School mini bus

[yamamoto]

Can any one drive one??

Usually people have to be over 21 or 25, driving licence for 3+ years and/or have taken the LEA minibus driving certificate

I think it depends on how many seats and also when you got your licence, as some of the things changed a few years back. I remeber my mum used to drive a mini bus for my primary school and she didn't take any special tests as far as I know - but I'll check!

You have to have a clean license too. And I am sure there's a cetrtificate you have to get from LEA here as well.

I've done the test, different authorities do it differently, when I took it in Kent you did a days course first, where I work in Surrey (I haven't bothered to do it here) you just take the course. It is an insurance requirement, I think you may now also have to have a criminal records check now like others who teach / volunteer in schools

I drive our school minibus (15 seater)

I didn't have to do any special test with the DVLA or other - if you are driving it and are not 'paid' for driving it (in addition to your regular duties) you do not need any addition tests. A school may have a policy that says you do however, and also insurance on the minibus may also require this. My license details were passed on to the insurers but I didn't need any additional checks - have been at the school for 7 years. This is in Ealing.

BUT REMEMBER- if anything happens you are on YOUR OWN. It and the kids on board are your responsibility- not the school. If you get stopped by the police and it's got a bald tyre etc- it's YOUR responsibility. Our union advises us NOT to drive the school minibus- think very carefully before you do-if anything goes wrong you could end up in serious trouble... sad but unfortunately it's true