Types of permit

There are two types of permits issued under the Transport Act 1985.

•Those issued under section 19 (permits in relation to use of vehicles by educational and other bodies); and

•Those issued under section 22 (community bus permits).

Section 19 permits are either ‘standard permits’ for vehicles which are adapted to carry no more than 16 passengers (excluding the driver) or ‘large bus permits’ for vehicles which are adapted to carry 17 or more passengers. These permits may be granted to organisations who operate vehicles without a view to profit to transport their members or people whom the organisation exists to help. Section 19 permit vehicles cannot be used to carry members of the general public. Further information can be found in Section 2 of this guide.

Section 22 permits are issued to organizations concerned for the social and welfare needs of one or more communities who operate vehicles without a view to profit to provide a community bus service. Unlike section 19 permit vehicles, community bus services are ‘local bus services’1 and can carry the general public. Vehicles adapted to carry nine or more passengers (excluding the driver) may be used under a community bus permit. This includes large buses adapted to carry seventeen or more passengers. However, use of a large bus will not be authorized unless the traffic commissioner is satisfied that there are adequate facilities or arrangements in place to maintain the vehicle in a roadworthy condition. Further information can be found in Section 3 of this guide..