Minibus driver training on offer from Caithness Rural Transport
Caithness Rural Transport now has a fully qualified D1 trainer and 16-seat wheelchair adapted minibus that can be used for minibus driver training as well as for hire by the community.
Transport coordinator Coreen Campbell explained: “Before you can drive a minibus with more than eight seats, it is important to check your driving licence in relation to restricted licence entitlement for category D1.”
If you passed your driving test prior to 1997:
- You will have automatically inherited your D1 licence as part of your driving test and can drive on a voluntary basis with the D1 101 restriction.
- You are not permitted to drive commercially with the D1 101 restriction.
If you passed your driving test after 1997:
- You can drive vehicles less than 3.5 tonnes with between eight and 16 passenger seats on a voluntary basis only.
- You are not permitted to drive a minibus with more than eight seats on a commercial basis.
“If you would like to obtain D1 entitlement, we can now provide the training here at Caithness Rural Transport,” Mrs Campbell said.
“The D1 driving training course will require you to apply for a provisional licence with either category D or D1 on it and to also pass a medical examination. Prior to booking and sitting the practical driving test, you will also be required to sit the hazard perception and theory tests for category D buses.
There is a big difference in driving a minibus in comparison to driving a car.
“The total costs per person for the D1 driver training programme includes £195 for medical and theory, case study and hazard tests, plus £800 for three-day training, hire of minibus and test fee related costs.
“The driving test will be undertaken either in Orkney or Inverness. Community groups looking at this opportunity can contact Caithness Voluntary Group for advice on funding sources to help meet these costs.
“This training is available to community groups, local businesses and anyone who would like to have D1 on their driving licence.”
Mrs Campbell added: “There is a big difference in driving a minibus in comparison to driving a car, and just because you are legally entitled it doesn’t necessarily mean you are safe. This training is good practice for people considering driving a minibus and will give them more confidence before driving one.
“We also offer MiDAS [Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme] at a cost of £60 per person. This training is designed to enhance minibus driving standards and promote the safer operation of minibuses.
“It includes guidance on securing a wheelchair into a minibus and assisting someone with mobility difficulties. We would strongly recommend MiDAS training to all drivers new to minibuses.”
For further details contact Coreen or Valerie at Caithness Rural Transport on 01955 605588 or email coreen@cvg.org.uk
Caithness Rural Transport is part of Caithness Voluntary Group.