Driving the Minibus

3 Steps to Becoming a Driver

  1. Download the Driver registration form and fill it in.
  2. Send a scan or photo of the form along with a scan of your full driving licence card by email to Don Kelly, or send a copy to the postal address, and let him know the first date you would like to drive the bus and the days and times when you would be available for training.
  3. You will then be offered suitable dates for training and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Please allow a minimum of four weeks notice for training

Driver Responsibilities

Please note these are Mandatory failure to comply will mean exemption

Hi Friends endeavours to offer a village-based service for the elderly and residents at a fair price. We rely on your support to achieve this by identifying issues early.

Driver Registration

All Drivers must be registered and supply proof of eligibility to drive a 15 seater minibus.

Driver Familiarisation

All drivers must have a demonstrable level of competence, this is monitored at a familiarisation session with the vehicle. You will need to book this well in advance of your first planned trip to avoid disappointment.

Drivers should not use the tail-lift without an additional training session – this is a Health & Safety requirement.

Prior to a Trip

Drivers are required to check:

  • Is the User Manual to hand?
  • Was the bus locked when you collected it?
  • Is there any external damage – record it on the Log Sheet and in the Log Book?
  • Is there enough fuel?
  • Are there enough engine fluids (oil, coolant, washer fluid) (if making a longer trip)?

During a Trip

Drivers are required to:

  • Wear the reflective safety vest when overseeing passengers in traffic
  • Actively manage use of doors, discourage passengers from opening or shutting doors themselves.
  • Record any vehicle faults in the Log Book
  • Report any significant malfunctions or damage by telephone using the published contact numbers
  • If you accidentally fill the vehicle with PETROL instead of diesel, do NOT drive the bus. Use the breakdown service for recovery to have the tank pumped out. Your organisation is responsible for the cost of drainage and replacement of fuel (value of fuel to be £50)

After the trip

Drivers are required to:

  • Ensure that you, or your passengers, sweep up and remove all rubbish and replace all loose items in their storage bins.
  • Be responsible for securely locking the bus exactly as directed and for checking that the windows and doors are all locked.
  • Report ALL issues arising from the above checks in the Log book immediately, as well as making phone calls where appropriate. That way we are better placed to identify users who do not comply, and leave the bus in an untidy or damaged condition.