Minibus definition: what is a minibus?

What exactly is a minibus? Strictly speaking, there’s no one definition, but this guide will walk you through the various options.

What exactly is the definition of a minibus? Well, that’s a good question and the strange thing is that there’s no one, definite, conclusive answer. A minibus is a bit like gold bullion – you know it when you see it – and there are overlapping Venn diagrams of MPVs, vans with seats, and even some SUVs that cloud the argument slightly.

On this page, we’ll walk you through the confusing world of the minibus and hopefully by the end, we’ll have come to an actual conclusion.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

What is a minibus?

OK, to begin there is at least one solid minibus definition, and it comes from the Cambridge English Dictionary, which states that a minibus is: “A small bus in which there are seats for about ten people.”

However, even that doesn’t quite cover it, and it’s a fairly vague definition anyway. If you consult the Oxford English Dictionary, you’ll discover that the word minibus was first in use as far back as 1840, so clearly the term predates the invention of the modern car. Or even the invention of the modern Ford Transit.

The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, who must be obeyed when it comes to vehicle definitions in the UK) doesn’t actually have any better definition for minibus, only that it’s generally accepted that a minibus is a vehicle with seats for as few as seven people, and possibly as many as 16, but which is neither an MPV nor a full-on bus. Confused? Yep, us too…

Key features of minibuses

So, we need to look at what the key features of a minibus might be so that we can tighten up this definition a little. Those key features are…

Passenger capacity

Capacity is probably a more useful metric here than just the number of seats. After all, you can buy a Vauxhall Vivaro Life with seats for nine, which is based on a van body, but which is very definitely a car and taxed as such. So while a minibus might, for reasons of comfort or even a touch of luxury, have only seven seats, it will probably have a body that’s big, tall, and boxy enough to fit at least twice that many people in. That relates to…

Size

Again, there’s no strict legal nor tax definition here, although we have some limits. For a start, a minibus is generally a vehicle that can be driven on a standard category B driver’s licence as long as it doesn’t exceed a 3,500kg gross vehicle weight. Equally, anything that has space for more than 16 passengers is definitely not a minibus, and is classed as a coach, and you need a special PCV D licence to drive one, whether you’re charging money or not.

So, the definition starts to emerge – staying within those two boundaries means that a minibus is going to be based on a mid-sized delivery van (such as a Ford Transit or a VW Transporter) and possibly have a specialist body fitted too, so as to squeeze more seats in than usual.

Equally there’s some room for confusion here. For instance, the seating capacity of vans-with-seats such as the Vauxhall Vivaro Life includes the driver, but the definition of minibus doesn’t. So a van-based MPV with nine seats is actually a driver and eight passengers. That means these cars almost certainly don’t qualify as a minibus.

Purpose

This is probably the most important part of working out what a minibus is or isn’t, and refers back to the whole idea of ‘you know it when you see it.’ A minibus will generally be obviously designed and built for the purpose of carrying the maximum number of people around, as opposed to a big MPV, which might have plenty of seats, but which is more obviously intended for family or business use.

What’s the difference between a minibus and an MPV?

This brings us to defining the difference between a minibus and an MPV, and that difference is in how the two different vehicles are used. An MPV can, in some circumstances, have as many seats as a minibus, but it will be clearly designed as a car, or at least a van-based car, with creature comforts, individual seats, three point seatbelts and so on. A minibus, even a fairly luxurious one, is likely to be more clearly a working vehicle, one that prioritises fitting in more seats than making sure those seats are comfortable. It may only have lap belts for some seats, and it almost certainly won’t have safety systems such as curtain airbags for those sat in the rear, which an MPV would have.

There are also minimum legal requirements for a minibus, such as the fitting of a fire extinguisher in the cabin, and a minibus operator must fit a tacograph – a digital device that records their driving time so that they don’t exceed maximum safe operating hours.

What are the speed limits for minibuses?

Minibuses are speed-limited to a maximum of 62mph since January 2008 (for vehicles registered since April 2001). MPVs aren’t speed-limited (although you still have to obey speed limits, of course).

Minibus definition FAQs

What category is a minibus?

A minibus is a vehicle with seats for between seven and 16 passengers (plus a driver) which is speed-limited to 62mph.

Can a minibus drive in a bus lane?

Generally speaking yes, a minibus can use a bus lane, but there are some restrictions in some council areas where certain bus lanes are reserved for specific local bus services.

What licence do I need to drive a minibus?

You can drive a minibus on a standard car licence as long as it doesn’t exceed 3,500kg gross vehicle weight, but if it’s heavier, or if paying passengers are involved, then you’ll need a special Class D licence.

Do minibuses have ISOFIX?

No, minibuses won’t usually have ISOFIX anchors, although they will generally have seatbelts so you can fit a child safety seat that way.

Is minibus insurance expensive?

Yes, minibus insurance will be considerably more expensive than standard car or van insurance, not least because it has to include public liability cover for your passengers.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

Click here to follow us on WhatsApp, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.