A Guide To Buying And Owning Your Very Own Bus - Part 1: Do I Need To Tax My Bus?

This is the first in a series of videos for those of you who want to buy your own bus or coach. Whether you want to buy for preservation, to turn into a mobile home, a cafe or to use for weddings, then it's worth watching this.
In this episode I explain about taxing your bus and changing the taxation class depending on what you want to do with it.
I've decided to start with the legalities of bus ownership first as there's no good buying one only to discover that you can't tax it, can't drive it and can't insure it...
If you have any questions please don't be afraid to comment and I'll do my best to answer them.
Thanks for watching, as always if you enjoyed this video please hit the like button, share it and if you haven't already, click on the notifications to make sure you don't miss my next release.
Don't miss my other videos in this series that you can watch on my playlist • Guide To Buying And Ow...

[@Bod8998]

That intro was like an 80s training video class.

[@Grid56]

Nice coach, i like how the exhaust is just short enough to make a mess of the paintwork 😂

[@jakeyb2003]

Thanks Paul. Yes that's a common issue on some older vehicles. I suspect that's one of the reasons why the old white National Express coaches ended up with a black skirt...

[@aidgab1196]

Well done I am intrigued Never Knew You can Own A Bus 🚌

[@markburgess6801]

i noticed you had paperwork for 7041 ECW VRT i used to ride on this vehicle many times when in active service glad to see its been preserved

[@jakeyb2003]

Yes she's one of my pride and joys Mark. Currently in storage but she'll be restored eventually.

[@garypritchard6070]

also as a reminder ,you can drive a bus or coach on a full car licence as over 40 years old

[@jakeyb2003]

Hi Gary. It's actually 30 years old which opens things up a little bit.

[@a133m210]

If its just you and up to seven people iirc. If you have more than 8 people on board the exemption doesn't apply

[@clivewilliams3661]

I would be interested in the current situation as to what driving license is required to drive a bus that is not used commercially i.e. private goods vehicle as at one time it was considered that you could drive a coach on a car license. This was confirmed to me by an ex-policeman, who had converted a coach to an RV and was driving around Europe in his early retirement on his car/C1 license.

[@fatscottie1997]

Very informative and excellent use of TVS audio too!

[@jakeyb2003]

Thanks. Got to keep the TVS flag flying.

[@michaelkeen5010]

Very useful information Jay.👍

[@jakeyb2003]

Thanks Michael

[@MegaBreadvan]

Interesting stuff! 👍

[@jakeyb2003]

Thanks 👍🏼

[@BritishRail60062]

Great video there. If I had the space for it. I would have a Leyland Atlantean East Lancs like those Blackpool had but sadly I don't have any place to keep it. I suppose I could host one at a Museum on display 😊.

[@jakeyb2003]

Thanks I'm glad you liked it.

[@robertp.wainman4094]

A very interesting video - thank you. I've wanted to own a classic bus for many years - but when I've asked existing owners about the trials and tribulations of running one, have noticed they tend to fall into two camps, those who tell me not to bother as they're a never ending money pit - or those who tell me it's a 'commercial vehicle' manufactured for many miles of arduous service and tootling around visiting rally's won't add much wear and tear! Who should I believe?

[@jakeyb2003]

Hi Robert. Technically they are both right. Normally if you maintain them and look after them properly they dont tend to need a massive amount of things doing to them when they're fully restored and kept undercover, just routine servicing which if you can do it yourself isn't too bad. If they're a restoration and/or kept outside it becomes a bit more expensive and time consuming. In fact time is also one of the biggest things you need to put into ownership. Fuel and tyres are other things that eat into the financial situation. A set of tyres can be between £1000 and £2000 and normally for every two miles in one of my Bristol VRs I have to allow one litre of diesel.

[@robertp.wainman4094]

Thanks Jake for your comprehensive (and very quick) reply. I've noticed people have a multitude of reasons for their interest in vintage buses - I once looked at a lovely Bristol MW coach and remember the owner telling me of the immense pleasure he had from just driving around the local lanes - and mastering the gearchange on the five speed Bristol box - I can really understand his satisfaction! For me much is to do with the design and the sound - which as the owner of Bristol VR's you must know well......oh, the contented top gear whine!

[@randomtransportguyx4397]

One of my dreams is to eventually preserve east Yorkshire's 722, a 2007 enviro 400. The Reason i want this one is that it is the first of quite a rare batch of B9TL enviro 400's in the UK, i would repaint it into the EYMS livery it was new in and just enjoy life with it

[@jakeyb2003]

Go for it. The only issue with preserving a more modern vehicle is that you will need a laptop and the software to 'talk' to it to diagnose faults and such. I would recommend speaking to Stuart at the Bromley Bus Preservation Group as they have had dealings with vehicles like this. Good luck though. Don't give up.

[@randomtransportguyx4397]

@@jakeyb2003 thanks, I plan on speaking to many people. 722 still has a few year left in her yet but I'll be contacting east Yorkshire. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@Steve-wy1rj]

Many thanks for this. I'm sure you have them in the works, but can you go into detail on MOT's i.e class 6 vs 5, insurance - Hire or reward re: rallys and open days etc?

[@jakeyb2003]

Hi Steve. Yes I'll be covering all this in a future video.

[@robertp.wainman4094]

Yes please!

[@potsplayz-coregamesandmore]

me: decides to make a bus train and plane company when im older the company:STONKS

[@Bond2025]

I would like to see more about the BHP and Torque and engines used in buses, maybe some stats of 0-60 and fuel economy and top speed. I have been on some coaches that do well over 100mph before they had limiters fitted! I know most buses drive about between 10 and 15mph to annoy everyone, but they must really take off!

[@jakeyb2003]

I can certainly arrange that for you. I was lucky to work with a lot of the older drivers who'd driven coaches literally off the speedo. Very interesting tales too.

[@sobeit1927]

0 to 60 wtf ! Lol lol 😂😂😂😂😂 . Somehow I really don’t think a bus is for you lol 😂

[@jakeyb2003]

@@sobeit1927 they do have a 0-60 figure but you use a calendar rather than a stop watch! 😉

[@uptank8461]

I have Subscribed now can i ask can you make videos on how to remove and add coolant to a bus or coach also oil changes and general maintenance Brake Pads Fuel Tank Removal and replacement fuel tank straps also when doing a bus up where do you start first? i was thinking underneath the bus first then the wooden structure under the side panels. there is as i have found zero zero zero on these things what so ever. i own a Bristol VRT Mk3 1977 bus i would love to watch videos you make and share these to others as I'm not alone on this.

[@jakeyb2003]

Thank you. Yes I plan on doing a video for basic maintenance and how to keep them on the road. Stay tuned 😊

[@jakeyb2003]

BTW, which VR do you own?

[@simonhill3088]

Done some miles in one of these. Leyland made the best buses IMO The Leyland Atlantean decker was my favourite drive.

[@jakeyb2003]

Hi Simon. Owning serveral Bristol VRs I shouldn't really agree with you 😉 however, having driven Atlanteans in service I would have to agree. Superb buses. I'd love to have one in my collection one day.

[@simonhill3088]

I'd love to drive a decker again.I haven't driven one since 2009 and let my cat D licence lapse because of poor health but I do miss driving them. I passed my test in a Leyland Titan and have driven Leyland's a lot although I have driven Bristols, Daimlers etc... so you could say I cut my teeth driving Leyland hence why I'm a bit bias lol

[@jakeyb2003]

@@simonhill3088 I passed my test on a TNLXB Titan at Bexleyheath.

[@anniemooney6601]

What engine does that coach have? Love the rhythmic sound she has.

[@jakeyb2003]

It's a Leyland 0.680

[@warweezil2802]

So in the case of the LT Fleetlines (DMS) that were reengined with Iveco (?) units in the mid 80s, would that count as a substantial alteration? I'm Not sure if any of them made it into preservation, I only ever seem to see videos of the original leyland engined ones on KZbin. I'm just curious as my local garage Sutton (A) had them when they set up the short lived low cost unit under the Suttonbus Branding around 87/88.

[@jakeyb2003]

It's a bit of an odd one. As they were re-engined over 30 years ago they'd be OK. However, if you was to do it to a currently preserved vehicle it would be argued that it's now not original. And here's the strange bit - unless you could prove it was a greener more environmentally friendly engine.

[@CHRISDORRELL]

someone is using the TVS and Coast to Coast themes!!

[@jakeyb2003]

Well spotted Chris.

[@davecooper3238]

Will ever expanding low emissions zones greatly influence the classic bus scene ?

[@jakeyb2003]

It will for those own newer vehicles that don't meet the 40 year exemption.

[@damian-795]

You have to get a D Licence. If you don't have one it cost about £2.000. Saying that , if you want a large mobile home its worth it if you pass

[@jakeyb2003]

Depends on how many seats you retain in the conversation. Under 19 and you'd need a C but over that a D. And I 100% agree, definitely worth it.

[@Steve-wy1rj]

Also, a rather silly question but can you drive your bus in an active bus lane if it's taxed as PLG?

[@jakeyb2003]

That really depends on the local restrictions and signage in the bus lane. The majority of the London area ones I would think would be a no straight away. I wouldn't personally recommend it but if the signage says Local Buses Only it's a definite no.

[@jakeyb2003]

And there's no such thing as a silly question Steve 👍🏼

[@Bond2025]

NO! It's not being used as a vehicle for hire or reward, so would not be on the active database. You would get a ticket.

[@kbrickell4732]

I worked at Crawley Central Repair centre for London & country bus and then various Garages from 1976 to 1984 as an apprentice and the as skilled fitter I am looking to join a bus preservation Club , (not within the ULEZ charging zone. please reply to this comment many regards

[@jakeyb2003]

Hi, there's quite a few around depending on where you're now based. Friends of the East Kent are always interested in volunteers if you're near the Kent coast.

[@kbrickell4732]

@@jakeyb2003 hello many thanks but near crawley redhill or reigate

[@jakeyb2003]

@@kbrickell4732 Might be worth trying the London Bus Preservation Group at Brooklands?

[@Mariazellerbahn]

If it is taxed as a 40+ year old bus for rallies and shows, what is the law for carrying a bus load of passengers for zero fare. Would you still need a PSV licence? Also, what happens if passengers chuck a few quid into a bucket towards the diesel?

[@jakeyb2003]

To carry a full load (or any number over 7 passengers) you need a catogory D (bus) license even if it's only for personal use. The whole donation thing is a bit of a hot potato as there's so many ways it can be looked on as hire and reward. I will be doing a video about it all in the future.

[@FPs_transport_vids]

If you have a preserved bus under the PLG class can you still carry passengers at bus rallys or would you need to have it under something else?

[@jakeyb2003]

You can carry a full load on a PLG preserved bus as long as the driver has a Catogory D license and it's covered by your insurance (funnily enough my next video tomorrow is about insurance!).

[@FPs_transport_vids]

Ok cheers

[@bill-a-bongbill6228]

What happens if you do change your bus to a motor home say the bus is over 10 year old, can you still drive it on your class D licence I know you said about the tax band would come over as a HGV but what about the driving licence side of it

[@jakeyb2003]

Hi. If you keep 19 or more seats in it you can drive it on a cat D! Anything less than that and you'll need a Cat C. Check out my other video about driving licences kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXXKoYaod5uoo6ssi=hm-wLZQBvtkfW1K2

[@bill-a-bongbill6228]

@@jakeyb2003 thank you cracking videos enjoyed them

[@jakeyb2003]

@@bill-a-bongbill6228 Thanks I'm glad you enjoy them.

[@supersprinter1564]

Quick question if i pass bus test can i have as many passengers on it ie full capacity or do i need to pass other tests

[@jakeyb2003]

If you pass your bus test you can carry as many as you like.

[@supersprinter1564]

@@jakeyb2003 thanks for that obviously my intrest in busses is different to most but I grew up on the metro camel wayman but and I'm looking forward to building a west midlands travel time-saver bus it's already been done multiple times but mine is in the aim of earning money for ex service men by doing charity events on the routes these busses ran on

[@jakeyb2003]

@@supersprinter1564 That sounds brilliant and for a very good cause too. Nothing wrong with a good MCW!

[@supersprinter1564]

@@jakeyb2003 thanks but going to be a long process asi work funny hours but it's my dream that counts and that will be my strength tc and thanks for the replys

[@georgeratcliffe7752]

To carry a full load of non-fare paying passengers (eg on rallies) does the vehicle need to be registered as a working bus?

[@jakeyb2003]

No. It can be historic or PLG but the driver must have a Catogory D license.

[@Bond2025]

NO, but you must insure it correctly for hire and reward purposes and business use if you are charging passengers to travel on it on a public road. Be very clear that if you do not do so and get stopped, or get involved in an accident, and do not have the correct insurance to save a bit of money - you could end up in prison. You will definitely be prosecuted and get a large fine, then unable to get insurance again.

[@MrSofakinggreat]

​@Bond2025 if you are charging passengers, it needs to be taxed as a bus, and you need an operators licence.

[@patrickdullaghan3877]

Nice

[@jakeyb2003]

Thanks Patrick

[@colinjohnpack3105]

It will be nice to hear you I cannot hear you very well

[@jakeyb2003]

I believe subtitles are available if required although KZbin subtitles can be very random when talking about specific subjects.

[@Bond2025]

I can hear him perfectly well and I am usually critical when it comes to audio on youtube. Many people leave music playing on a radio or TV in the background when they edit videos and forget it is recording, so it ends up being louder than people talking! They never watch the videos or check them and end up producing the most horrific videos. Try turning your volume up, getting something with decent speakers, or go for a hearing test as you might not have realised you are going deaf. Do you shout a lot?

[@ianallen2]

A few years ago, I had a Ford Transit minibus that was registered as a 9 seater as a previous owner had removed some seats and had re-registered it as a PLG with 9 seats instead of 15 seats. I phoned around some insurance companies and told them the truth as to what my intentions were as to changing it into a camper van. Insurance companies either refused to insure it as it "was modified" and they do not insure modified vehicles, or wanted to charge me extortionate insurance prices. I finally insured it as a 9 seater minibus without telling the insurance company I was going to convert it into a campervan. It was the only way I could insure it and tax it. I converted it and drove it a while then sold it and let the new owner reregister it as a camper. Insurance companies just want to rip people off. A minibus or a van can be converted and registered through DVLA as a motorhome after photos are provided and a vosa check to make sure it is the vehicle on the logbook and all furniture / fittings are bolted down to the floor. I have wanted to convert a coach into a camper but the new "age travellers" put a stop to that as people would think I was one and coming to their town would be frowned upon. lol. My dream from the 1970's had never come true. I am too old to do things like that now.

[@jakeyb2003]

Fortunately things have changed a little bit over the years, but I agree, insurance is a rip off. As it's a legal necessity it should be operated by the government and/or the DVSA.

[@ronnieg6358]

I have a 12 seater transit minibus and have removed the seats and had it officially designated as a van. This avoids the extortionate insurance charges as my insurance company offers a special classic van insurance. In 6 years it will be tax exempt.

[@jakeyb2003]

@@ronnieg6358 I'm counting down the years for my 1989 Metrocab taxi...

[@ianallen2]

@@ronnieg6358 Good on you. I wished at the time I could have done that but the insurance companies i phoned were having none of it as they had it as on the logbook registered as a minibus. At the time, vans were cheaper than a minibus was in insurance terms. I am glad you found a way around it. The insurance even asked me why I needed a 9 seater. I told hem it was because I had two sone and a daughter and a couple of grandchildren who I liked to take to the seaside and shopping etc and I was the only one with a vehicle who could do that and as they were family, I liked to show my grandkids what the seaside looked like. The response I got was (I thought at the time) from a person who was not old enough to have grandkids, to know what it was like to show grandkids what a beach or seaside was like in real life as I didnt see the sea until I was 10 and asked where the palm trees were as I only saw beaches on tv. Searching for insurances when I transformed a transit back in the 2000's and my daughter had just had her first daughter and trying to giv the information to a young insurance rep over the phone was a complete new world for me. I understand it is still not ads simple these days as it was 20 odd years ago. lol.

[@ronnieg6358]

@@jakeyb2003Same age as my transit. Trouble is I'll be 81 by then (I hope!). I only tax it by the month as it doesn't get a lot of use. Some country shows have an over 25yo classic vehicle display and I hope to enter it at some next year.

[@alexflynnbaker]

just curious 👀 if i were to buy a mini school bus and turn it into an off-road camper van 🚐 could i do that legally and what tax class is it

[@jakeyb2003]

It depends on what weight the finished camper was.

[@alexflynnbaker]

@@jakeyb2003 ok thank you 👍