Island plan to ease minibus licence restrictions

People driving a minibus for charities will no longer need to take a theory and practical test to upgrade their car licence

Drivers in Guernsey will no longer need a special licence to drive small minibuses for non-profit organisations, if a proposal by the States is approved.

Environment and Infrastructure (E&I) proposed the changes so that drivers with standard licences could drive minibuses with nine to 16 passenger seats for charities, community groups and other not-for-profit organisations.

Currently, minibus drivers need a D1 driving license - and have to pass both a minibus-specific theory and practical test to get one.

E&I vice president Adrian Gabriel, who proposed the change, said many vulnerable people had "no other means of transportation" so the proposal would allow charities' "important work to continue uninhibited".

Drivers would still need to apply to have their existing category B car licence upgraded to a D1 licence so E&I could monitor demand, but would no longer need to take additional tests, the States said.

The proposal also includes a weight restriction on vehicles.

Wayne Bulpitt, chairman of the Association of Guernsey Charities, said the proposals highlighted "the benefits of collaboration between government and charities for the benefit of our community."