Yes, you can remove the seats from a minibus. However, you must also incorporate proper legal considerations and driving licence requirements to ensure the safety of the minibus vehicle on the road. You will be required to address the insurance, vehicle registration, classification and a thorough DVLA licence to remove the seats and drive minibuses.

Let’s discuss all of these important considerations for removing the seats from a minibus for either.

What Are The Legal Requirements For Removing Seats Of A Minibus?

The seat removal from a minibus hire requires updating the V5C registration documents along with the DVLA licence. That is because you are modifying the vehicle seating capacity for another travel purpose, and that needs to be defined for the local regulations. 

By following these legal requirements, you must comply with the travel authorities and also keep the valid insurance for the vehicle. 

Failing to follow these legal requirements can lead to penalties and the discontinuation of your insurance plan. That is why you must make sure that the modified vehicle meets all the safety standards to be on the road and pass the MOT inspections for new seating configurations.

Does Removing Seats From A Minibus Impacts Your Driving License?

Removing seats from a minibus can change the classification of your driving licence, because the changes are being made to the DVLA and V5C registration. But there is a catch to it.

Temporary Seats Removal

  1. If you are removing the seats from a minibus temporarily, then you are permitted to drive it according to your assigned licence.
  2. You are allowed to remove the seats to make an extra space for luggage storage or wheelchair accessibility. But that does not revoke the status of the vehicle being a minibus.
  3. For a temporary seat removal, you must make sure that drivers have access to the two exits from the minibus and that the additional luggage is tied properly, so it does not pose a risk.

Permanent Seats Removal

  1. A permanent seat removal will require your minibus to be reclassified for the DVLA licence and tax class. 
  2. This reclassification will also require your minibus to go through additional testing and compliance checks for road safety.
  3. Drivers removing the seats must make sure to comply with the local authorities for reclassification right away to avoid last-minute hassle on the road.

These obligations apply to both D and D1 minibus licences.

Safety Practices To Follow For Seat Removal From A Minibus

Several important safety procedures must be followed for the removal of seats from minibuses.

  • After removing the seats, you must secure all the stray luggage items or tie up the wheelchair seats, so it does not impact the transit process.
  • For a temporary seat removal, all the seats must be securely fitted with functional seat belts as per the local regulations. Not to mention, it is the driver's responsibility to make sure all passengers have access to the seat belts.
  • Removing seats will also impact the insurance of your vehicle, so make sure to notify the insurance company about your temporary or permanent seat removal.
  • Follow the vehicle weight limit according to your D or D1 licence when you are driving the minibus after removing the seats.
Hamza Ali
Written by

Hamza Ali

Hamza is a senior marketing executive at Hire A Minibus With Driver and brings several years of experience crafting engaging content and impactful marketing campaigns for the transport sector.