Do Minibus Drivers Need an Operator’s Licence?

Do Minibus Drivers Need an Operator’s Licence? If you operate a passenger-carrying vehicle (PCV) with 9 or more seats and receive payment—whether directly or indirectly—you are legally required to hold an Operator’s Licence. This applies if payment comes from fares, school fees, or event tickets, as you’re transporting passengers for hire or reward. Schools, clubs, and private organizations must comply with these regulations to ensure lawful operation.

Minibus Operator’s Licence: Is It Required?

Yes, a minibus carrying between 9 and 16 passengers for hire or reward must have a PSV (Public Service Vehicle) Operator’s Licence. Whether you’re running a service for a fee or as part of another offering (like a school transport service), compliance with the PSV Operator’s Licence requirements is mandatory.

Types of Operator’s Licences

Restricted Operator’s Licence

A Restricted Operator’s Licence is designed for smaller operations, such as private schools running two or fewer minibuses (with 9 to 16 passenger seats). This type of licence offers the following advantages:

No need for a Transport Manager, simplifying the administration.

Schools can focus on education without managing the full complexity of transport operations.

Standard National or International Operator’s Licence

If your organisation operates a larger fleet or vehicles with more than 16 passenger seats, you’ll need a Standard National Licence. If your operations include international travel, a Standard International Licence is required.

These licences come with stricter requirements:

You must hire a Qualified Transport Manager to oversee fleet operations and ensure compliance with drivers’ hours and other legal obligations.

Strict maintenance standards must be followed, including regular vehicle safety inspections and record-keeping.

PSV Operator’s Licence Compliancec

To remain compliant, regular checks are essential. A PSV operator’s licence check involves verifying that all vehicles under your management are listed on your licence. This ensures your operation stays within the legal boundaries of your licence.

Section 19 Permits: Are They an Option?

Some schools may wonder if they can operate under a Section 19 Permit. While these permits are suitable for non-profit organisations, such as charities and youth groups (e.g., Scouts, churches), they are not available for private schools, as schools are considered profit-making entities. Therefore, schools must operate under an Operator’s Licence, not a Section 19 Permit.

Compliance with Drivers’ Hours Rules for School Transport

Even if school employees, such as teachers, are driving PCVs (minibuses with 9+ seats), they must follow the same regulations as professional drivers. The key rules include:

Tachograph Usage

Drivers of PCVs carrying more than 8 passengers must use a tachograph to record driving hours and ensure compliance with legal limits.

Breaks and Rest Periods

Drivers must take a 45-minute break after 4.5 hours of continuous driving.

A daily rest period of 11 consecutive hours is required between shifts. In rare cases, this can be shortened to 9 hours.

Weekly rest periods are essential: drivers must take at least 45 hours off within a two-week period.

Working Time Limits

Drivers cannot work more than 60 hours per week.

On average, over a 17-week period, working hours must not exceed 48 hours per week. This includes both driving and non-driving duties (e.g., teaching).

Record Keeping

Drivers must maintain detailed tachograph records for the previous 28 days, ensuring they are available for inspection by authorities.

Maintaining Compliance with Your Operator’s Licence

After obtaining an Operator’s Licence, continuous compliance is crucial. Key areas include:

Vehicle Maintenance and Safety Inspections

Conduct regular Preventive Maintenance Inspections (PMI), ideally every 6 to 12 weeks.

Keep detailed records of all safety checks and repairs.

Daily Vehicle Checks

Drivers should conduct pre-journey walk-around checks to identify issues with tyres, lights, or brakes. Any faults must be reported immediately, and unsafe vehicles should not be driven.

Tachograph Data Management

Tachograph data from vehicles should be downloaded at least every 90 days, though monthly checks are preferred.

Driver cards must be downloaded every 28 days to ensure drivers remain within the legal limits.

Tachograph Analysis

Regular tachograph data analysis is necessary. Schools should provide feedback to drivers regarding any violations, ensuring compliance with both the Operator’s Licence and drivers’ hours rules.

Driving Licence and Health Checks

Conduct quarterly checks on driving licences to ensure drivers remain qualified. Drivers should undergo eye tests every six months and submit an annual health declaration certifying their fitness to drive.

How EP Training Can Help

Managing school transport and ensuring compliance with driver and vehicle regulations can be overwhelming. EP Training offers expert guidance and services to help your school stay compliant. Here’s how they can assist:

D1 Minibus Licence Training

EP Training provides comprehensive training for drivers seeking a D1 licence, required to operate minibuses with 9 to 16 passenger seats. Courses cover both the theory and practical tests to prepare drivers for safe operation.

Driver CPC Training

EP Training offers Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) Training, which is mandatory for professional drivers in the EU, including school drivers. Periodic CPC courses ensure drivers remain up to date with current regulations.

Tachograph Compliance Support

EP Training can assist with tachograph data downloads, analysis, and compliance feedback, helping schools avoid violations of drivers’ hours rules.

Ongoing Support and Refresher Courses

EP Training provides ongoing compliance support, offering refresher courses and guidance to help schools maintain high safety and legal standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on PSV Operator’s Licence

What Is a PSV Operator’s Licence?

A PSV Operator’s Licence grants legal permission to operate a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) service, ensuring compliance with all relevant safety and legal requirements.

Who Needs a PSV Operator’s Licence?

Anyone operating PCVs for hire or reward, including schools, clubs, or private organisations running minibuses or larger vehicles, needs a PSV Operator’s Licence.

Conclusion

Obtaining and maintaining an Operator’s Licence is essential for any organisation operating PCVs. Ensuring compliance with drivers’ hours rules, vehicle maintenance, and safety inspections is critical to avoiding legal penalties and ensuring passenger safety. With the help of EP Training, schools can confidently manage their transport operations while staying compliant with all regulatory standards.

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