EU requirements on driver licensing limit the scope of a licence for cars and light vans to the driving of vehicles – other than motorcycles, mopeds, work vehicles or land tractors – with a design gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3,500 kg and having passenger accommodation for not more than eight persons.
These requirements are reflected in Irish driver licensing regulations which provide for a category B licence in relation to the latter vehicles and for a separate driver licence and testing regime – category D1 – in relation to vehicles with passenger accommodation for more than eight and not more than 16, persons.
Persons wishing to drive minibuses should therefore apply for a category D1 licence. A further public service vehicle licence is only required for persons driving these or other vehicles for hire or reward.