When you want to drive a van, it's important to know which driving licence you need. This depends on various factors, such as the weight of the van, the number of seats, and the type of use. Whether you need a panel van for your work, a motorhome for a road trip, or a minibus for a group of friends, the rules can differ depending on the situation. In this blog, we will clearly explain which driving licence is required for driving different types of vans, so you can get on the road well-prepared.
What kind of vehicle can you drive with a Category B driving licence?
Although the driving licence B is called the “car driving licence”, you can drive several vehicles with this licence besides passenger cars. With a driving licence B, you can drive cars and vans with a total weight of a maximum of 3500 kg and with a maximum of 8 seats (excluding the driver's seat). In short, which driving licence do you need for the 9-seater bus from Adrem Limburg? Nothing more than a valid car driving licence! A van for 9 people still meets the requirement of a maximum of 8 seats, excluding the driver's seat. However, this is also the largest van you can drive with a driving licence B.
You may transport how many people with a B driving licence?
How many people can you transport with a B driving licence now? The government website states that with your car driving licence you can transport a maximum of eight people. The driver does not count. So when you have a 9-seater bus to drive, can you do this with a Category B driving licence. If you want to drive a van with 12 people in it, then you need a different driving licence, namely the Category D driving licence. With a Category D driving licence, you are allowed to drive buses. However, if you have a van for 12 or 14 people, then you can drive it with the special Category D1 driving licence. The Category D1 driving licence allows you to drive smaller buses for up to a maximum of 16 people.
Is this being strictly monitored?
Some car rental companies may choose to look the other way if you want to rent a 12-seater van with a Category B driving licence. However, we strongly advise you not to do this, as you will no longer be insured if you cause damage or injury with the van. An insurance company will check all relevant matters so that they do not have to pay out in the event of (high) damage. If it appears that you do not have a valid driving licence for the vehicle in question, you will therefore have to bear the costs yourself in full.
Bus and trailer driving licence
When travelling with many people and luggage, you can also hitch a trailer to your bus for extra luggage space. However, what driving licence do you need then? With a car driving licence, you require an addition before you can take a trailer on the road. Whether you need a BE licence depends, among other things, on the Weight to be towed. Driving a bus is no different. To drive a bus with a trailer, you need an addition to your D or D1 licence: the DE or D1E licence. With this licence, you are permitted to tow a trailer with a maximum mass of around 750 kilograms. With a D1E licence, the total mass of the bus and trailer may not exceed 12,000 kilograms.
What driving licence do you need to hire a van for removals?
Which driving licence you need for renting and driving a removals van depends on the weight of the removal vehicle. In most cases, your car driving licence is also sufficient for this. to hire buses. The weight of the bus and its contents must remain below 3,500 kilograms. If the weight exceeds 3,500 kilograms, you will need a lorry (truck) driving licence: licence C.
7 responses
I obtained my driving licence in 1983, B & E = trailer, and passed both the practical and theory exams. I then took my AGK licence = automatic transmission or clutch, which has a limited validity one year after issue. However, I drove with it for 6 years after issue, then switched to a manual car and also received category E for free with category B. Why is there no longer mention of passenger transport on my new licence, B E, for driving 8 people under 3500 kg? Is that no longer permitted? I now see (small bus) D1 on the licence, which I don't have, but am I allowed to drive it with a B licence? I have driven a wheelchair bus a few times for the Dutch Red Cross; I am a volunteer for the Dutch Red Cross, Meierijstad branch.
Driving licence
Provided someone has a Category B driving licence and has passed the APK (vehicle inspection), they can drive a manual car.
I'm really struggling with taking residents away. To explain, I'm in a supported living setting, and for years I've been agonizing over whether or not I'm allowed to drive a van.
I personally passed my driving test for a Category B licence in 2005. There's another residential facility called the Emma Steate, located on Treebeekstraat in Hoensbroek, but the support staff there don't do much with the residents. It struck me as a brilliant idea to take the residents on a tour for a day, so they'd at least have a pleasant day or afternoon. But how many people am I allowed to take in the van? They have a van at Emma Steate itself, but it's not being used, which I think is a shame. Could you please explain if I'm allowed to drive the van and with how many people?.
Kind regards from:
Wim Diepeveen
Professor Asserstraat 22
6431 TR Hoensbroek
Dear Wim,
Thank you for your reply. With a B driving licence, you may drive a minibus with 9 people. This includes the driver. With a D driving licence, you can transport more than 9 people.
Can I drive a bus that is registered and weighs more than 7500 kg and has a maximum of 8 seats (excluding the driver) with a Category C (HGV) driving licence?
With code 105 on your driving licence, while having a driving licence that is also valid for 10 years.
Can you then drive a van?