Voluntary Minibus Licence

Mini Bus Permits for voluntary and non-profit making organisations are issued by the Vehicle and Operators Services Agency (VOSA). Some voluntary operators of minibuses and, in a few cases, larger buses, are free from PSV operator licensing if they use their vehicle under special permits. These permits let the holder carry fare-paying passengers in fairly restricted circumstances.

There are two permit schemes:

• minibus permits: these were brought in in 1977 and from 1987 onwards are granted under the terms of Section 19 of the Transport Act 1985

• community bus permits: issued under section 22 of the Transport Act 1985 replacing the community bus road service licences issued from 1978 to 1986.

For more information please see the VOSA's Guide to Passenger Transport provided by voluntary groups or its HGV/PSV Policy and Guidance. Alternatively call the VOSA on 0870 6060440.