Written question asked by Peter Swallow (Labour) on Thursday, 15 October 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 October 2026. It was answered by Simon Lightwood (Labour) on Monday, 19 October 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Community Transport: Bus Services

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the level of barriers facing community transport schemes as a result of minibus driver shortages.

Answer

The Department does not have statistics on minibus driver shortages. However, the Community Transport Association reports that there is a reducing number of drivers entering the sector and are, therefore, calling for amendments to minibus driver licensing.

The previous government consulted on driver licensing, which reflected on the pre-1997 position where car drivers were automatically granted a minibus entitlement. While there was support for extending driving licence entitlement, the evidence presented was not sufficient to fully understand the associated road safety risks.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 35496
Session: 2026-27
Registered interest declared: Yes
Subjects: Staff Bus services Community transport
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Community Transport: Bus Services

Secondary information

Librarians' tools