Minibus Lease, Finance, or Purchase
Capital Fleet Solutions is a minibus leasing specialist, supplying both the vehicles and finance products. We supply schools, colleges, academies, universities and the general community with advice and cost-effective leasing solutions.
Why Use Capital Fleet Solutions?
- We offer guidance on driver training and supply your minibus. We also provide finance options, maintenance, servicing, and repairs.
- One point of contact for all your needs now and in the future.
- CFS has extensive and specialist knowledge of minibus legislation and are FCA regulated.
- We focus on finding the most cost-effective leasing solution for you. This covers both the monthly payments and the actual running costs of the minibus.
- Our minibuses are sourced direct from manufacturers Ford, Renault, Mercedes & Citroen.
Our specialist team will help you make the right decision based on your specific requirements.
If You Passed Your Test Before 1 January 1997
You can drive a minibus with a Category B licence if it has up to 9 seats and weighs no more than 3.5 tonnes. You can also drive a D1 minibus with up to 17 seats that weighs over 3.5 tonnes.
Your Category B licence usually includes a D1 (101) entitlement. This lets you drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats, as long as it’s not for hire or reward. The combined weight of the vehicle and trailer can’t exceed 12,000 kg.
To determine the minibus size you can drive, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Check your photocard licence or enter your details on the DVLA website to confirm your licence includes a category D1 (101) entitlement
- Your D1 (101) entitlement expires when you are 70 years old, or can be withdrawn (usually for medical reasons) by the DVLA (DVA in Northern Ireland) at any time
- If your category B licence has a D1 + E (101) entitlement, you can tow a trailer weighing over 750kg.
If You Passed Your Test On Or After 1 January 1997
You can drive a minibus with a category B licence. You may also drive a Lightweight Minibus carrying up to 16 passengers if it’s not for hire or reward, as long as you meet all these criteria:
- You’ve held your car licence - also known as non-D1, category B, or a standard driving licence - for at least 2 years
- The minibus is being used voluntarily for social purposes by a non-commercial body e.g. State Schools, Scouts, charities and sports clubs
- The minibus and everything inside it (GVW or MAM) must not weigh more than 3.5 tonnes. If it has specialist equipment for disabled passengers, like wheelchair lifts or ramps, the limit rises to 4.25 tonnes
- You do not tow a trailer of any size or weight
- If you are over 70 years-old, you will be required to undertake a medical examination. This is to ensure you meet 'Group 2' medical standards