Minibus Safety Inspections

If you operate under a Section 19 or 22 Permit, you are required to carry out specific minibus safety inspections at regular intervals a daily walk-around check and regular safety inspections – a more in-depth safety check including those items covered by the appropriate Department for Transport annual test completed by a person qualified to assess the significance of defects. These safety inspections are required in addition to an MOT and you must be able to provide evidence of checks for up to 15 months.

The Government’s Section 19 and 22 Permit recommendations for vehicles under 10 years of age state;

‘bearing in mind that passengers are to be carried on your vehicle, and possibly a number of different drivers used, you should carry out more frequent safety checks. DVSA recommend that inspections are carried out at least every 10 weeks.’

Read the full government advice here in Section 10.3

And for vehicles that are 12 years or older;

‘The guidance has reflected that older vehicles and trailers will need more frequent maintenance and has indicated a minimum safety inspection frequency of 6 weeks requirement for vehicles and trailers aged 12 years and older.’

Section four of the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness

Safety First

Your Section 19 Permit should be considered as a ‘badge of trust’, demonstrating your commitment to safety. Regular minibus safety inspections are not advisory, they are law. If you are unable to provide evidence of a schedule of safety inspections and walk-around checks, your Section 19 Permit is at risk of being confiscated by the issuing body or Traffic Commissioner.

Castle specialise in providing schools with all the support they need in running a safe and compliant minibus fleet. If you would like Castle to organise and complete your safety inspections, please call us today on 01869 253744.

Minibus safety inspections with Castle Minibus

You don’t have to be an existing Castle customer to have Castle take care of your minibus safety inspections. All you need to do is keep a plan of the inspection dates, so you are prepared.

 ‘Safety inspections should be subject to pre-planning and a maintenance planner or wall chart should be used to identify dates at least 6 months in advance of when they’re due. The system of safety inspections must be regularly monitored particularly in the early stages. You should be prepared to change the frequency of checks as appropriate based on your monitoring. Records of any remedial work carried out should be kept for at least 15 months.’

Read more of the government’s advice in point (10.3)

Call today to see what we can do for you 01869 253744