Driving a 9 or 12 seater minibus

Transportation, Travel and Trips
1
Hi all

We are moving to Switzerland in October. We are opening a chalet.

www.chaletdesalpes.ch

We will need a minivan like VW or Hiace.

Do I need a special licence to drive a mini van with A) 9 seats B) 12 seats?

Do I need to take any extra / special driving tests?

I have seen AutoScout but if anybody has a good site for minivans please let me know. We will be in Crans Montana, Valais but willing to travel.

Many thanks for all your help from this excellent forum.

2
Just had a look at my licence, and i can drive 1, and i have not got a special licence just a normal international 1

3
thanks very much

4
You can drive a nine seater with the usual (B) permit however for a 13 seater you need either a D or a D1.

5
It may depend on whether it is for commercial transport of passengers, for which you may need a chauffeurs license. Check on the insurance side too.

6
Many thanks

It is for driving our guests to the lifts in winter and the start of walks in the summer. So i presume this will be classed as commercial.

What comes first the insurance or the driving licence. I have a choice to buy a 9 seater or a 12. If 12 needed an extra licence or was more problems or expensive with insurance then i would buy a 9 seater.

7
See this for license categories:

http://www.pom.be.ch/site/pom_svsa_kategorien.pdf

Apparently, you need: BPT (commercial) for driver + 8 passengers, or D1 for driver + 16 passengers

8
Many thanks very helpful

9
Hi Garyt.

I was wondering how you got on with your venture with the minibus?

I am also in need of a minibus in Switzerland and wondered if you could point me in some directions.

Who did you go to for insurance for the bus and for public liability? also do you have any tips on where to buy a second hand minibus?

Thank you kindly.

Kieran

10
Dear all,

I've just followed this thread - can anyone tell me whether my UK driving licence which entitles me to drive category D1 - Mini bus is the same category as the Swiss D1? Can I drive a 14 seater mini bus on my UK Licence?

Thanks

Emily

11
Yes, all categories in Europe are standardised. But within 12 months of living here you need to exchange your license for a Swiss licence, or take the test again. Best to also read a book, as some things are different here. (Parking rules etc)