Can you legally drive your mini bus?

Driving licence held before 1 January 1997

If you had entitlement to drive cars before 1 January 1997 you can drive a minibus provided it has a maximum of 17 seats including the driver's seat and is not being used for hire or reward. Your minibus entitlement will remain valid in the United Kingdom until your licence is next renewed. Licences dated post 1997 limit drivers to vehicles with a maximum of 8 passengers.

New legislation will require most minibuses, irrespective of age, to have a one off seat belt installation test, as from August 1, 1998 - where seat belts are fitted to the rear of the driver's seat.  Some minibuses will fail this new test, unless modifications are carried out.