Are you physically fit to drive a minibus?

Your physical fitness as a driver is just as important as the roadworthiness of the minibus you drive. You “the driver” have a responsibility to be in total control of the minibus, just like any other vehicle, at all times.

However, if you’re not physically fit enough, then quite simply you will not be in control and consequently a danger to yourself, your passengers and other road users.

What can I do, to ensure that I’m physically fit to drive?

• Don’t drive while under the influence of alcohol. Remember, you can still be over the limit the day after. Any amount of alcohol will have an effect on your concentration to drive, whether you’re over the limit or not.
• Don’t drive while under the influence of drugs. Remember some prescription drugs can adversely affect the ability to drive. Check with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Have regular eye tests every 2 years and ensure that any necessary corrective eyewear is worn. Remember eyesight will naturally begin to deteriorate around the age 40-45 years.
• Stay calm and relaxed while driving and try to avoid situations which could lead to stress or road rage.
• Inform the minibus owner, operator or manager of any health problems or personal circumstances, which could reduce your concentration whilst driving.
• If you have any illness that will likely to last for more than three months you have a duty to notify the DVLA.
• Inform the minibus owner, operator or manager if you are tired, as this will reduce your concentration whilst driving… As Tiredness kills! (opens new window)

Think you can do the job with your eyes closed? (opens new window) Fatigue will become more of a problem at certain times of day and when nearing the end of a long journey. There is an increased likelihood of falling asleep in the afternoon and in the early hours of the morning. Therefore it’s essential that you Wake up to the signs of tiredness (opens new window) by recognising and avoiding what would put you at risk.

Do you drive a minibus in addition to working in a full time job?

Many volunteers and employees drive minibuses outside their normal employment duties, whether for their employer or on a voluntary basis for a charitable organisation. However, the risks can be greater for those who drive minibuses in addition to their work from those who just drive as their main work, like a bus or coach driver.

Professional Bus or Coach Drivers are governed by Drivers’ Hours & Tachograph regulations (opens new window) which stipulate the legal maximum number of hours a driver is allowed to spend behind the wheel. These limits are strictly governed and heavy fines are imposed on any driver or operator who infringes these rules.

Although there certain derogations and exemptions that exist for volunteer, non-commercial or minibuses driven under a permit, it must be remembered that drivers’ hour’s regulations are there primarily for the interests of safety, not hindrance.  

No excuse for anyone to exceed driving limits.

Regardless of whether you’re a professional or just a volunteer there is NO excuse for anyone to exceed driving hour’s regulations. After-all, we are ALL human and thus ALL require rest and sleep.

Therefore, it would be a breach of health & safety to allow a volunteer, school teacher or any other person to work longer hours with less rest, compared with a professional driver. Combining normal employment responsibilities with minibus driving that extends beyond the normally permitted hours, expected from a professional driver, should not be allowed.

For more information regarding the limits of driving hours adhered by professional bus and coach drivers please refer to the publication Drivers’ Hours & Tachograph regulations.  

Remember if these rules are there to protect professional drivers, then they should also be there to protect “You” as a minibus driver, regardless of the reason why you’re driving the minibus. Ignorance of basic health & safety laws and drivers’ hour’s rules would jeopardise minibus road safety with disastrous consequences.

Next: The “Good Practice” course of action

Minibus “Safety-check” reference guide:

• A Safety Check worth remembering
• Regulations and responsibilities of driving or operating a minibus
• Statutory safety checks before driving a minibus
• Operating your minibus is in a safe and roadworthy condition?
• Are you physically fit to drive a minibus?
• The “Good Practice” course of action
• Can I legally drive a Minibus?
• Adding a new PCV category to your licence
• Operator Licencing
• PSV 437 Operator Licencing (opens new window)
• PSV 385 Minibus operating for voluntary groups (opens new window)
• Safe Operators guide (opens new window)
• Drivers’ Hours & Tachograph regulations (opens new window)
• VOSA (Vehicle & Operator Services Agency)
• Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness ( opens new window)
• Minibus Walkaround Check Poster (opens new window)
• INDG 382 Health & Safety, Driving at work (opens new window)
• Minibus Road Safety Training