How To Set Up A Minibus Hire Business

When I was looking to start my Manchester Minibus business I found it really difficult to find information on how to start aminibus hire service.  

One of the most important areas to consider when looking to start a minibus hire service is what licences are required.

There are 2 different types of minibuses one is with 8 or less passenger’s seats (usually governed by your local council as a taxi) and the other is anything with more than 8 passenger seats.

The most popular minibus is the 16 seat vehicle classed as a PSV (Public Service Vehicle or PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle).

First of all do not forget, no matter how long you have owned your car licence you will have to pass a separate driving test to drive these vehicles.  

To drive a 16 seat minibus for ‘hire or reward’ you will need to pass a category D1 test.

You will also have to complete your Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) which involves 35 hours of training. This has to be done every 5 years.

You will also have to undergo a full medical examination.

Once you have obtained the correct minibus driving licences you will have to apply to VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) for an Operators Licence.

There are 2 types of Operators Licence. If you are looking to operate your business on a part-time basis you can apply for a restricted licence and if you are to run a full-time service you will need a Standard Licence.

Once you have successfully got an operator’s licence your next thing to remember is your vehicle/s must have a Certificate Of Initial Fitness (COIF) and a tachograph fitted.

It goes without saying that you have to have relevant up to date insurance. Also a 15 minute walk round vehicle check is required at the start  of every working day as safety has to be your number one priority.

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You can then start to find your customers and that is another topic all on its own.

Due to the amount of competition amongst Minibus Hire companies you will have to spend some time researching your marketplace and deciding upon your pricing system. Running a minibus hire service is very demanding but it can also be very rewarding if you plan your business right from the start..