Minibus Driver training should be taken more seriously
As you may already know, you don't have to hold a PCV category on your licence to drive a minibus, unless you're driving commercially. However, derived from this there exists a dangerous and illegal misconception which suggests that you don't have to hold a PCV category to teach someone to drive a minibus.
Although there is no PCV ADI qualification the Law is still quite clear stating that you must either hold a full D or D1 category on your licence for 3 years before you can legally teach someone to drive a minibus.
More recently the DSA confirmed this legality and also announced a deadline of 10th April 2010 for all minibus instructors to hold or attain a PCV category on their licence in order to continue offering instruction. After this date anyone intending to act as a minibus instructor will have to wait a further 3 years after obtaining the correct licence category.
Changing perceptions - What can we do to change things for the better?
Despite the law many county councils, organisations and voluntary minibus training schemes still decide to promote and encourage minibus driver training and assessments to be conducted by someone only armed with a car licence.
In July 2009 SC Driver Services ended it association with the MiDAS scheme for a number of reasons including; no longer supporting the practice of car-licence holding instructors acting as minibus instructors or assessors.
In the place of MiDAS scheme, SC Driver Services will support and promote professional minibus driver training and driver assessments undertaken by qualified driving instructors in possession of a PCV licence category under the conditions as described by law.
Professional instruction from qualified instructors
In the absence of an official register of professional PCV instructors, SC Driver Services will create it's own register containing a network of professional PCV instructors. The network will feature on-line profiles highlighting the qualifications and experience held by individual instructors and driving courses available for the benefit of both instructor and trainee.
If you are a professionally qualified instructor (ADI) or driving school, PCV licence holder and would like to display your qualifications and offer your driving courses through the minibus website for Free then please contact SC Driver Services.
PCV Driving Instructors Wanted
Are you a PCV driving instructor or training provider? Please contact us today.
