drive a 15 seater minibus on my car licence but then again I am an old fart who has had one for a while.

LOL, the law changed I think for those that obtained their license after July? 1997. something like that, it went from 7.5-3.5 tonnes with a maximum passenger load.

I did find this:

What vehicles can I drive on my Licence?
Category B
Cars, 4x4s, MPV's and Light Commercial Vehicles upto and including the maximum weight of 3.5tonne, and no more than 8 passenger seats.
Category C1
Commercial vehicles upto, and including the maximum weight of 7.5tonne. A Operators Licence is required for business use.
Category D1
Minibuses no more than 16 passenger seats.
Category E
Permits towing, and will be added to another category, for example B+E, C1+E or D1+E.

Countered by this off the direct.gov website:

You obtained your driving licence after 1 January 1997

You can drive a minibus within the UK as long as the following conditions apply:

you’re 21 or older
the minibus is used for social purposes by a non-commercial body
you’ve had your driving licence for at least 2 years
you’re driving on a voluntary basis and the minibus is used for social purposes by a non-commercial body
the maximum weight of the minibus is not more than 3.5 tonnes (or 4.25 tonnes including specialist equipment for disabled passengers, eg a wheelchair ramp)
you’re not towing a trailer


Now I assume that the above is with reference to me owning and using the minibus for ££, not me being a designated driver for one night/morning.

Licence/License is a UK/US thing I think.
You gonna record your gig and post it up mate?
Dunno about the bus stuff - looks OK to me, but then again, I am not a road traffic officer.
And remember, in the music business, the thing is to have a good time, all of the time.;)

If it comes off (the scene is plagued by shît DJs that can shift tickets as opposed to good DJs who maybe can't network them enough) I'll get a set list and rerecord.

Playing a b2b set with a shît hot producer from the Grimsby area.

The DVLA is clear as mud isn't it.

You passed in 2006, then you can driver upto a 7.5T wagon.

I didn't pass my test until 2008, so can only drive up to 3.5, for now. :eek: To be fair to me though, I didn't start learning to drive until 2008. I didn't need to drive, so never bothered when I was younger.

I'd hazard a guess that you'd be ok to drive the "fun bus", but, would check with Swansea or a local DVLA office.

I can drive upto 3.5 on my license, 7.5 if I passed before 1997.

You've had your Scoob 7 years but only passed 5? That must've been frustrating!!!

As long as you're not charging the passengers and no more than 16 seats and it doesn't weigh more than 3.5 tonnes you'll be ok.

Holders of a full category B (car) driving licence may drive any of the vehicles listed below:

* a passenger carrying vehicle manufactured more than 30 years before the date when it is driven and not used for hire or reward or for the carriage of more than 8 passengers
* a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats provided the following conditions are met:

i. the vehicle is used for social purposes by a non-commercial body but not for hire or reward
ii. the driver is aged 21 iii. the driver has held a car (category B) licence for at least 2 years
iv. the driver is providing the service on a voluntary basis
v. the minibus maximum weight is not more than 3.5 tonnes or 4.25 tonnes including any specialist equipment for the carriage of disabled passengers

Well the minibus cost will be split between everyone unless mates make a specific 'donation' and I pass on said 'donations' to the hire company?

It would be cheaper than having a driver for us.

You'll be ok with that Andy :thumb:

Theres no limit to the weight of vehicle that I can drive, but I still dont really understand what trailers I can tow behind B & C1 groups...

This doesnt help me, but it will porbably help you.

https://www.gov.uk/vehicles-you-can-drive

Cheers Simon :)

Be careful of what constitutes 'hire and reward'. People paying for fuel can be construed as this, particularly where it suits.

Its odd that I can drive a 32 tonne monster on the road, but I can only add a 750kg trailer, but when driving a 3.5tonne van I can add a 3.5tonne trailer to it!

I suppose that if Id had an HGV licence in 1996 then theyd have given me a C&E entitlement with a (108, I think) endorsement (for wagon & drag).

:lol: I can't even read properly it seems, I passed my test in 1998. 2008 is when I last updated the photo on it, should have looked at the back of the photocard.

I was wondering how you got to 2006 NBO but kept quiet... :D

I was beginning to wonder how I started driving for City Link in 2002. :lol1:

:lol:

From the title to your thread....... yes, but very, very slowly. :D

As opposed to driving under duress? :Suspiciou

;)

Contact the DVLA and discuss your OCD pedant-itis with them :p

I assume (and you probably really know) it means commercially.


Anywho Ready-rent-a-car do an 8 seater for £90 a weekend. Seems good as long as no hidden charges or excess mile charges?

I shall away to pen a snotty email immediately. :D

Your actual problem is whether the rental company restrict hire to cat D/D1 licence holders, like what I is.....

dunx

P.S. I've never seen you drive, so my opinion on whether or not you can drive one isn't relevant....