Some individuals, especially those with a large family, want to use a minibus as a family car. Is this possible? Yes, but there are a number of legal requirements to be met and practicalities to consider.

The simple definition of a minibus is that it has between nine and 16 passenger seats. A vehicle with a greater seating capacity constitutes a coach while an MPV or a people carrier with seven or eight seats is not a minibus.

Who can drive a minibus? Normally, a driver whose licence was issued after 1st January 1997 needs a Category D1 classification to drive a minibus. However, the holder of a full Category B, or car licence may drive a minibus provided -

1. It is used as a family vehicle only and not commercially.
2. The driver is over 21 and has held a category B licence for more than two years.
3. A driver over 70 meets D1 classification health standards.
4. The minibus doesn't weigh over 3.5 tonnes, or over 4.25 tonnes if it has special equipment for disabled passengers.
5. The minibus isn't towing a trailer.
6. It is only driven in the UK.

There are some practical necessities for driving a minibus in the UK. For example, it obviously makes sense to carry a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit at all times. Equally, not using the vehicle's horn or reversing beepers between 11:30 pm and 7:00 am is a commonsense approach, as is using the vehicle's side lights when it's parked by the roadside at night. There are four UK speed limits for minibuses, the first being 30 mph in residential and urban areas. A 50 mph limit applies on single carriageway A roads; this rises to 60 mph on dual carriageway roads. The motorway speed limit for a minibus is 70 mph.

Minibus insurance is required by law in the UK, as it is for any vehicle. There are three levels of insurance, about which any good minibus insurance provider will advise you in detail. However, in simple terms, third-party insurance is the minimum legal requirement. This covers damage to third parties' property and their persons; some legal costs cover is included. Third party, fire and theft insurance, as its name implies, covers the above and loss or damage through fire or theft. Comprehensive insurance offers the highest level of cover. Damage to the vehicle, regardless of whether it was the policyholder's fault is covered, subject to the payment of an agreed excess value. Some policies offer new for old vehicle replacement, insurance against breakage of glass, replacement locks, medical expenses and the loss of personal effects. A specialised minibus insurance provider will be able to offer insurance cover that is tailored to your needs, at a competitive price.

What happens when you wish to take your extended family to Europe in your family minibus? Here is where matters become a little more complex though meeting the assorted requirements is by no means impossible. You may need a waybill or own account certificate, even if the vehicle isn't being used for hire or reward. In your minibus, you should keep a minibus insurance certificate, a European accident form and your Vehicle Registration Document. In Europe, you will also need to display a GB sticker or have EU style numberplates. You must also carry a warning triangle and a reflective jacket must be in the cab. A tachograph may also be required on international journeys that start in the UK; this is because drivers must comply with EU drivers' hours regulations.