Following the lead from the Department for Transport (DfT) in London, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) in Northern Ireland is consulting about minibuses permits and driving licences.
Under the Transport Act (NI) 1967 anyone who provides transport for hire or reward is required to hold an O-Licence. A section 10B permit provides an O-Licence exemption, where the service is provided for the community on a non-profit basis.
It is proposed to change 10B permit eligibility and to align the licensing system, with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 of the European Parliament (21 October 2009).
Says the DfI: “Although policy development in relation to the O-Licencing regime has been ongoing for a number of years, recent DVSA investigations into the activities of an English Section 19 permit holder highlighted the need for the DfI to clarify the obligations for all those seeking to provide passenger transport in Northern Ireland.”
In particular, the revised guidance will affect paid drivers who will no longer be able to drive a minibus on a D1 (101) licence and will require a full minibus driving licence and Driver CPC. Some ‘volunteers’ will also be affected as the guidance indicates that anyone who drives as a consequence of their employment should hold a full minibus licence and DCPC.
The consultations close on 17 November
Consultations at: www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultations-proposed-changes-section-10b-permits-and-guidance-minibus-driving
