Licences are normally valid until 70 years of age (the ’til 70 licence) unless restricted to a shorter duration for medical reasons.
DVLA outlines the rules for such circumstances on the GOV.UK website (see Driving a minibus).
Under certain circumstances, volunteer drivers may drive a minibus of up to 16 seats without category D1 entitlement. On subsequent renewal or reapplication, the higher medical standards applicable to Group 2 will apply. Drivers with this entitlement retain it only until their licence expires or it is revoked for medical reasons. This is because of the size and weight of the vehicle and the length of time an occupational driver typically spends at the wheel.ĭrivers who were awarded a Group 1 category B (motor car) licence before 1 January 1997 have additional entitlement to categories C1 (medium-sized lorries, 3.5t to 7.5t) and D1 (minibuses, 9 to 16 seats, not for hire or reward). In most cases, the medical standards for Group 2 drivers are substantially higher than for Group 1 drivers. Group 2 includes large lorries (category C) and buses (category D) The GB medical standards for driver licensing refer to Group 1 and Group 2 licence holders: GB driver licensing Licensing and licence groups
