Jul 15, 2026
Last Updated: July 2026
A section 19 permit is a regulatory authorisation that allows non-profit organisations and voluntary groups to operate minibus services for community transport without requiring a full Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operator's licence. This permit exists under the Transport Act 1985 and is administered by the Office of the Traffic Commissioner across the UK.
The permit applies to organisations operating vehicles with between 9 and 16 passenger seats. It's designed for educational institutions, religious groups, social welfare organisations, and recreational bodies that need to transport their members or service users. The process typically takes 6-8 weeks from initial application to final decision.
Your organisation must fall into one of the eligible categories defined by Transport Act 1985 regulations. Eligible bodies include:
Your organisation must be non-profit in nature. If your organisation generates surplus revenue from minibus operations, you may require a standard operator's licence instead. The organisation must also be formally registered and legally constituted before applying.
Before submitting an application, your organisation must satisfy several statutory requirements.
Vehicle specifications: Your minibus must have a seating capacity between 9 and 16 passengers (excluding the driver) and be roadworthy, meeting all safety standards and construction regulations.
Insurance requirements: You must obtain minibus insurance that specifically covers community transport operations under a Section 19 permit. Standard commercial minibus insurance will not suffice. Your insurance provider must confirm they will cover your operation before you submit your application.
Driver requirements: All drivers must hold a valid DVLA driving licence with Category D1 entitlement (or the older PCV category if grandfathered) and have held their licence for at least 2 years. All drivers must complete Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) training and hold a valid CPC card.
Compliance obligations: You must maintain records of all journeys, passengers transported, and operational details. You must comply with working time regulations for drivers, maintain the vehicle to roadworthiness standards, and report any accidents or incidents to the Traffic Commissioner. The Section 19 permit certificate must be displayed in the vehicle at all times.
Operator's fitness: The Traffic Commissioner assesses your organisation's track record, examining financial stability, management structure, and compliance history.
The application process involves several sequential steps. Each must be completed accurately to avoid delays or rejection.
Assemble all required documentation before completing the application form. Incomplete applications are returned, adding 2-3 weeks to your timeline.
Required documents include:
Gather originals and copies of all documents. Having certified copies ready accelerates the process.
The application form is PSV372, available from the Office of the Traffic Commissioner website. Complete this form with meticulous attention to detail; errors or omissions trigger requests for clarification.
Key sections include:
The supporting statement is your opportunity to demonstrate that your operation genuinely serves your organisation's purpose. Be specific: rather than stating "we transport members," describe actual journeys: "We operate weekly transport for 25 elderly members attending our day centre, with two journeys per week on fixed routes."
Submit your completed application to the relevant regional Office of the Traffic Commissioner. There are 10 regional offices covering England, Scotland, and Wales. Identify which office covers your area by postcode on the Traffic Commissioner website.
Submit by post or email, depending on your regional office's requirements. Include all supporting documents and ensure your application is clearly labelled with your organisation's name and permit type (Section 19).
The Traffic Commissioner will acknowledge receipt within 5 working days and provide a reference number. Processing typically takes 6-8 weeks. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
A permit fee is payable to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. The fee structure varies by region. Contact your regional office for the current fee amount.
Payment is typically required after your application is approved. Once the fee is paid and processed, your Section 19 permit is issued. You will receive a certificate showing your permit number, validity dates, and conditions of operation. This certificate must be displayed in your vehicle at all times.
Understanding the distinction between a Section 19 permit and a Section 22 permit is essential for determining which authorisation your organisation requires.
A Section 19 permit applies to non-profit organisations operating minibuses (9-16 passenger seats) for their members or service users. The operation must be non-commercial and serve the organisation's primary charitable or community purpose.
A Section 22 permit applies to larger vehicles (17+ passenger seats) and has broader eligibility. It can be held by educational institutions, local authorities, and certain other bodies.
The key difference lies in vehicle capacity and eligible bodies. If your organisation operates a minibus with 16 or fewer seats and is a non-profit entity, Section 19 is appropriate. If you operate a larger coach or bus, or if your organisation doesn't fit the Section 19 eligible categories, Section 22 may apply.
| Aspect | Section 19 Permit | Section 22 Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle capacity | 9-16 passenger seats | 17+ passenger seats |
| Eligible bodies | Non-profit organisations only | Educational bodies, local authorities, certain other bodies |
| Operation type | Non-commercial, members/service users | Broader operational scope |
| Driver CPC required | Yes | Yes |
| Processing time | 6-8 weeks | 6-10 weeks |
If you're uncertain which permit applies to your organisation, contact the Office of the Traffic Commissioner directly for free guidance on eligibility.
Obtaining your Section 19 permit is only the beginning. The permit holder must maintain ongoing compliance with statutory obligations. Failure to comply can result in permit suspension or revocation.
Record-keeping is fundamental. You must maintain detailed records of all journeys operated, including date, time, route, number of passengers, and driver identity. These records must be kept for at least 12 months and made available to the Traffic Commissioner on request.
Vehicle maintenance must be documented. The minibus must be serviced regularly according to manufacturer specifications. All maintenance work, repairs, and safety checks must be recorded. The vehicle must pass its annual MOT test without fail.
Driver compliance requires ongoing monitoring. All drivers must maintain valid DVLA licences and current CPC cards. Verify this regularly, at least annually.
Insurance maintenance is critical. Your insurance policy must remain valid and active throughout the permit period. Notify your insurer of any changes to your operation, routes, frequency, passenger groups, or driver changes.
Accident reporting is mandatory. Any accident involving your minibus must be reported to the Traffic Commissioner within a specified timeframe (typically 28 days).
Permit renewal occurs every 5 years. Submit a renewal application before your current permit expires.
Understanding why applications are rejected helps you avoid these pitfalls.
Incomplete documentation is the most common reason for rejection or delay. Missing insurance confirmation, driver details, or vehicle documentation triggers requests for clarification. Use a checklist and verify completeness before submission.
Ineligible organisation status results in outright rejection. Ensure your organisation genuinely meets the eligible body criteria before applying.
Inadequate operational plan raises concerns about the permit holder's fitness. Be specific: describe actual routes, frequencies, and passenger groups rather than vague descriptions.
Insurance gaps occur when your insurer cannot confirm coverage for Section 19 operations. Obtain written confirmation before submitting your application.
Driver CPC deficiencies occur when drivers lack current CPC certification. Verify all drivers have valid CPC cards before submission.
Financial instability concerns arise if your organisation's accounts show significant deficits. The Traffic Commissioner assesses whether your organisation can sustain the minibus operation.
Vehicle condition issues occur when the proposed minibus is old, poorly maintained, or has outstanding safety concerns. Ensure your vehicle is in excellent condition before submission.
Insurance and driver requirements are fundamental to legal Section 19 operation. Mistakes in these areas can result in permit refusal or suspension.
Insurance requirements are specific to community transport operations. Your insurer must confirm coverage for public liability, vehicle damage and theft, driver liability, passenger accident cover, and third-party liability.
Obtain written confirmation from your insurer that they will cover your Section 19 operation before submitting your permit application. If your insurer cannot cover Section 19 operations, find one that specialises in community transport.
Driver requirements demand that all drivers hold appropriate qualifications. Every driver must:
Driver CPC is a regulatory requirement. Drivers must complete periodic training (35 hours every 5 years) to maintain their CPC card. If a driver's CPC expires, they cannot legally drive your minibus.
Implement a system to track licence expiry dates, CPC renewal dates, and medical examination validity. A simple spreadsheet or calendar reminder system prevents compliance failures.
Navigating how to get section 19 permit approval requires meticulous planning and attention to regulatory detail. The process is straightforward when you understand the requirements, but mistakes are costly and time-consuming to remedy.
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A Section 19 permit is a statutory exemption that allows eligible organisations to operate minibus services without a full Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operator's licence. Non-profit groups, charities, educational institutions, and voluntary organisations use Section 19 permits to provide transport for their members or beneficiaries. It's designed for community transport rather than commercial passenger services, making it accessible to organisations that operate vehicles for social welfare, recreation, education, or religious purposes.
Processing times typically range from 6 to 8 weeks from submission to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. However, organisations should allow additional time, often 6 months or more, for preparation, document gathering, and any required amendments. This extended timeline is crucial for planning purposes, as you cannot legally operate under a Section 19 permit until approval is granted. Early application ensures your community transport services aren't delayed.
Essential documents include the completed PSV372 application form, proof of your organisation's eligibility (charity registration, constitution, or similar), vehicle insurance details, maintenance records, driver information and CPC certifications, and evidence of your organisation's purpose. You'll also need details of routes, timetables, and passenger categories you intend to serve. The Office of the Traffic Commissioner provides a checklist with your application pack to ensure nothing is missed.
Section 19 permits are for non-profit organisations serving specific groups (education, social welfare, religion, recreation). Section 22 permits are for larger commercial operations or those carrying the general public. Section 19 has stricter eligibility criteria but simpler compliance requirements and lower costs. Section 22 requires a full operator's licence equivalent and is suited to commercial minibus operators. Your organisation's structure and passenger base determine which permit you need.
