MINIBUS USAGE POLICY
It is the aim of The Oaklands Primary School that all staff who drive a
minibus will have received MIDAS training and will apply this knowledge
whenever driving a minibus. Volunteer drivers should be aware that MIDAS
is not a recognised qualification under our own school’s minibus insurance
terms and conditions therefore allowing any competent person over the age
of 21 to drive.
This policy applies to those buses owned by the school or those borrowed
or hired:
1. The school must satisfy itself that all drivers are safe to drive prior to
use. The Principal will make this judgement and should be informed of
any motoring convictions that are current or pending with the
exception of speeding offences. All drivers must have no medical
issues which would impair their safe driving of the minibus.
2. Members of staff must volunteer to drive the minibus; they must not
be directed or coerced by another member of staff.
3. All drivers must hold a full driving license, have been driving for at
least 2 years and be over the age of 21. Drivers who possess a D1
entitlement are permitted to drive all minibuses, drivers without this
entitlement (generally those who passed after 1997) are permitted to
drive minibuses under 3.5 tonnes or 4.25 tonnes in weight including
specialist equipment for disabled passengers, eg a wheelchair ramp
provided they have a Section 19 Permit which states that it should not
be driven for ‘hire or reward’.
4. It is the responsibility of the driver to make sure the minibus is in a
roadworthy condition before beginning a journey.
5. Insurance to drive the minibus is provided by the school or the host
establishment if borrowed or hired.
6. Drivers must have an additional adult in the rear of the minibus who
should deal with the welfare and behaviour of pupils so that the driver
is not distracted.
7. Any damage to the vehicle must be reported immediately on return to
school. Accidents that render the vehicle immobile should be reported
to the school immediately and the insurance company contacted to
arrange recovery and forward travel.
8. Any penalty points incurred while driving the minibus are the
responsibility of the driver, not the school.
I confirm that I understand and agree to the terms and conditions above
and am willing to volunteer my services to drive a minibus.
Name: ___________________
Signed: __________________
Date: _______________