Minibus
A minibus is a motor vehicle that is designed to carry fewer people than a full-size bus. An example of a minibus is the VW Bus or Ford Transit, although there are many manufacturers producing models specifically for such use.
Minibuses are used as share taxis for public transport in many parts of the world.
In the UK a minibus is defined as such - A motor vehicle which is constructed or adapted to carry more than eight but no more than sixteen seated passengers in addition to the driver.
To drive a minibus in the UK, a D1 category licence is required. The holder of an ordinary car driving licence which was obtained prior to January 1997, once aged 21 years minimum, may drive a minibus with a capacity of 16 passengers as this licence included the D1 entitlement. Where the "ordinary car driving licence" is obtained after December 1996, they will have to take a separate D1 licence test to drive a vehicle with a capacity of more than 8 passengers. However there is an exemption for certain volunteer drivers, where the vehicle does not exceed 3500kgs GVW (or 4250kgs GVW if the vehicle is designed to be wheelchair accessible).
Driving one usually requires special training and certification under the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme.
In South Africa the Minibus Industry was pioneered by black entrepreneurs who provided a shared taxi service that was convenient for residents of outlying townships during the days of apartheid.
