Minibus Training (Schools)

Do you have school staff who would like to be able to drive the school minibus but only hold a category B licence?

Do you want your school staff to feel more confident in their ability to drive a minibus or perhaps you want them to be assessed as suitable?

Read on to find out more about our Minibus Training programme now!

What is a Minibus and Who Can Drive One?

The Department for Transport define a minibus as "a motor vehicle with between 9 and 16 passenger seats (excluding the drivers seat)... [and] described as a category D1 vehicle by the Driving Vehicle Licencing Authority"

Drivers who hold a full D1 (or D) PCV entitlement can drive minibuses for hire or reward.

However, there are circumstances where a Category B driver (car driver) can also drive a minibus within the UK without holding a full D1 licence:

Date of Passing a Test

If you passed your driving test BEFORE 1st January 1997, your licence automatically includes Category D1 (not for hire or reward) entitlement. The licensee can drive a minibus with upto 16 passengers on board with no maximum weight restriction on the vehicle.

Age & Period of Licence

Drivers who passed AFTER 1st January 1997 holding a Category B licence who are both OVER 21 years AND have held a full driving licence for more than 2 years.

Vehicle Use

The minibus must be used by a non-commercial body (e.g. maintained schools, free schools and academies) for social purposes only (school trips and sporting fixtures)

Hire or Reward

The non-commercial body must not receive any payment for the use of the vehicle. The only exception to this is recovery of your own out of pocket expenses (e.g. fuel, toll fees, and parking costs)

Provision

The minibus is used and supplied on a voluntary basis only. Staff who have a contract that states driving a minibus is part of their paid duties, are NOT eligible to drive on a category B licence - they must hold a full D1 instead)

Minibus Weight

The total weight of the minibus INCLUDING passengers is no more than 3.5 tonnes - plus upto 750kg of equipment for disabled passengers e.g. a wheelchair ramp

Trailer

You do not use a trailer with the minibus.

70+Years

Drivers over the age of 70 must request for their minibus driving abilities to be renewed. You should undertake a medical examination.

How Can We Help You and Your Establishment?

1 / Driving Licence Check

Your member of staff will undertake a driving licence check so you can be sure there are no hidden points or restrictions that could affect the candidates ability to drive or increase the premium on your insurance policy.

2 / Classroom Theory Training & Theory Assessment

Time in the classroom learning/refreshing your candidate in important information and the additional rules of the road when driving a minibus. This will also include Working Time Regulations, how to check for mechanical defects and how to complete a Walk Around/First Use Check on a minibus.

The candidate will also undertake a theory assessment which they are required to pass with at least 86% or more before the day continues.

3 / Practical Driving Lesson

Your candidate will then undertake a 60 minute driving lesson with our instructor to make sure they are competent and safe on the roads in a minibus. Our instructor will be able give your candidate helpful hints and tips along the way so your member of staff really feels confident behind the wheel.

Would your school/educational staff know how to check your minibus is safe to drive before their departure?

Would your staff know if they are breaching the Working Time Regulations by driving your minibus after a day at work too?

Do you know how safe your member of staff drives?

We can help you and your staff by offering them a comprehensive Minibus Training Day complete with a trained instructor for £130 per candidate. If you have multiple candidates, we also offer group discounts for 5 or more candidates booked on from the same establishment together.

Your day includes the following:

4 / Practical Driving Assessment

Your candidate will then undertake a 3 minute driving assessment with our instructor. Our instructor will be looking for safety and best practices behind the wheel of the minibus; sound knowledge of the Highway Code; how to calmly and safely manage any problems they may encounter on the road and the surrounding area, checking the minibus for any defects or mechanical issues and finally the safe operation of the vehicle.

5 / Certificate of Competence and Attendance

Your candidate will receive a certificate of Competence and confirmation of their attendance on the Minibus Training course. The candidate will be able to show this as proof that they have attended a training course specifically for minibus driving.

6 / Organisation Discount

Did you know that we also operate a commercial garage? We manage the fleets of various local companies ensuring that safety inspections are performed and all vehicle maintenance needs are addressed.
As a token of our appreciation for enrolling your candidate on the Minibus Training course, we are pleased to offer your organisation a 10% discount on the cost of each minibus you bring to us for its safety inspection. This offer is valid for the first 12 months following your candidates enrolment in the Minibus Training course. We are also to provide a service for your MOT needs as well.

Make An Enquiry

If you would like further information on our Minibus Assessment courses for Category B licence holders working within the education sector.