Many community organisations, schools, charities, and sports clubs need to transport groups of people in a minibus — but not all of their drivers hold a full D1 licence. The Section 19 permit is a legal mechanism that allows certain non-commercial organisations to operate minibuses without requiring their drivers to hold a full PCV licence. This guide explains who qualifies, what the rules are, and when a D1 licence is still required.
What Is a Section 19 Permit?
A Section 19 permit is issued under Section 19 of the Transport Act 1985. It allows certain non-commercial organisations to carry passengers in a minibus without the driver needing a full Category D1 (or D) licence, provided specific conditions are met.
Section 19 permits are issued by the relevant issuing bodies (such as local authorities, national governing bodies of sport, or the Community Transport Association) and are specific to the organisation.
Who Can Get a Section 19 Permit?
Section 19 permits are available to non-commercial bodies whose main purpose is not the carriage of passengers. Eligible organisations typically include:
- Schools and educational establishments
- Registered charities
- Sports clubs and associations
- Community groups and voluntary organisations
- Religious organisations
- Youth groups (e.g. Scouts, Guides)
Commercial operators and organisations that carry passengers for profit are not eligible for Section 19 permits.
What Are the Conditions for a Section 19 Permit?
To operate under a Section 19 permit, the following conditions must be met:
- The vehicle must have 9 to 16 passenger seats (not including the driver)
- The driver must hold a full Category B (car) driving licence
- The driver must be at least 21 years old
- The driver must have held their Category B licence for at least 2 years
- Passengers must be members of the organisation, or travelling to/from an activity organised by the organisation
- The journey must not be for hire or reward — passengers cannot be charged for the journey beyond the actual costs of the trip
- The organisation must not make a profit from the transport
What Is the Difference Between Section 19 and Section 22 Permits?
Section 22 permits (also known as "community bus permits") allow organisations to carry members of the general public, not just their own members. Section 22 permits have stricter requirements and are less commonly used. Section 19 permits are more widely available and cover the majority of community transport needs.
When Is a Full D1 Licence Still Required?
A Section 19 permit does not cover all minibus driving situations. A full D1 licence is required when:
- The driver is paid to drive the minibus (even if the journey itself is free)
- The organisation is commercial or profit-making
- The vehicle has more than 16 passenger seats
- The driver is under 21 or has held their car licence for less than 2 years
- The journey involves hire or reward
How to Apply for a Section 19 Permit
Applications for Section 19 permits are made to the relevant issuing body for your type of organisation. For example:
- Schools and local authority bodies: Apply to your local authority
- Charities and voluntary organisations: Apply to the Community Transport Association (CTA) or another approved issuing body
- Sports clubs: Apply to the relevant national governing body
The permit is issued to the organisation, not to individual drivers. The organisation is responsible for ensuring all drivers meet the eligibility requirements.
D1 Training for Organisations That Need More Flexibility
If your organisation's drivers do not meet the Section 19 conditions, or if you need drivers who can be paid for driving, the solution is for those drivers to obtain a full D1 licence. GS Driver Training offers D1 minibus training in Surrey. Call us on 01252 447808 to discuss your organisation's needs.
