Can You Drive a Minibus in a Bus Lane?

This question is asked of us daily.

You can drive a minibus in a bus lane depending on the signage displayed.

It doesn’t matter if that vehicle is operating under a Section 19 Permit or an operator’s licence. A bus is defined as being a vehicle with 9 passenger seats or more, a small bus is a vehicle carrying 9-16 passengers.

Minibuses can be driven in most bus lanes UNLESS the bus lane sign says ‘local’ which means that the bus lane is reserved for local services.

The sign may also indicate what other vehicles can use the bus lane such as motorcycles or licenced taxis.

If you want to learn more about operating a minibus, then Rivervale’s online Minibus Compliance Course is a great place to start. The course consists of four certified modules that cover licences, vehicle weights, safety inspections, daily checks and the on-the-road challenges of driving a minibus.

The course is relevant for those that drive the minibuses, as well as the non-driving staff who might be responsible for the administration of the vehicles.

Completion of the online Minibus Compliance Course will dramatically increase your driver safety levels and enable you to implement a comprehensive safety system.

For more information and to register your interest in face-to-face training please email: [email protected] or call: 01869 253 744