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Minibus Regulations

On this page:

University Minibus Driver Safety Policy
University Driver Training Requirements
Driving in the UK
Driving in the EU
Towing Trailers
Arranging Minibus Driver Training and Assessments
Candidate Requirements
To Arrange Training
Minibus Driver's Checklist
General Driving Information
Minibus Driving Technique
The Law for Minibus Drivers
 

University minibus driver safety policy 

The University requires that its minibus drivers meet an approved driving standard. Any driver who has not attended a theory session and passed the associated practical assessment will not be permitted to drive University minibuses, or hire minibuses on behalf of The University, in the course of their duties.

The University has made arrangements with "Big Wheelers" to provide training and practical assessments. The associated costs must be met by the departments concerned, and it is therefore for them to review and rationalise their future departmental driver and minibus purchasing arrangements accordingly.

University Driver training requirements

Candidate driving licence requirements must be met before a practical assessment is arranged – ie, drivers must be over 25 years old; an unendorsed UK car driving licence must have been held for 3 years or more; a theory session outlining the drivers legal responsibilities must be attended; a practical driving assessment must be taken and passed; those who fail must retake the practical assessment within one month; those who fail a retake will not be permitted to drive minibuses on University business; and training records must be kept by the Insurance Office and by the departments concerned. 
 

Driving in the UK

Because of historic reasons, the UK has exemption from EU rules on driver licensing regulations, providing an employer operates under a "Small Bus Permit" granted by the local authorities. 

Drivers who obtained their full UK car driving licence before 1 January 1997, are permitted to drive University minibuses in the UK (but not the rest of the EU) providing they meet the training requirements detailed above and a Small Bus Permit is displayed in all minibuses used by its employees including those which are hired-in. University-owned minibuses should already display a permit. Spare permits are available from the Insurance Office (ext 8309). For those people wishing to drive a minibus who passed their driving test after 1st January 1997, please click on the link below for more information.

 

• More information on driving licences and minibuses

Driving in the EU 

In addition to the driver training requirements given above, a full D1PCV (passenger carrying vehicle) licence is required for drivers who intend to drive a minibus on University business in the EU; if a full UK car driving test was passed on or after 1 January 1997, a PCV test cannot be taken until a clean UK car driving licence has been held for 2 years or more. A full D1 PCV licence costs approximately £500 to obtain.
 

Towing trailers

If trailers weighing over 750kg (unladen) are to be towed the following driving licence requirements apply:

 in the EU - a separate test (Dl+E) must be passed; and in the UK - drivers who gained their car driving licences;

 — after 1 January 1997 will also need to pass this test, or

 —prior to 1 January 1997 must also have specific training.

For further information, contact the Insurance Officer (extension 8309).

 

Arranging Minibus Driver Training and Assessments

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

1 Clean UK car driving licence held for 3 years 

This must be copied to the Insurance Officer to enable candidate eligibility to be checked.

2 Attend theory session 

Candidates must attend a theory session on "Minibus Driver's legal responsibilities". The session, which lasts —50 minutes, can be arranged as follows:

By contacting Big Wheelers (see below) and arranging for theory aspects to be covered at the same time as the practical assessments are done (fee by arrangement). 

3 Pass a practical assessment

Candidates must also take and pass the practical assessment, arranged by contacting Big Wheelers (see below). The assessment takes 90 minutes. Departments must make the following arrangements via the Area Safety Co-ordinator, or other appropriate person(s) nominated by the department.

· Contact departmental candidates and Big Wheelers (University approved trainers) to arrange a mutually convenient date.

· If a departmental or University minibus is unavailable, arrange to use a Big Wheelers minibus

· (see costs below). 

· If a Big Wheelers vehicle is used, arrange a mutually convenient pick-up point.

· Inform the Security Office (extension 8047) - the pick-up point may be unsuitable on the day because of University events.

· Inform Big Wheelers and all candidates where the pick-up point is.

· Decide how to deal with the theory requirements (see 2 above). 

· Negotiate prices with Big Wheelers - they may reduce them further depending on demand.

· Confirm the order and arrange for payment to be made. 

Successful candidates will be issued with a Practical Assessment Certificate.

If unsuccessful, a report detailing the reasons for the failure will be issued. 

The Insurance Officer must be informed immediately if a candidate fails the practical assessment twice, he/she must not be permitted to drive minibuses for the University.

· Arrange with Big Wheelers for copies of the Practical Assessment Certificates/Failure Reports to be sent to the University Insurance Office in Whiteknights House so that successful candidates are recognised for minibus driving purposes in the future.

· Copies will be sent to the departments concerned. 

· The Area Safety Co-ordinator must maintain departmental training records (eg in the Area Safety Log Book)

Costs

Big Wheelers costs as quoted in their letter to the University Safety Office of 4/2/98 (excluding VAT): £45 for a single or group assessment using one of the University's vehicles; and £5 extra per session if a Big Wheelers vehicle is used.
 

To arrange training 

Please contact Mr Edward Hanley, Big Wheelers, Randolph House, lA Randolph Road, Reading RG1 8EB, Tel: 01189 597592,Fax: 01189 500000



 

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST BE DISPLAYED IN ALL UNIVERSITY MINIBUSES
 

Minibus Driver's Check List
 

If you have not passed the approved University driving assessment course, contact the Insurance Officer immediately on Ext 8309

The Driver is personally liable for each of the following if stopped by the Police, so check before you begin your journey

Is the Road Fund Licence visible and valid?
Is the Small Bus Permit visible?
Is the First Aid Kit present and contents correct?
Is the Fire Extinguisher present and maintained?
Are lights working?
Do the tyres appear to be in good condition and are they inflated to correct pressure?
Are the aisles and doorways unobstructed?
If towing a trailer, is there a nears ide passenger exit?
Is the vehicle likely to be over the gross vehicle weight?
If carrying an external load, is it securely fixed?

Children of 14 and under MUST wear seat belts if fitted.

Please note: leave side lights on when parked on the road at night.

Arrange for faults/deficiencies in any of the above, to be rectified before you go out on the road. 

You should consider these items especially if you are going on a long journey:

•Taking a back-up driver 
•Adequate breakdown assistance 
•Oil
•Coolant 
•Fuel
•Screen wash 
•Brake/clutch fluid 
•Jack (brace + handle) 
•Mirrors 
•Spare tyre 


On the road, please remember the following:

the 2 second rule; to do a rolling brake test ASAP; speed limits for minibuses are: 30 mph in built up areas, 50 mph where the national speed limit is in force, 60 mph on dual carriageways and 70 mph on Motorways. If towing a trailer, the speed limit on Motorways is 60 mph and you may not use the outside lane. Do not drive for more then 2 hours/i 20 miles without a 30 minute break.

When you have finished with the vehicle, please ensure that you report any damage or problems with the vehicle to the appropriate person.
 

GENERAL DRIVING INFORMATION

For a significant number of drivers, once the basic driving test has been passed, little thought is given to further development of driving skills. People who drive a minibus, with or without passengers aboard need to be sure that their driving skills are well up to the standard of the D.S.A. (Basic "L") test. 

Braking

Many drivers don't appreciate the importance of proper use of brakes and the effect they have not only on the speed of the vehicle but on its stability and balance.

Rules for Braking

•Brake firmly only when travelling in a straight line
•Brake in plenty of time 
•Vary brake pressure according to the surface you are travelling on 
•When descending steep winding hills brake firmly on straight and ease off on the bends 
•Both hands should be holding the steering wheel 

Steering

•Hands should be placed at ten to two position 
•Don't let the wheel spin back - feed it through the hands 
•Gear changes should be made whilst travelling straight 
•On slippery surface - delicate and gentle movements 

Following Distances

•Reasonable distance from vehicle in front - 2 second rule
•Reaction time has to be added to all braking distances 
•In towns under 30mph it is possible to leave 1 second 
•When stationary leave 6 feet between you and vehicle in front 

Observation and Anticipation


•Observation, together with concentration are the two skills that raise a drier above the normal. 
•We have already looked at how far it takes a vehicle to stop even on a dry road. 
•With observation you can anticipate the actions of other road users and become much earlier with your braking. You may find that in a lot of instances you will only need to decelerate and not brake at all.
 •One way you can improve your observation and concentration is to talk to yourself about the road situation ahead. 

MINIBUS DRIVING TECHNIQUE

Instruction Manual 

Sit down with the manual and familiarise yourself with the checks that need to be made:

e.g. Engine oil, coolant, windscreen washer bottle, tyre pressures (including spare).
 
Layout of Vehicle

Get to know the layout of the vehicle:

•Pre-driving checks
•Make sure doors open and close securely
•Is there a first aid kit and fire extinguisher? 
•Visual check for external damage 

Seat and Visibility

The driving seat is higher than you may be used to and the vehicle generally bigger.


•Adjust the seat for comfort and access to controls
 •Interior mirror may be of little use when driving (full of heads or windows steamed up)
 •Door/wing mirrors assume greater importance
 •Don't rely on mirrors to reverse in a confined space or where visibility is restricted - get assistance form someone who knows what they are doing (not a child). If on your own get out and walk around vehicle first. 
•Check for obstructions on the ground (and at roof level), for pedestrians and children playing. 

Height

Know the height of your vehicle (including roof rack) - this helps when confronted with car park height bars.
 
Familiarise Yourself

For anyone who has not driven anything larger than a private car it is essential to drive with an experienced driver until you feel
 
Width of Vehicle

•A minibus is wider than a car and you may find yourself touching the kerb sooner than expected.
•Foliage, traffic signs and shop awnings can present a hazard.
•Get used to using you mirror on the near side to judge the distance from obstruction on the near side. Always check it before moving off. 

Length of Vehicle

•Because the minibus is longer it is necessary to be more careful with positioning. 
•On left hand turns keep to the crown of the read checking your near side mirror, as you turn, for cyclists, etc., moving up the inside of you. 

Minibus Brakes

•Minibus brakes are designed to cope with a full load. This makes them a little too powerful for the situation when the vehicle is empty, especially in damp or slippery conditions.
 •You should do a static brake test before moving off and then test them again just after you have moved off (especially after a vehicle has been standing for a while)


Driving With A Load Up

Driving with a full load of passengers for the first time can be a real experience: 

•The vehicle is much heavier - 17 people of average weight weigh over a ton
•The vehicle is slower to respond to acceleration (greater care must be taken with overtakes)
•You need to change gear more frequently to obtain maximum response from the engine
•Hill starts require more care and lower gear is needed on them
•On motorways and dual carriageways do not get caught in the offside lane on a rising gradient (lose momentum quickly)
•Cornering presents its own problems - centre of gravity on the average minibus is quite high and a full load does not help the situation - be prepared for roll corners
•Excessive zeal on corner will, at best, upset the passengers, at worst it can lead to loss of control in wet or icy conditions. 

Braking Technique

Braking in a vehicle at or near its maximum weight always requires more care

•Avoid harsh or sudden breaking as it only upsets the passengers
•Read traffic situations carefully - ease off prior to the possible need to brake e.g. approaching green traffic lights
•Do not get too close to the vehicle in front
•Keep your speed in check with your brakes, but be prepared to engage a lower gear before descending a long steep hill. (Avoid riding the brakes as this can cause "glazing" causing sudden loss of braking efficiency. Cadence braking may be a good idea). 

Luggage

If you are taking luggage either on top or in a trailer careful planning is required. 

•Luggage must be securely stowed both inside and outside the vehicle.
•Exits must not be blocked with luggage.
•If the vehicle has a luggage rack watch the stability of the vehicle. As we said the centre of gravity is high on these vehicle and luggage on the roof can substantially affect the handling and stability of the minibus.
•It all adds to more weight and acceleration will be even more sluggish.
•Heavy luggage should be put inside the vehicle whenever possible. 


 Fitness of the Driver

The vehicle may be fit to drive but, equally important, so must the driver. 

•He/She should not be tired or rushed.
•Allow plenty of time for the journey - better to arrive earlier than expected after a leisurely drive.
•If your health is suffering for any reason don't allow the pressures of completing the journey to compromise safety in any way.
•Work out a route before you start and take map books with you. 

Distractions From Passengers
  
•If children are being carried it is necessary to take along another adult to amuse and control them.
•Noisy children are the worst distraction for a driver.
•All passengers must be belted in for the whole of the journey. If they are allowed to move around the stability of the minibus is badly affected. In the case of sudden braking the movement of bodies inside the vehicle can have fatal consequences.
•Passengers like to talk to the driver but lengthy conversations should be discouraged.
•Noisy hand held radios won't aid the driver's concentration either. 

Planning Your Journey

•Plan your journey to include stops. You should always consider the passengers and time should be allowed for meal breaks and toilet stops.
•When you stop passengers will emerge from the side and rear doors - don't park too near other vehicles and obstructions.
•You won't be too popular if passengers have to disembark into a large puddle either.
•Breaks enable you time to take stock of the situation.
•If undertaking a long journey consider whether you require a co-driver.
•As a maximum do not attempt to drive for more than 5.5 (five an a half) hours without a complete break from the vehicle.
•More than 10 hours driving a day is pushing the endurance of the most competent driver.
•The minibus will have a higher fuel consumption than the average car - so keep your eye on the gauge and plan pit stops. 

Motorway Driving

 •Motorway driving requires a high level of concentration - things happen very quickly on them.
•Be careful with overtakes as even a slight gradient can leave you stranded in lane 3.
•Speed itself may not be a killer but sudden deceleration can injure passengers who are not seated or are not strapped in.
•Always expect the unexpected.
•If you have to stop on the hard shoulder in an emergency remember that your responsibility does not end with bringing the vehicle to a halt. 

Evacuation of the vehicle

Hurried or otherwise, it must be controlled and passengers supervised until they are clear of any moving traffic - or potential moving traffic. Clearly this is important when dealing with children or disabled people.

•Passengers who have been evacuated from the vehicle must be moved away from it and well onto the grass verge.
•The hard shoulder of the motorway is one of the most dangerous environments one can find. 

Disabled Passengers

Disabled passengers require special treatment, not only when embarking and disembarking but also during the journey. 

•Be aware of their problems, drive as smoothly as possible and be prepared to allow for extra and longer stops if required. Ensure wheelchairs are securely fixed during the journey. 

Journeys End

At the end of any journey check the vehicle and note any defects- any damage caused such as hitting the kerb should be reported.
 

THE LAW FOR MINIBUS DRIVERS

1. You are responsible for the state of your vehicle at all times. This includes tyres, steering, brakes, headlights, etc., and the fire extinguisher and first aid kit. If in doubt, don't go out.
2. You must obey the instructions of a uniformed police officer, and give your name and address, that of the vehicle owner, your date of birth and the vehicle registration number if requested. You may be asked to produce your driving licence, the insurance certificate, and the latest MOT test certificate at a police station. This must be done within 7 days.
3. If involved in an accident, you must stop and exchange details with other parties. If this cannot be done immediately, you must report it to a police station as soon as possible within 24 hours. If someone is injured, this must be reported.
4. When driving with passengers:
5. all doors must be unlocked
6. you must be able to see through all windows
7. all gangways must be kept clear
8. you must switch the engine off when refuelling
9. you must behave in a civil manner
10. you must not talk to anyone else
11. you must not allow alcohol to be carried if you are travelling to football grounds
12. Where no traffic signs set a lower limit, speed limits are as follows:
    Street lights closer than 200 yards apart - 30 mph
    Other single carriageways - 50 mph
    Dual carriageways - 60 mph
    Motorways - 70 mph
13. Drive slower at night or when poor road or weather conditions prevail.
14. You must be at least 21 years old and the holder of a full (not provisional) driving licence to drive a minibus, unless you have an appropriate PSV licence.
15. You and the front passenger must wear seat belts in minibuses for 12 or fewer passengers. You are legally responsible if someone under 14 years is sitting in the front without a seat belt on.
16. You should not use the horn in built up areas after 11.30 at night (2330 hrs) or before 7.00 in the morning.
17. At night you should always park on the nearside of the road, at least 10 metres away from the nearest road junction, and with your side lights left on.
18. It is illegal to use an orange badge for purposes other than severely handicapped people.
19. If you are likely to drive more than 4 hours a day, you may have to comply with the Domestic Drivers' Hours Regulations. Ask at you local Traffic Area Office.
20. You must put your lights on in poor visibility. You can only use hazard flashers when the minibus is stationary.
    No more than one adult passenger on each seat. Three children under 14 years count as two adults. A child under 5 not in a seat does not count at all.
21. If you do not have the permission of the Permit holder to be driving this minibus, then you may well be committing an offence, because the insurance will no longer be valid.

 NB For the sake of brevity, much of the detail surrounding the above law has been compressed.
(With acknowledgements to the Community Transport Association).

Page last updated August 14, 2006