B1 License Minibuses
B1 or non-D1 minibuses can be driven on a standard car licence under a Section 19 Permit and other conditions. A perfect option for those younger drivers.
B1 and non-D1 minibuses. What are they and who can drive them?
B1 minibuses can be driven by people holding the standard B1 car licence, who do not have D1 entitlement, so they are known as both B1 minibuses and non-D1 minibuses.
These vehicles are particularly popular with schools and organisations that hold Section 19 Permits and have younger drivers.
Driving non-D1 minibuses under a Section 19 Permit
If your school or organisation operates under a Section 19 Permit, then drivers with a standard car licence can drive a minibus with up to 16 passengers under certain conditions, which include:
- The minibus has a GVW (gross vehicle weight) of 3.5 tonnes or under. 4.25 tonnes with specialist equipment for wheelchair access
- Drivers are over 21 years old
- Drivers have held their licence for more than two years
- They cannot drive the minibus abroad ot tow a trailer
- They can not be paid to drive
There is also a medical requirement for drivers over 70. More information on these conditions can be found here under Driver Entitlement Requirements.
8-9 seat minibuses are technically cars, so can be driven on a B1 standard car licence. They do not fall under the conditions of a Section 19 Permit.
Your B1 minibus options from Rivervale
8-9 seat minibuses
Our range of 8-9 seat minibuses offers the perfect blend of space and drivability. These vehicles are increasingly popular for drivers who don’t want to drive large vehicles but prefer a more car-like driving experience.
Perfect for organisations that are regularly transporting smaller numbers of passengers and want the versatility of a minibus that is not far off being the size of a car.
They still provide ample room for passengers and luggage, but there are no concerns about height restrictions for parking and access.
12-seat B1 minibuses
If you prefer to drive a smaller minibus that can carry up to 12 people (11 passengers plus driver) you have the option of the 12-seat diesel Ford Minibus or larger electric minibuses such as the Ford 15-seat eTransit, as the regulations on zero-emission vehicles changed on the 10th June 2025.
17-seat B1 minibuses
There are B1 diesel minibuses known as ‘lightweight’ minibuses because they are converted panel vans and come with a wheelchair ramp, which changes the weight allowance for B1 drivers to 4.25 tonnes. This additional weight is only for specialist equipment, so you can not remove it, and you might be asked by the DVSA to prove you need it.
The Peugeot Boxer or Citroen Relay are the two lightweight B1 or non-D1 minibuses Rivervale has on offer.
