We asked you this on social media and you are here to check your answers. Well, here they are.
- How often does your minibus need a safety inspection by a qualified engineer?
Every 10 weeks for vehicles under 12 years old, every 6 weeks for vehicles over 12 years. This is on top of regular services and MOTs.
- Can you drive a minibus under 3.5 tonnes on a standard car licence?
Under a Section 19 Permit, you can drive a minibus on a standard car licence if you meet certain conditions.
- they have held a full category B car licence for at least 2 years
- they receive no payment or other consideration for driving other than out-of-pocket expenses
- the vehicle has a maximum gross weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes (4.25 tonnes including specialised equipment for the carriage of disabled passengers)
- for drivers aged 70 or over, that they don’t have any medical conditions which would disqualify them from eligibility for a D1 licence
- no trailer is being towed
- Where the driver’s licence only authorises the driving of vehicles with automatic transmission, that only a vehicle with automatic transmission is used
Drivers aged 70 or over who don’t meet the higher medical standards are not authorised to drive small buses. They can drive small vehicles being used under a permit, provided they have renewed their car licence.
For more information on the Section 19 Permit click here
- What two things must you have, by law, inside your minibus?
A fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.
How did you do?
If you feel that your minibus compliance knowledge could use some refreshing then consider the online Minibus Compliance Course from Castle. Written in consultation with a Former Senior Traffic Commissioner and approved by RoSPA it is a way to provide training and certification for four or more people – depending on the size of your team/school.
Only £195 (+VAT) for four members for 12 months or £395 (+VAT) for unlimited access to staff with the same email domain (e.g. @smapleschool.org) for 12 months.
Visit our minibus compliance page for more info or give us a call on 01869 253744 to get started.
