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[Nej]

Hey I'm very new to the idea of a bus conversion so before I go full steam ahead I hope you can help with some questions cause it's quite hard to find what I'm looking for on the net to start with a few and I'm sure I will have many more to come but firstly I would like a bus similar size to a Dennis dart which is like a single decker bus do would I need to take my pcv licence to be able to drive it I know I can drive something up to 7.5 tonnes and this bus is about 10 but everything thing I've seen about getting this licence entails a medical, theory test, hazard perception then the test but I don't know if that's just for carrying passengers as that seems quite a lot, also I live in Renfrewshire in Scotland and I'm looking for areas to park but most sites are very expensive and the whole point is to spend as little as possible I know I can park up anywhere as long as it's within the law but any advice in this area would be helpful, Tia 😀

[Camper_Dan]

Greetings & Welcome!

I'm in the USA, but here are a few of the things I would consider...

A) City buses are typically geared for low speed city driving.  Theey usually require a transmission and/or differential swap if you're planning on doing much traveling.

B) Drivers license can be figured out.

C) Parking...  This is going to possibly be a huge obstacle, that needs to be sorted out prior to a purchase. 

D) Insurance... Also possibly a huge obstacle, that needs to be sorted out prior to a purchase. 

E) Is this truly a wise financial decision?  Living on wheels is ~NOT~ necessarily cheaper than living any other way, and often can be even more expensive.  ~IF~ you can park for free, and ~IF~ your initial investment is low enough, and ~IF~ you can provide for your water, power, heating, cooling, cooking, and refrigeration needs cheaply, and ~IF~ you have enough income or savings to pay for everything up front, and sustain yourself long term,  then ~MAYBE~ it will save you some money long term.  You're honestly looking at many many years just to break even, and it may never happen.

F) If you think car repairs are expensive, bus repairs will break the bank, and so will normal maintenance.  A single tire costs more  than a cheap car...

Now if we're talking $2500-$3000 for the bus and the entire conversion, then it's hard to go wrong, but any higher and you're risking losing everything if things don't go as planned because converted buses can be bought cheap and are very difficult to sell.

Initial costs, plus ongoing costs, plus any hardships or downgrades in your standard of living, vs. any benefits or rewards, is a good measuring stick.  Only a lot of research and planning prior to purchase can determine whether it's a good move for you.

Good Luck & keep us posted!