Section 19 & Section 22 Minibus Guide for Schools and Educational Institutions

Key Points

Practical Guidance

• Section 19 vs Section 22 permits (when each applies)

• Recommended driver training (MiDAS and best practice)

• 'Hire or reward' and not for profit essentials

• Vehicle Specifications and common manufacturer platforms

• Driver licensing, medical and age requirements

• Funding Options and what tends to suit school

• 4.25t allowance for accessible vehicles (where applicable)

• Risk controls: mileage, damage, maintenance and safeguarding

Key Points

Practical Guidance

• For transport provided by a not for profit body (eg. a school)

• Use for school activity: trips, clubs, fixtures and education use

• Typically for pupils, staff and people the organisation serves

• Keep records: journeys, passengers, purpose and cost recovery

• Permit should be displayed in the vehicle

• Check insurance wording for minibus use and volunteer drivers

• Drivers must still meet licensing and medical requirements

• If any element looks commercial, specialist advice.

Key Points

Practical Guidance

• Designed for community bus services

• More relevant where a school partners in a community service

• Must be run without a view to profit

• Route, timetable and service obligations may apply

• Can be open to the public (local bus service)

• Confirm eligibility and exemptions before operating

• Different operational expectations vs Section 19

• Seek advice if charging fares/public access is involved

Key Points

Practical Guidance

• Standard threshold often referenced: 3.5 tonnes (GVW)

• Plan early if you need wheelchair access or lifts

• Allowance up to 4.25 tonnes for certain accessible vehicles

• Confirm GVW on the vehicle plate and with the converter

• Linked to specialist equipment for disabled passengers. Driver eligibility conditions still apply

• Document why the vehicle requires the extra weight

• Wheelchair options include ramps, onboard lift and underfloor lifts

• Match vehicle choice to driver entitlements and training

Key Points

Practical Guidance

• Typical limit: up to 16 passenger seats plus the driver

• Create a driver checklist: licence, age, experience, training

• Rules differ depending on 'hire or reward'

• Set an internal policy: who can drive, when and for what trips

• Drivers must meet medical standards for their licence

• Use driver declarations for eyesight/medical charges

• If conditions are not met D1 entitlement may be required if the vehicle is not wheelchair accessible, or is deemed as for 'hire or reward'

• Confirm insurer requirements for minibus driving and training

• Tachograph may also be required if deemed as for 'hire or reward

Key Points

Practical Guidance

• Recognised assessment + training framework

• Induction: vehicle familiarisation, checks, route planning

• Supports safer driving, passenger care and compliance

• Practical: manoeuvring, reversing policy, passenger management

• Refresher training helps maintain standards

• Operational: safeguarding, incident reporting, fatigue controls

• Consider wheelchair passenger modules if applicable

• Maintenance: daily walkaround checks and defect reporting

Key Points

Practical Guidance

• Ford Transit-based minibuses

• Decide seat count and luggage needs

• Mercedes‑Benz Sprinter-based minibuses

• Consider wheelchair access and impact on weight

• Volkswagen Crafter-based minibuses

• Prioritise safety: ESC, camera, sensors, speed limiters

• Renault Master / Boxer / Relay / Ducato conversions

• Plan for maintenance access and local dealer coverage

• Iveco Daily-based options (where suitable)

Key Points

Practical Guidance

• Peugeot Boxer L4 H2 FWD for 16-17 seat derivative (WAV) (L3 H2 for 14-15 seat as 3.5t non-WAV option)

• Decide seat count and luggage needs

• Renault Master LWB HR for 14-15 seat derivative (WAV)

• Consider wheelchair access and impact on weight

• Vauxhall Movano L4 H2 FWD for 16-17 seat derivative (WAV) ) (L3 H2 for 14-15 seat as 3.5t non-WAV option)

• Prioritise safety: ESC, camera, sensors, speed limiters

• Citroen Relay L4 H2 FWD for 16-17 seat derivative (WAV) ) (L3 H2 for 14-15 seat as 3.5t non-WAV option)

• Plan for maintenance access and local dealer coverage

• Fiat Ducato L4 H2 FWD 16-17 seat derivative (WAV) (L3 H2 for 14-15 seat as 3.5t non-WAV option)

• Ensure usage qualifies for Section 19 if eligible vehicle is purchased

• Maxus Deliver 9 Long High for 14-15 seat derivative (WAV)

• If selecting a minibus Lite option (3.5t variant), ensure the students/ passengers carried do not exceed the maximum permissible passenger weight allowed

Key Points

Practical Guidance

• Factory build Ford Transit-based minibuses

• Decide seat count and luggage needs

• Mercedes‑Benz Sprinter-based minibuses

• Consider wheelchair access options

• Volkswagen Crafter-based minibuses

• Drivers will be required to have D1 license

• Renault Master-based conversions

• Vehicles will be subject to weekly inspections

• Factory build Iveco Daily-based

• If any element of hire or reward, a tachograph may be required

• MAN TGE- based minibuses

• Prioritise safety: ESC, camera, sensors, speed limiters

• Various options across all of the above in 12-18 seat configurations

• Plan for maintenance access and local dealer coverage

Key Points

Practical Guidance

• High damage / unpredictable use → ownership often preferred

• Agree a lifecycle policy (e.g., 3–5 years) as a school/ academy

• Known mileage / controlled condition → leasing often ideal

• Define who bears end-of-term condition risk

• Need fixed monthly costs → contract-style options + maintenance

• Budget for tyres, brakes and bodywork (school use is demanding)

• Accessibility conversions can affect residual values and lender appetite

• Check VAT position and accounting treatment with your adviser

• Budgeting for VAT (if required) will mean that annual investment allowance usage could prove attractive (Hire Purchase and outright purchase options)

• Plan for renewals well in advance to ensure lead times for vehicles (Minibuses often have longer lead times due to conversions)

Key Points

Practical Guidance

• Contract Hire: fixed monthly cost; best where mileage/condition is controlled

• Heavier wear (fixtures, rural routes): consider ownership routes

• Finance Lease: flexible; works well with predictable lifecycle planning

• Cost certainty + controlled use: contract hire + maintenance

• Cash: simplest ownership but ties up capital

• Future adaptation likely: finance lease / flexible structures

• Align with insurer and internal driver policy