For many years now, Worcestershire County Council has been involved in the important task of minibus driver assessments and training.  These tests are based on the Driving Standards Agency standard driving test and are conducted by our team of highly qualified driving instructors.

If a driver's performance is of a high, safe standard, they are awarded a permit which will last for 3 years.

Should a driver have little experience of driving a minibus, or fail to reach the required standard on an assessment, the driver is offered a training session.

If you would like to book an assessment or training, you must first complete a Medical Fitness to Drive Form.  To obtain a form, or for further information, please contact Diane Hall (01905 766825) or Karen Perks (01905 766827).

It is a requirement of Worcestershire County Council that all drivers wishing to drive a minibus have category D1 on their licence. Anyone passing their test after 1 January 1997 is unlikely to have this category, and must take a D1 (PCV) test.  

For further information regarding D1 (PCV) training and test, please click here

or you can contact Diane Hall (01905 766825) or Karen Perks (01905 766827).

Frequently Asked Questions

I would like to obtain a minibus permit. What do I have to do?

You must first complete and return a Medical Fitness to Drive form (obtainable from Diane Hall - 01905 766825 or Karen Perks - 01905 766827). You will then be contacted regarding making the arrangements for the test.

I hold a permit issued by a different authority. Do I still need to take an assessment with Worcestershire County Council?

Provided you obtained your permit within the last 3 years, we have a reciprocal agreement with many other authorities to honour your existing permit until the expiry date. You will, however, need to complete our forms and provide evidence of your existing permit.

Do I need to provide a vehicle?

We suggest that you provide a vehicle whenever possible and that it is roadworthy and with sufficient fuel to carry out the assessment. However,we are able to provide certain vehicles when requested, but there will be a charge.

I hold a permit for a car. Am I covered to drive a minibus?

No. We always suggest that you take the assessment using the LARGEST vehicle that you are likely to drive as that will cover you for any smaller vehicle. Therefore, if you now want to drive a minibus, you must be assessed driving a minibus.

I hold a minibus permit. Can I tow a trailer?

You are not covered by insurance if you undertook a 45 minute assessment and now wish to tow a trailer. A trailer assessment will last 1 hour.

I cannot find my driving licence. Can I still take an assessment?

You should always show your complete driving licence (ie both photo-card permit and paper documentation if the new style licence is held) at the start of the assessment. However, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to telephone DVLA provided we are aware of the situation beforehand.

I passed my car-driving test after 1st January 1997. Can I drive a minibus?

Anyone passing their test after 1996 will not have category D1 on their driving licence and therefore not allowed to drive a Worcestershire County Council minibus.

Click here to obtain further information regarding D1 (PCV) training and test.