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Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

Minibus information for schools

Driving licences

Managers, headteachers and responsible persons must ensure everyone reporting to them and required to drive, hold a valid driving licence, and that this is checked every six months and a record of the audit kept. Visit .

For EU residents, holders of valid licences issued by EU member states may drive in the UK until aged 70 or for 3 years after becoming resident whichever is the longer. Holders of Community licences with vocational entitlement (Categories C and D) must register their details with .

Non-EU staff must have licences valid in their 'home' country and can drive in the UK for 12 months only. After then, to continue driving, they must take a UK Statutory Driving Test (within the 12 months) after first applying for a Provisional Licence. You should encourage drivers to exchange their licence for a UK licence as soon as possible as it is often difficult to interpret the classifications of licences from non-EU Countries. Staff in this category may only drive vehicles with eight seats or less.

All non-UK staff should receive additional vocational training to ensure that they are sufficiently skilled and experienced to drive in the UK.

Minibus driver assessment training

When we insure a minibus, all drivers of it must have had their driving skills formally assessed within the past four years. The national recognised driving standard is the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS); after successfully completing it, a driver receives a certificate valid for four years. Several organisations provide this training. For advice contact:

Insurance

Always check the following with your insurer that:

  • your organisation is listed on the ßÙßÇÂþ»­ policy
  • the policy is current and has not lapsed
  • new replacements for older vehicles (now disposed of), have been registered
  • any minibus hire includes insurance – or if not you have made your own insurance arrangements
  • your driver(s) hold the right licence(s) to drive the vehicle(s)
  • your driver has enough experience to drive a particular vehicle
  • you know what limitations on the insurance there are if your driver(s) has penalty points.

Permits and vehicle excise licence

A vehicle must display a valid vehicle excise licence at all times.
For each minibus being used a section 19 minibus permit is required. Each one allows the legal operation of a minibus with more than eight passenger seats on a non-profit organisation.

Minibus maintenance

Pre-use: Before the minibus is used each day, it should be inspected to make sure all the obvious safety-critical items are in satisfactory and working order. A report book should record each inspection. Any repairs should be done before the vehicle is used.

Nil-defect reporting: there must be a system in place allowing drivers to formally report in writing any defect occurring with the vehicle on each journey. There must also be a system to ensure that these reports can be acted on.

Vehicle maintenance: your minibus must be regularly inspected and maintained by professional vehicle technicians. A planned maintenance schedule should be drawn up with a contractor.

Check out the national .

Minibus road speed limiter fitment

Minibuses with more than eight seats will soon have to be fitted with speed limiters, which will restrict the vehicle's road speed to a maximum of 62 mph (100kph), although lower speed limits must still be adhered to. Contact your vehicle dealer for advice. To find your nearest .

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