EC changes for volunteer drivers
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• The threat of special driving tests for volunteer drivers of minibuses has receded with the news that a draft European Commission directive has been drawn up to allow car licence holders to drive minibuses up to 17 seats and under 3.5 tonnes gross weight.
Only those over 21 years old who have held a licence for two years will be allowed to drive minibuses for elderly, disabled and sick people, schools, churches or youth groups.
Community bus services not operating under these conditions and dial-a-rides are not covered. Also excluded are sports clubs, non-charitable organisations and groups of individuals. These groups will still be limited to minibuses of up to nine seats without a special licence.
A consultation document is being sent to interested parties. Comments should be sent to the Department of Transport, Driver and Vehicle Licencing Centre, POLD2, Room 1)9, Morriston, Swansea SA6 7JL by 15 September.