Bus is a catering van
 

Hello to everyone, I'm new to this forum.

My wifes brother is in the process of buying a 1994 dennis dart. For the last 2 years is as been used as a mobile catering vehicle. There are only 8 seats inside the bus, and the rest of it is taken up by catering equipment and shalving.

My question is, once a bus is not used as a paying bus, and used for some other use i.e. catering - mobile libuary and so on. Do you still have to have a PCV licence or can it just be driven on a normal licence.

I think it depends on how the vehicle is registered.
An obvious example would be if a bus had been converted to a mobile home.
A LGV licence might be needed according to the vehicle weight.

Changing the use of a bus
 

What do you mean how it is registered.

Is there some kind of office or goverment department who could tell me about this matter. I've looked on the department of transport's own website, but to be honest, I realy don't know which or what im looking for.

Does anybody know of anyone whom as done this.

Cheers Jeff

What rate of VED (road tax) do you pay and what does the tax disc say?

Look at your V5 documentation - that will give details.

Enter your registration number into:- https://www.mycarcheck.com/ for a 'rough' check, though the DVLA website will enable you to do a more accurate check.

If it is still registered as a passenger-carrying vehicle you should be able to get it altered.

Hello Jeff and welcome to the forum, enjoy and all the best from all the staff at Truck and Bus.

Welcome to the forum Jeff, would you have a photo of the bus?

Sorry I havn't one of the one he's been looking at, but I have found a photo of a 1994 dennis dart simular to the one he might be buying. would that be any help.

I have been looking on the internet for the last few days on and off, but nobody seams to know much about this subject or at least I havn't been unable to find it.

I don't think i'm able to post photos just yet on this forum, but if you email me at [email protected] i'll send you the photo.

Cheers Jeff

You can find out the registration details about the vehicle here:-
http://www.taxdisc.direct.gov.uk/Evl...vent=link.next

and check driving licence validity here:-
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...ns/DG_10037875

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...ons/DG_4022499

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...ons/DG_4022619

It depends on how long the driver has held a licence as to what 'groups' are included (see the licence):-
DVLA cannot give legal advice on how vehicles are classified but, generally speaking it depends on the weight of the vehicle or the number of passengers it can carry.
Any queries should be directed to the DVLA on 0300 790 6801 and lines are open Monday to Friday 8.00 am - 8.30 pm and Saturday 9.00 am - 5.30 pm.