Guidance on Section 19 Minibus Permits
· A non-PCV licence holder is only allowed to drive ‘not for hire and reward’. As Scouts often charge for attendance on trips, this runs up against this restriction. However, the government recognises this and therefore run a Small Bus Permit scheme for voluntary organisations. To apply for a permit for Scout use (other organisations will have their own processes) please contact Scout HQ and request one. There is a small charge, but it is valid for 5 years.
There are some additional considerations:
· A permit is required for each minibus being used (i.e. if you are using 3 minibuses you must have 3 permits)
· You will need a permit for each minibus regardless of where it has come from (i.e. if borrowed from a school, from us or formally hired from a company)
· If a permit issued by the Scout Association is lost, then Scout HQ should be contacted to cancel it and a replacement purchased
A permit can be held by a Group, Explorer Unit or District
· If held by a Group, it covers all events organised for the individual Colony, Pack or Troop as well as Group events, even if those outside the Group are included.
· If held by a Unit, it covers all events organised by the Unit (Hertford Explorers have one which covers both Units)
· If held by a District, it covers all events organised by the District, which, in Hertford would include Explorer events as they are a District function - but not Group events. (Hertford District already have one for our minibus.)
The permit must be displayed in the minibus window.
Further information can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/section-19-and-22-permits-not-for-profit-passenger-transport/section-19-and-22-permits-not-for-profit-passenger-transportp