Correct License / Insurance / Vehicle Classification

[dudleypipe]

Hi all

Please go gentle on me, I’m new 🙂

If I were to buy (for example) a LWB High top Transit, have 3 extra seats fitted in the back, and then build somewhere to sleep, as far as DVLA and insurance companies are concerned, is this still classed as a van or a motorhome?

In the same breath – what if I picked up a 16 seater minibus and took all but 1 row of seats in the back. Is it considered a minibus or a van?

If its a van in DVLA’s eyes, then I should be OK up to 3.5 tonnes to drive it on my Cat B Driving License (I passed after 1997, so I don’t have D1 if its classed as a motorhome, or C if its a minibus)

I tried getting in touch with DVLA but couldn’t actually get to talk to anyone!

Best WIshes
Mark

[Darren]

Hi Mark
Hi Mark

It might not be as clearcut as you think.

The DVLA will allow you re-classify the vehicle if you meet all of their requirements:
https://www.campervanlife.com/building/legal

But, you don’t need to do this. My Sprinter conversion is about 5 years old, and is insured legally as a campervan conversion, but is not registered as a ‘Motorcaravan’ with the DVLA. The insurance company have a smaller checklist.

You can drive a mini-bus on a car license:
https://www.gov.uk/driving-a-minibus
http://www.ctauk.org/training/who-can-drive-a-minibus.aspx

I believe the vehicle is considered a mini-bus when it has 9-16 seats.

I think you have the license to drive both, so shouldn’t be a problem?

Insurance can be trickier than you think, so that’s worth considering,

I use http://www.campton.co.uk/, who are a knowledgeable broker.

[Darren]

Hi Mark
Hi Mark

It might not be as clearcut as you think.

The DVLA will allow you re-classify the vehicle if you meet all of their requirements:
https://www.campervanlife.com/building/legal

But, you don’t need to do this. My Sprinter conversion is about 5 years old, and is insured legally as a campervan conversion, but is not registered as a ‘Motorcaravan’ with the DVLA. The insurance company have a smaller checklist.

You can drive a mini-bus on a car license:
https://www.gov.uk/driving-a-minibus
http://www.ctauk.org/training/who-can-drive-a-minibus.aspx

I believe the vehicle is considered a mini-bus when it has 9-16 seats.

I think you have the license to drive both, so shouldn’t be a problem?

Insurance can be trickier than you think, so that’s worth considering,

I use http://www.campton.co.uk/, who are a knowledgeable broker.

[dudleypipe]

Hi Darren
Hi Darren

Thanks so much, thats really helpful. We’re not fussed about having it fully converted so won’t bother re-classifying. We will mostly go to campsites overnight so can use their shower/toilet etc – this is more a ‘the van is always there ready, lets just jump in it and we’ve got somewhere to sleep’ kind of conversion!

To be honest I’m thinking that the minibus thing is a bad idea. We thought that it would save us putting windows in a van, but I’ve heard a few people report that a) its cold and b) many of the windows get in the way of where you want to put stuff. So its looking like buying a panel van and fitting windows as required could be the plan.

Thanks for your time!
Mark

[dudleypipe]

Hi Darren
Hi Darren

Thanks so much, thats really helpful. We’re not fussed about having it fully converted so won’t bother re-classifying. We will mostly go to campsites overnight so can use their shower/toilet etc – this is more a ‘the van is always there ready, lets just jump in it and we’ve got somewhere to sleep’ kind of conversion!

To be honest I’m thinking that the minibus thing is a bad idea. We thought that it would save us putting windows in a van, but I’ve heard a few people report that a) its cold and b) many of the windows get in the way of where you want to put stuff. So its looking like buying a panel van and fitting windows as required could be the plan.

Thanks for your time!
Mark

[Darren]

Hi Mark
Hi Mark

Normally, a van is better than a mini-bus, for the window problem.
Also, the mini-bus trim is often hard to work with.

[Darren]

Hi Mark
Hi Mark

Normally, a van is better than a mini-bus, for the window problem.
Also, the mini-bus trim is often hard to work with.

[Author]

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