DSA & DVLA say no to non-PCV licence holders instructing/supervising assessments for minibus drivers

The DSA (Driving Standards Agency) and DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency) clarify that drivers who just hold the standard car licence entitlements cannot act as instructors or supervising assessors for drivers of minibuses. Drivers who continue may be committing an offence and liable to prosecution.

What the DVLA say...

Drivers with implied minibus driving entitlements, i.e. drivers who are allowed to drive minibuses on their car licence – under certain conditions, cannot give instruction or act as supervising drivers. Only a vocational D1/D licence holder who has held either category for at least 3 yeas could supervise a minibus driver. See letter dated 8th August 2007 ( PDF 130kb opens new window)

What the DSA say...

Car drivers wishing to add the D1/D vocational PCV licence to their own licence by means of a separate test must be supervised by an instructor who holds a D1 or Full D category for at least 3 years and be 21 years of age and over. . See letter dated 7th June 2007 ( PDF 92kb opens new window)

New DSA fraud & Integrity Team

The DSA have recently set up a new “Fraud and Integrity Team” to investigate suspected illegal instructors. Individuals who are not suitably qualified present a significant danger to public safety and often any motor insurance in relation to the vehicle used is invalid.

The DSA take allegations of illegal instruction very seriously and so have recently appointed a dedicated Investigation Manager within the Fraud & Integrity Team to deal specifically with these types of cases.

Their role is to conduct an investigation and if there is sufficient evidence to proceed, the case is passed to the police to progress through the judicial process. ( PDF 121kb opens new window)

What to do if you or your minibus trainer or assessor is not qualified

If you or you minibus assessor/instructor is not a PCV D/D1 category holder (obtained through a separate driving test) for 3 years or more, you are advised to immediately cease training or cease to accept any training from them and politely explain the position. You are also advised to source alternative instruction and training from someone or an organisation that is professionally qualified, such as that offered through the Minibus Road safety training.

However, if you suspect that anyone or an organisation is continuing the practice of illegal instruction or supervising assessments we urge you to contact the DSA Fraud & Integrity Team on 02920 581290 with any information.

If you do not, then the safety of the instructor, driver and those who travel in the minibus could be at risk. Minibus passengers could well be your own children or elderly relatives. Could you live with your conscience if you said nothing and a fatal incident later occurred?

Alternatively, you can use the following form to supply any information which will be forwarded to the DSA Fraud & Integrity Team.