The “Good Practice” course of action

Road traffic laws

Everyone who uses the public highway, including all minibus owners, operators and drivers must comply with road traffic legislation which is overseen by the Department for Transport (DfT). The Dft is also supported by executive agencies and other government bodies;

• Driving Standards Agency (DSA) responsible for all driving tests.
• The Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) responsible for supplying information and the issuing of driving licences.
• Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) responsible for undertaking MOT tests, ensuring & enforcing high standards for vehicle roadworthiness.
• The Police supporting government agencies and enforcement of road traffic laws.
• The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) supports the DfT, the Police, VOSA and other government bodies with the standards and enforcement of Health & safety legislation.

Owning or operating a minibus not only comes with the responsibility of complying with road traffic legislation, but also a responsibility for training drivers, volunteers and staff to ensure they also understand the importance of observing these rules.   

 

Can I legally drive a Minibus?

Did you know that a minibus is one of the most complicated vehicles to drive? ....Not necessary physically, but knowing whether you have the correct category on your licence as entitlements change depending on who is driving, who owns the minibus and the type of passengers you are carrying.  If you're found to have the incorrect category on your licence, you would be committing a motoring offence. Find out if you or your drivers can legally drive your minibus?

 

Adding a new PCV category to your licence

There are some circumstances where a PCV licence is needed to drive a minibus. This section will help explain the various steps to acquire the correct licence category; from medicals to provisional entitlement to theory and practical driving tests to help you add a new PCV category to your licence.

 

Operator licencing

Operating minibuses with the intention of collecting fares from passengers is referred to as "Hire and Reward"; therefore in one form or another you will need an operators licence or permit. However, you will first need to determine what type of operation you currently or intend to manage as this will differ depending on you or your organisations circumstances before you decide which licence or permit you apply for.

 

PSV 437 Operator Licencing

The purpose of this guide (opens new window) is to explain how the operator licensing system works for public service vehicles (PSV’s). The Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 introduced some important changes to the operator licensing laws: this Guide covers these changes and tries to answer basic questions about the system.

 

PSV 385 Minibus operating for voluntary groups

The purpose of this guide (opens new window) is to offer advice to those in the voluntary sector who are concerned with providing passenger transport; to explain the rules governing the permit system; and to assist those who wish to apply for permits issued under Section 19 or Section 22 of the Transport Act 1985.

 

Safe Operators guide

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has produced this guide (opens new window) to explain the operator’s licensing system and to help make sure that all goods and passenger carrying vehicles are used safely and legally.

The procedures and systems explained in this Guide are useful for both new and established users of goods and passenger vehicles. The guidance applies to everyone – whether you already hold an Operator’s Licence or, because of the size of your vehicles or their use, you do not need a licence.

 

Drivers’ Hours & Tachograph regulations

This guide (opens new window) provides advice to drivers and operators of passenger vehicles, whether used privately or commercially. It explains the rules for drivers’ hours and the keeping of records, and it replaces publication PSV 375 (dated December 2006). The EU regulations also place a responsibility on others in the passenger transport industry such as tour organisers, contractors, sub-contractors and driver agencies. People working in these branches of the passenger transport industry may benefit from an understanding of the guidance offered here.

 

VOSA (Vehicle & Operator Services Agency)

On the 1st April 2003 The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) was established by merging the former Vehicle Inspectorate and the Traffic Area Network Division of the Department for Transport.
 
VOSA provides a range of licensing, testing and enforcement services with the aim of improving the roadworthiness standards of vehicles ensuring the compliance of operators and drivers with road traffic legislation, and supporting the independent Traffic Commissioners.

 

Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has produced this guide (opens new window) to explain the responsibilities and systems involved in maintaining vehicles in a roadworthy condition, regardless of operating conditions, fleet size or vehicle type.

The procedures and systems explained in this Guide are useful for operators, drivers and all those who are responsible for operating, maintaining or providing commercial goods and passenger carrying vehicles.

 

Minibus Walkaround Check Poster

This Pull-out poster (opens new window) produced by SC Driver Services provides a list and highlights items through a visual aid to help owners, operators and drivers to undertake their daily walk-round checks.

 

Health & Safety

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers and organisations to take appropriate steps to ensure the health and safety of their employees and others, such as passengers, who may be affected by their activities. These activities include driving a minibus.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 place duties on employers to assess risks and where necessary take action to eliminate or control the risks. Although these cannot be completely controlled an employer or organisation has a responsibility to take all reasonable steps to manage these risks down to as low a level as reasonably possible.

Your organisation, if not already done so, should draw up a policy for driving at work. (opens new window) This should also include taking responsibility for checking that all drivers are licensed to drive, the vehicle is roadworthy, has appropriate insurance and other documentation.

Drivers should be informed that they are required to inform, a manager or any other responsible person within the organisation, of any changes in their personal circumstances, e.g. penalty points etc and use of any prescription medication that would affect their ability to drive safely.

 

Minibus Road safety Training for Staff and Volunteers

The selection of drivers is also important. If staff and volunteers are being asked to drive a minibus then only fully trained, licensed and competent drivers should only be used. In addition, any necessary or additional qualifications should be verified and checked.

Evidence has shown that organisations who offer staff or volunteers specific training in safe driving techniques and Minibus Road Safety have a lower accident rate compared to similar organisations in the same sector.

 

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