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Post by Jonathan Smith on Jan 23, 2005 11:27:35 GMT
In order to drive a motorhome based on a bus you will be required to sit a further driving test.
If you passed your car test after 1997 you will be able to drive a vehicle upto 3.5t.
If you wish to drive a larger vehicle you would be best advised to train for the category C licence which will allow you to drive any rigid vehicle over 3.5t.
I would advise against sitting the C1 test as this restricts you to 7.5t
In order to gain a category C licence you will need to have a medical, apply for a provisional licence, sit the theory and hazard perception tests and the practical driving test.
If you wish to drive a "bus" with seating for more than 8 passengers you should apply for a category D licence, again there is little point sitting the D1 licence as this would restrict the seating capacity to 16 seats.
TIP;
Obtain a medical and apply for both the C and D provisional licences at the same time.
If you train to drive an automatic bus to gain experience of driving large vehicles and then once you have passed that test train to drive a manual truck your automatic bus licence will be upgraded to manual.
So by sitting two practical tests you will obtain D1, D, C1, C manual entitlement.
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Post by jumbocruiser on Dec 10, 2005 22:14:22 GMT
Hi, I hold a full UK category B driving licence (passed after 1996), but Have a medical condition of which I must keep the DVLA informed. This currently means renewing my Licence every 3 years. Still, my licence is "full category B", as such I understand that I will be entitled to drive a bus (discretly converted to a camper) if it is over 30 years old. And also if it is a "special project vehicle" whatever that is! Is anyone aware of any other "loopholes" that will allow someone with a medical condition like mine to drive something over 3.5t? Regards JC jumbocruiser.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.ukPS. One day I hope to drive one of the Jumbocruisers that you can see at my site above. The first one is 30 years old this year so I guess that means anyone can drive it on a car licence. Unfortunately it's in Germany, but it is for sale! |
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Post by Jonathan Smith on Dec 11, 2005 13:56:34 GMT
lol
Under certain circumstances a B licence holder can drive a historic bus or coach, this applies to rallies and it must be a bus or coach.
If the vehicle has a change of use to motorhome then that no longer applies.
A mobile project vehicle based on articulated double decker coach would certainly fall under the classification of a category C vehicle.
Regardless of loop holes I am increasingly alarmed at some remarks being made on this site about driving vehicles without proper training.
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Post by jumbocruiser on Dec 18, 2005 17:32:12 GMT
In my previous post there was no suggestion of driving any vehicle without proper training, just trying to find the limits of the license that am restricted to due to my medical condition. I would never aim to break the law.
It would be stupid for anyone who has never driven anything but a car, to get behind the wheel of a bus or truck and expect it to be a doddle- thats where "training" comes in.
You may not understand my situation. The DVLA has regulations that are very generalised, it is very difficult/ impossible to get them to assess medical conditions on an individual basis.
As such, many people are effectively banned from persuing interests that are open to the 100% fit and healthy. In many cases of cases this is to protect other road users, but no two drivers' medical conditions are the same and I would like to see more flexibility in the law to reflect this.
Regarding driving a historic bus/coach on a class B license, you mention that this applies to "rallies". Are you aware of any documents that define when such a vehicle could be driven on a Class B license?
Thanks
JC
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Post by Jonathan Smith on Dec 18, 2005 20:21:05 GMT
Basically you need to trawl through the legistlation. www.opsi.gov.uk/The definition of a category B licence is a vehicle upto 3.5 tonnes and 8 passenger seats. So that defines what can be driven on a B licence. The references that I have found state that you need a category D licence to drive a PCV including historic vehicles, it states that "under certain circumstances" a historic PCV can be driven by a B licence holder provided they are over 21 and carry less than 8 passengers not for hire or reward. Thats the DSA and DVLA interpretation not the actual legistlation. I am not sure about the limitations on your licence with regard to your medical condition, the DVLA have the power to restrict your licence to certain types of vehicle in the interest of public safety, if you cannot meet the medical requirements for a provisional C or D licence they may not permit you to drive a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes in any case. |
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