Driving without the correct class of vehicle on your licence means you are UNINSURED! Before 1997 drivers automatically obtained 'grandparent' rights and were automatically authorised to drive minibuses. However, that is no longer the case and after 1st January 1997 driver need to take a driving test IN A MINIUBS, ideally after taking 'L' Plate lessons with a driving instructor. This is a very specialist area of driving instruction and instructors can be difficult to find.

However, the UK were given certain exceptions to the rule and volunteer drivers are permitted to drive minibuses without D1 under certain circumstances. This generally applies to people driving in schools and for charities. See the flowchart below for full details.

Many vehicles LOOK LIKE MINIBUSES but aren't legally classed as minibuses. If that's the case then drivers DO NOT need D1 on their licence. M1 class relates to vehicles are not minibuses (they are large cars) and M2 class relates to minibuses. You can check here www.vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk

Click the image below to see full size flowchart about needing D1