Scotland faces minibus driver crisis as new licence rules raise training costs

A change to the D1 minibus licence in Scotland now requires drivers who passed their test after 1997 to complete costly training, up to £2,000, which many community operators deem unaffordable. The Community Transport Association reports that the majority of its 216 members, running almost 700 minibuses, are already experiencing driver shortages. Operators such as HcL Transport, South Ayrshire Community Transport, Coalfield Community Transport, and Badenoch and Strathspey Community Connections say they depend on older drivers who are exempt, and the new costs could force reductions or closures of vital services in rural and island communities.

They propose cheaper training schemes like the minibus driver awareness scheme or Midas, costing under £300, and urge the UK government to intervene. Without reform, the sector fears a “cliff edge” that could jeopardise transport access for thousands of residents by 2035.