Joint consultation on proposed changes to section 10B permits and revised guidance on minibus driving

A joint consultation on proposed changes to section 10B permits and revised guidance on minibus driving opens today.

A section 10B permit can provide an exemption to full licensing requirements for some organisations providing bus passenger transport for communities or on a non profit basis.  The proposed changes will bring current legislation into line with the requirements set out EC Regulation 1071/2009.

The second consultation is based on a revision to minibus driving licence guidance.  The interactions between the driving licence and qualification legislation, and indeed the wider body of legislation relating to passenger transport, are complex.

In that context, it has become increasingly clear that our existing body of guidance on minibus driving is not sustainable and has caused some confusion as to the requirements it places on operators and drivers.

While this consultation does not propose or set out any changes to the existing body of legislation and policy in relation to minibus driver licensing, the revised guidance does update the Department’s interpretation of the legislation.  In particular, the revised guidance will affect paid drivers who will no longer be able to drive a minibus on a D1(nfhr) licence and will require a full minibus driving licence and Drivers Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC).  Some 'volunteers' will also be affected as the guidance indicates that anyone who drives as a consequence of their employment or for a commercial organisation should hold a full minibus licence and DCPC.

The consultation is seeking views on how best to introduce the changes to section 10B and on the clarity of the guidance on minibus driving.

The consultation will run from 22 September to 17 November 2017.  A copy of the consultation papers can be downloaded at:

• https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultations-proposed-changes-section-10b-permits-and-guidance-minibus-driving

Notes to editors: 

1. The Transport (NI) Act 1967 sets out the licensing requirements for bus operators, including exemption via the s10B permit
2. EC Regulations 1071/2009 sets the licensing and exemption requirements for bus operators in Europe.
3. Any changes to section 10B permits will be subject to the usual Ministerial approvals and Assembly process.
4. The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations (NI) 1996 contain the driving licence requirements for all vehicles, including minibuses.
5. The Vehicles Drivers (Certificates of Professional Competence) Regulations 2007 set out the training and qualification requirements for professional drivers.
6. The changes set out in the consultation require no change to existing legislation as the legislation is already in place.   However, minor amendments will also have to be made to the Transport Act (NI) 1967 to align it with European requirements.  Similar changes are being prepared in Britain.
7. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or e-mail: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
8. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.
9. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra

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