New ‘Private Buses’ (including minibuses and limousines) to be inspected by VOSA from summer 2008

This note describes changes to the procedures for registering ‘private buses’ with DVLA, in other words vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats (including minibuses and stretched limousines) which are not intended to be used commercially for carrying paying passengers.

The changes are planned for introduction in summer 2008, and are described below, but in summary, new private buses will have to be inspected by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) before they can be registered with DVLA. The current intention is for this to take effect on 1 June 2008 and it will apply to all applications to register a ‘private bus’ made after that date. Vehicles that are already registered with DVLA on that date will not be affected.

The reason for introducing the new inspection is because the DfT has become aware that vehicles being submitted for registration are not in compliance with the relevant requirements of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, and the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989, both as amended. This inspection aims to improve road safety by ensuring that vehicles which have not been subjected to type approval comply with certain key requirements.

On the introduction of this inspection in June, the current option of an SVA test for vehicles with more than 8 passenger seating positions, on the basis of a declaration that the vehicle is never used to carry more than 8 passengers, will no longer be available.

Current Procedures

Currently, an applicant intending to use a vehicle to carry paying passengers must supply a COIF certificate to DVLA to enable registration of the vehicle in the Bus (also known as PSV - ‘Public Service Vehicle’) class.

A ‘private bus’ (with more than 8 passenger seats and not used to carry paying passengers) is currently licensed in the PLG class and is not required to provide proof of compliance with regulations, although often DVLA conduct a brief inspection of the vehicle, particularly if it has fewer than 16 seats.

New procedures from summer 2008

There is no change for a PSV/bus which is intended to be used for hire and reward - an application for registration must be accompanied by a COIF.

For an applicant intending to register a vehicle as a private bus there will be two options:

1) Provide a COIF certificate, whilst advising DVLA that the vehicle is not intended for carrying paying passengers at present and so taxation in the PLG class will be necessary.

2) Present the vehicle, by appointment, at VOSA testing station for inspection. The inspection, which is being termed a Pre Registration Inspection (PRI), is anticipated to take approximately one hour and will be free of charge. VOSA will issue an appropriate document in the case of successful applications, the original of which will be required by DVLA before they can register and license the vehicle. (The possibility of an electronic system to notify compliance is also being considered). A vehicle which fails the inspection will not be permitted to be registered or licensed.

The Pre-Registration Inspection (PRI)

The Pre-Registration Inspection will cover key aspects of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 - including Schedule 6 of the Regulations - and the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989, both as amended. A detailed description of the items to be tested will be published by VOSA nearer the time.

Certificate of Initial Fitness (COIF)

For further details of the requirements of a Certificate of Initial Fitness (COIF) inspection, which is mandatory for a vehicle with more than 8 passenger seats that is intended to be used to carry paying passengers, please see the following website or write to VOSA, Welcome House, 91/92 The Strand, Swansea SA1 2DH.