For schools, charities, community groups, and non-profit organisations operating minibuses in the UK, understanding the difference between a Section 19 permit and a Section 22 permit is essential.
Both minibus permits are issued under the Transport Act 1985 and allow organisations to operate passenger transport services without needing a full Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operator licence. However, the type of passengers you carry and how the service operates determines which permit is required.
In this guide, we explain how Section 19 permits and Section 22 permits work, the key differences between them, and what organisations need to know before operating a minibus legally in the UK.
What Is a Section 19 Permit?
A Section 19 permit allows organisations to operate transport services for hire or reward, provided the services are neither carried out with a view to profit nor incidental to an activity that is itself carried on with a view to profit.
A Section 19 minibus permit allows an organisation to legally transport its members, or individuals the organisation is established to support. For example, if a school shares its minibus with another local school, a school minibus permit under Section 19 would typically be required to authorise the other organisation’s use of the vehicle.
This type of minibus permit UK organisations use is commonly adopted by educational, charitable, and community-focused groups that provide transport as part of their wider activities.
What Is a Section 22 Permit?
A Section 22 permit is issued under the Transport Act 1985 and allows non-profit organisations to operate community bus services for the general public.
Unlike a Section 19 permit, which is limited to transporting members or people an organisation exists to help, a Section 22 permit allows organisations to carry members of the public on a local service.
These community transport permits are particularly important for organisations delivering accessible transport in areas where commercial services may be limited.
Who Uses Section 19 and Section 22 Permits?
Section 19 Permits Are Commonly Used By:
- Schools and colleges
- Charities
- Sports clubs
- Churches and faith groups
- Scout and youth organisations
- Community transport groups
The permit applies to minibuses carrying between 9 and 16 passengers (excluding the driver), although larger bus permits are also available for bigger vehicles.
Section 22 Permits Are Useful For:
- Community transport groups
- Rural transport schemes
- Charity-operated bus services
- Volunteer transport services
These permits are designed to support affordable and accessible community transport services, particularly in rural or underserved areas where public transport options may be limited or unavailable.
Section 22 vs Section 19: What’s the Difference?
One of the biggest areas of confusion is understanding the difference between Section 19 and Section 22 permits.
Section 19 Permit
A Section 19 permit allows transport only for:
- Members of the organisation
- Individuals the organisation exists to support
The general public cannot use the service.
Section 22 Permit
A Section 22 permit allows:
- Public passenger transport
- Local bus-style services
- Fare-paying passengers from the general public
In short, Section 22 permits are intended for community bus services that operate similarly to local bus routes, while Section 19 permits are designed for specific groups and beneficiaries.
Can Passengers Pay for Travel?
Section 19
Passengers may contribute towards transport costs or pay fees connected to the organisation’s activities.
However, the transport must not operate commercially for profit. These non-profit transport services must remain focused on community benefit rather than commercial gain.
Section 22
Passengers are allowed to pay fares in the same way they would on a local bus service.
Again, the organisation must still operate on a non-profit basis when providing community transport services under a Section 22 permit.
Who Can Apply for These Permits?
Both permits are intended for non-profit organisations that provide community benefit.
Eligible organisations may include:
- Schools and colleges
- Registered charities
- Voluntary organisations
- Community transport groups
- Religious organisations
- Sports associations
- Social welfare groups
Commercial transport operators generally cannot use these community transport permits as an alternative to obtaining a full PSV operator licence.
Driver Licence Requirements
In some situations, drivers may be able to operate a minibus using a standard Category B car licence rather than a full D1 entitlement.
This depends on factors including:
- Vehicle weight
- Driver age and experience
- Whether driving is voluntary
- The type of organisation operating the service
Because minibus driver licence requirements can be complex, organisations should always verify driver eligibility before allowing staff or volunteers to drive a minibus.
Choosing the Right Minibus Permit
Choosing between a Section 19 permit and a Section 22 permit depends on who will be travelling and how the service will operate.
If your organisation is transporting members, students, volunteers, or individuals it exists to support, a Section 19 permit is usually appropriate. If you intend to provide a local transport service for the general public, a Section 22 permit will typically be required.
Understanding the differences between these minibus permits helps ensure your organisation remains compliant while continuing to provide safe and accessible transport within the community.
