Taxi Driver Online

I have been told by the dvla that anyone can drive a 8 seat minibus for hire of reward on a standard (pre 1997) car licence. I have tried to obtain insurance for this but my ins company tell me the bus has to be plated and the driver have a badge. Why are there so many buses in my area that are advertising airports/clubs and using unplated buses and unbadged drivers.How do they get their insurance, can anyone tell me plaese.Some are large reputable companies so i would not think that they are running illegal.My help appreciated.

FIRST OF ALL dvla are wrong to a point, regs mean you need a hackney or private hire plate.

if you have a bus fleet you may have some, on your opperators license.

Geoff

It all depends on the work you service.

If it is contracted work, in excess of 24 hours, then you may be exempt. But if it's normal taxi/PH work, then you must be licensed.

The crazy thing is that un-licensed vehicles are allowed for some type of school contract work. Thus you have rusty old bangers taking home those most in need.

But if it saves a few quid for the council, then who cares?

Guest,you have hit it right on the head,us idiots spending thousands on our vehicles,private hire or hackney,strict police tests etc,and some of these heaps of small mini busses ect,getting away with murder.
Some of these busses are over 15 yearsold.
Crazy system.

Cleppie Colin

it isnt the age of the vehicle that matters but the condition.
something councils cannot get through thier thick heads.