SCHOOL MINIBUS POLICY

Transcription

1 SCHOOL MINIBUS POLICY APPROVED: AUGUST 2017 REVIEW DATE: JULY 2018 Responsibilities The Governing Body of the schools is responsible for ensuring any school minibuses operated on behalf of the school fully comply in every respect, with all legal transport and health and safety requirements. This responsibility is delegated to the Headteacher to ensure its appropriate implementation. Legal Requirements The law requires that a minibus must: Be adequately insured Be well maintained Have a valid MOT certificate (if more than one year old) Have the correct road tax and insurance At the time of driving be fit for purpose in line with appropriate laws and legislation Correct seating with correctly fitted seat belts The Governing Body and the Headteacher will ensure that the school has our own safety policy and procedures for the minibuses in line with the ROSPA Advice for Minibus Safety and their code of practice (see appendix 1). A copy of the full code of practice is held within school. The Governing Body and the Headteacher will ensure that all drivers of a minibus comply with the requirements issued in April 2006 by the DfES in their statement, Licensing incidental drivers of the school minibus, Chapter 6 Planning Transport in Health and Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits (DfES 1998, supplemented 2002), (See Appendix 2) The Governing Body and the Headteacher will ensure that the minibus carries, at all times, a fire extinguisher and a first aid box. The fire extinguisher must be a British Standard fire extinguisher. The first aid box must be of a good, reliable quality and suitable design. Appendix 3 details the contents. Management of the Minibus The Strategic Business & Curriculum Manager & Business Manager, who report to the Headteacher, will have responsibility for the management of the minibus. This responsibility will be carried out in liaison with the School Finance Officer. The Management system, detailed below, will be monitored by the Strategic Business & Curriculum Manager to ensure that both organisers and drivers are complying with all requirements. Records should be kept for a minimum of 18 months. These records should be regularly inspected. Management System

2 The Strategic Business & Curriculum Manager and Business Manager will ensure the following: All staff use the proper booking procedures for use of the school minibus All drivers are familiar with, and adhere to, the contents of Appendix 1 All drivers will be responsible for familiarise themselves with the relevant ROSPA guidance. All drivers will understand the personal legal implications if procedures are not adhered to. For example, It is the driver s licence that will suffer if the vehicle is found to be defective. It is also the driver s responsibility to ensure the safety (including the use of seat belts) and welfare of all passengers. ROSPA February 2008 Insurance cover, MOT and tax should be up to date Vehicle registration documents are held securely That all drivers complete the mileage log for all journeys. The log should include the date of the journey, start and finish mileages, purpose of the journey and the driver name. That the log is checked at least half termly to ensure the log is correctly completed and all mileage is accounted for. Ensure that the minibus is securely parked and the keys held securely. Access to the minibus keys should be restricted to authorised users. Fuel usage will be regularly checked to ensure fuel purchases agree with the mileage recorded in the log. That the licences of all drivers are checked to ensure that they are permitted to drive a minibus. This should be recorded and the check repeated every 12 months. Familiarisation training should be provided for all new users of the minibus and Business Manager will ensure the following: All staff use the proper booking procedures for use of the school minibus All drivers are familiar with, and adhere to, the contents of Appendix 1 Insurance cover, MOT and tax should be up to date Vehicle registration documents are held securely That all drivers complete the mileage log for all journeys. The log should include the date of the journey, start and finish mileages, purpose of the journey and the driver name. That the log is checked at least half termly to ensure the log is correctly completed and all mileage is accounted for. Ensure that the minibus is securely parked and the keys held securely. Access to the minibus keys should be restricted to authorised users. Fuel usage will be regularly checked to ensure fuel purchases agree with the mileage recorded in the log. That the licences of all drivers are checked to ensure that they are permitted to drive a minibus. This should be recorded and the check repeated every 12 months. Familiarisation training should be provided for all new users of the minibus Minibus Bookings and Administration All bookings should be made using the booking diary in the Finance Office. A list of students and staff on the journey, and journey details (to include departure and return times) is to be left with the school office prior to departure. The office should be provided with relevant contact numbers for staff using the vehicle(s).

3 Drivers must sign for the vehicle in the booking diary when collecting the minibus keys from the Finance Office (failure to do so may render the journey unauthorised for insurance purposes), and collect the Minibus File, which contains a copy of the Highway Code, the Minibus Policy, spare checklists, a notepad and pen. Drivers must return the vehicle s keys and the Minibus File to the Finance Office on returning to school. If the minibus is being returned out of school hours, the keys and minibus file should be handed in on the next working day. Equipment It is recommended that the following equipment is carried on board the Minibus. If items are used during a journey, please inform the First Aid team at school who will replenish supplies: First Aid Box containing - 10 antiseptic wipes, foil packed - 1 conforming disposable bandage (not less than 7.5cm wide) - 2 triangular bandages - 1 packet of 24 assorted adhesive dressings - 3 large sterile un-medicated ambulance dressings (not less than 15cmx20cm) - 2 sterile eye pads with attachments - 12 assorted safety pins - 1 pair rustproof blunt-ended scissors - Disposable gloves - Mouth mask for resuscitation Fire Extinguisher -At least one fire extinguisher (which complies with BS 5432 or equivalent and has a minimum test rating of 8A or 21B) that contains foam. Warning Triangle - This should be used in the event of breakdown and carefully positioned 50m behind the vehicle to warn other road users of the broken down vehicle. Hi-Visibility Vest

4 Advice for Minibus Drivers On journeys where an escort is present, the items below should be divided between the escort and the driver, with the driver concentrating on those tasks which directly relate to driving the vehicle. The driver will comply fully with all road traffic laws, respecting speed limits and ensuring use of seatbelts at all times. For longer journeys, frequent rest breaks are to be taken in line with the recommended ROSPA and DfE guidance. The driver will never use a mobile phone (hand held or hands free) as the driver of the vehicle unless it is parked in a safe place with the engine switched off. Making genuine emergency 999 calls whilst driving is legal. The School will not refund fines or other costs incurred by drivers as a result of any road traffic or parking offence. Drivers must inform the Health and Safety Coordinator of any penalty points received whilst using the school minibus; failure to do so will result in disciplinary action. National speed limits apply to the school minibus. It is school policy that under normal road conditions, a minibus should not be driven in the third lane of a motorway. Vehicles are not to be driven by anyone who has consumed any amount of alcohol or illegal substance. Some medication may impair a driver s ability and employees who are taking medicines of this nature are not to drive vehicles. All accidents, whether or not they cause injury to persons or damage to property, are to be reported to the school as soon as possible after they occur. Keys must not be left in an unattended vehicle at any time. Due consideration must be given to parking in secure areas as much as possible, particularly where overnight stays are required. Vehicles must not be driven at any if the load being carried exceeds the maximum allowable weight capacity. Smoking is prohibited at all times on within 25m of the minibus Driver s Assistant With the exception of short journeys, a second member of staff or an adult volunteer will normally be on every journey as the driver s assistant. For short journeys of less than thirty minutes duration an assistant should not be needed unless circumstances require one the minibus risk assessment will determine if a driver s assistant is needed. This person should be positioned near the back of the minibus to observe behaviour and maintain good order. They can also make and receive phone calls so the driver does not have to. They should also help with reversing and need to be visible at all times to the reversing driver. They should assist in a break down or accident and can act as a relief driver if they are trained and authorised to do so. Distraction during driving

5 Monitoring The Strategic Business and Curriculum Manager will report to the Headteacher termly on the operation of this policy. Review The policy will be reviewed annually by the Governors Health and Safety Committee during the summer term. APPENDIX 1 ROSPA : ADVICE AND INFORMATION : MINIBUS SAFETY The school minibus pre-drive safety check Do this before every journey. Walk around the vehicle to check for visible defects, and then check the items listed below. Exterior check (check OK or NOT OK) Oil level Coolant level Windscreen washer fluid level Brake fluid level Windscreen & windows clean and undamaged Lights including brake lights and indicators are clean and working. Tyre pressures, including spares (and inner tyres and tyres on trailer if applicable) Tyre tread, including spares (and inner tyres as above). At least 3 mm across centre ¾ is recommended. Any cuts and bulges? Doors open and close properly Interior check (check OK or NOT OK) Mirrors correctly adjusted, clean and unobstructed Position & function of all dashboard controls Position of driving seat so all pedals can be operated comfortably Pressure on brake pedal Lights & indicators are working Wipers & washers working properly Fuel level (and type of fuel) Seat belts are undamaged and working properly Location of wheel brace and jack Location and contents of first aid kit & fire extinguisher(s) Location of relevant paperwork (permit, MoT etc) Change for parking or telephone (mobile/phonecard) Luggage securely stowed; aisles & exits clear Brake Checks

6 Check brakes before loading passengers. With engine running, check handbrake is working properly & brake pedal is firm when pushed Conduct a moving brake test, off the road, if possible. Reach a speed of not more than 15 mph check mirrors and, if safe, apply brakes fairly firmly. Brakes should work efficiently; vehicle should not pull to one side; luggage should remain secure. If faults that might affect the vehicle s or passengers safety are found, the vehicle must not be used until they are all remedied. Before setting off Allow sufficient time for the journey. Plan breaks. Avoid long spells of driving when children might get bored and restless. Conduct a pre-drive safety check before every journey. Never allow passengers to board until the vehicle is at a complete standstill, and safely parked by an adjacent pavement or other traffic-free area. Ensure children are supervised when boarding vehicle, especially if using rear door. Plan which passengers will sit in the front seats and by the doors. Do not exceed the carrying capacity of the minibus. Make sure everyone is sitting, one to a seat and are using seat belts. When school bus signs are used, make sure they are in position only while children are being transported, and that they do not obstruct your vision. Ensure ambulant disabled passengers are seated safely and comfortably and passengers travelling in wheelchairs are safely restrained. Securely store wheelchairs not in use. Carry a complete list of passengers with notes of special needs. Keep list with other relevant documents in place where can be readily found in event of an accident. Comply with manufacturer s instructions when using passenger lifts and other specialist equipment. Check that no bags or clothing are caught in doors, that all luggage is secure and gangways and exits are clear. Check all mirrors every time before moving off in case latecomers are approaching the vehicle. During the journey Do not allow boisterous play of any kind. Food and Drinks are not be consumed on the bus. Try to keep children occupied (if escort on board) give something to do beforehand. Enforce "No Smoking", No prohibited items and "No alcohol" rules. Do not allow passengers to operate doors. Approach each stop slowly and with care Use Hazard Warning Lights on school trips where children are boarding or leaving vehicle. If serious delay during journey, inform school so that information can be passed to parents/carers. A mobile telephone is useful for this purpose (although it should not be used whilst driving the vehicle). Children must not be left unaccompanied on the minibus. If there is a risk of fire, evacuate vehicle and move occupants to a safe place. If you have to stop in an emergency or break down while on a motorway, only stop on the hard shoulder and as far away from the carriageway and passing traffic as possible.

7 Journey s end Supervise children when leaving vehicle, especially if using rear exit. Ensure that students are supervised getting in and off the side entrance Supervise children getting on and off the side entrance, monitoring the additional step that automatically comes out. Ensure that children know about the automatic side entrance step and know how to enter and exit the bus correctly and safely using all exits and entrances Never allow passengers to leave until vehicle is at a complete standstill and safely parked. Always park so that passengers step onto the footway and not the road. Take care when reversing if children are nearby. If you have to reverse, get an adult help in directing you. Do not leave children alone if no one has come to collect them. Report problems or incidents that occurred during the trip to the Headteacher and or Business Manager. Advice for Parents and Guardians Teaching road safety is one of the most important duties of a parent. It must include teaching children to behave properly when they use public transport. Minibuses are not places for play. Please read these guidelines before allowing your child to make a minibus journey. Pick Up and Drop Off Points Be punctual: Make sure your child is ready at the proper time. It is your responsibility to ensure that your child gets to and from the minibus safely. Make sure your child knows what to do if the minibus is late or does not arrive. Wait with your child: Wait on the side of the road where the bus stops. Make sure youstand on the side of the road where the bus sets them down on the return journey. Avoid calling your child across the road to you. Children are excited when they have just come back from a minibus outing and traffic will be the last thing on their mind. Safe Crossing Places: Make sure that your child knows and understands what are safe crossing places, and how to use them, e.g. zebra crossings, pelican crossings, central islands, subways, footbridges. Avoid more hazardous places like bends, corners, the brows of hills, between parked cars etc. Use the Green Cross Code. Make sure your child knows and understands how to use the Code. Young children should not be allowed to cross the road unaccompanied. Meet your child: Make sure that you, or another carer are at the pre-arranged meeting point when your child returns home, and have the telephone number of other parents, the school or other relevant contact person to pass on messages if required. Safe route: Make sure that both you and your child know the safest route home after leaving the minibus, and always use it. On the Minibus Behaviour: Teach your child to act sensibly on or around minibuses. Make sure your child knows that boisterous and other poor behaviour is dangerous as it may distract the driver s attention and lead to an accident. Children need to listen to the driver s and escort s (if applicable) instructions and carry them out.

8 Contact Details: Make sure that the person responsible for the minibus has up-todate information about your child, including contact details for emergencies. Medical Details: If your child has any special requirements, make sure the person responsible for the minibus has all relevant medical information. Other Details: Advise the driver (and escort) if there is a particular difficulty with your child on the day of the trip, e.g. is upset. Consider whether your child should go on the journey in such circumstances. Damage: Any vandalism caused by your child whilst on a journey is your responsibility. Persistent offenders may not be accepted on future journeys. Damage to a minibus could endanger your own, or someone else s child. Concerns: Report any worries you may have to a responsible person, such as the Headteacher or group leader. Advice for Children on Minibuses ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEATBELT AND REMAIN SEATED UNLESS IN AN EMERGENCY ENSURE THAT YOU KNOW ALL OF THE EXITS AND ENTRANCES ENSURE THAT YOU KNOW WHERE THE EMERGENCY TOOLS AND FIRST AID KIT IS KEPT Here are some helpful hints to keep you, and others, safe while on a minibus journey Arrive on time, and wait for the minibus away from the road. Don t push or rush towards the minibus when it arrives. Find a seat quickly and quietly without pushing. You may have already been allocated a seat. Stay seated when the minibus is moving and wear your seat belt. Avoid kneeling in your seat as this is dangerous. Make sure your bags do not block gangways and exits, or take up seats. Only speak to the driver when he or she is not driving, or in an emergency. Distracting the driver can be very dangerous. No food or drinks are to be consumed on the bus Never throw things or play about in the minibus; never ever throw things out of the minibus window as you could cause other drivers to have an accident. Wait until the minibus has stopped completely before getting up to leave. Take your belongings with you when you leave the minibus, except in an emergency when you should leave them behind. Take care if returning to the minibus after getting off as the driver may be pulling away. If you have to cross the road after getting off the minibus, wait for it to move away first. Use the Green Cross Code. Go to the toilet before you get on the minibus. If you need to use the toilet or you feel unwell during the journey, tell the escort, or the driver if the escort is not present. The Green Cross Code 1. First find a safe place to cross, then stop. It is safer to cross at subways, footbridges, pedestrian islands, zebra and pelican crossings or where there is a police officer, school crossing patrol or traffic warden. If you can t find one of these, choose a place where you can see clearly along the road in all directions. 2. Stand on the pavement near the kerb.

9 3. Look all around for traffic and listen. Traffic may be coming from any direction. Sometimes you can hear traffic before you can see it. 4. If traffic is coming, let it pass. Look all around again. 5. When there is no traffic near, walk straight across the road. Do not cross unless there is a safe gap and you are sure that you have plenty of time to get across. If in doubt, don t cross. Always walk across, don t run. 6. Keep looking and listening for traffic while you cross. MINIBUS SAFETY: A CODE OF PRACTICE Amendment Sept 2010 Driver Licences Section to (page 9) of Minibus Safety : A Code of Practice are replaced with the following sections : Volunteer Drivers The EU s exemption for volunteer drivers was designed to cater for charities who use minibuses but who would not have been able to provide training for all their volunteer drivers. Unfortunately, the term volunteer driver was not defined and has not been tested in law. Therefore, there have been differing views and conflicting advice as to whether or not teachers driving a school minibus are volunteer drivers and so exempt from the need to have a D1 PCV driving licence It is the Operator s and individual driver s responsibility to ensure that the driver is appropriately licensed to drive the minibus. The DVLA does not rule on specific cases, as this is a matter for the police and courts. If challenged, an individual driver and the operator would have to show that they were complying with the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 correctly In April 2006, the DfE published its policy statement entitled, Licencing for incidental drivers of the school minibus. This states that teachers or other school staff are mostly exempt from having to hold a D1 PCV driving licence to drive the school minibus because they are not being paid specifically to drive, i.e. driving is not mentioned in their contract of employment. For the exemption to apply, the following conditions from section 7(6) of the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 must be met : Drivers are aged 21 years and over They have held their category B driving licence for at least 2 years The minibus is being used by a non-commercial body for social purposes, but not for hire or reward Drivers are not being paid to drive the minibus, other than out-of-pocket expenses The minibus does not exceed 3.5 tonnes (or 4.25 tonnes if specialised equipment for the carriage of disabled passengers is included) No trailer is towed However, the DfE Statement also states that it would be bad practice for school staff to drive the minibus solely on the basis that they have held a class B licence for two years. It sets out good practice options for exempted school staff and encourages schools to ensure that staff who drive the school minibus receive appropriate training. It also includes a paragraph on the Certificate of Professional Competence.

10 3.6.6 Therefore, it is now government policy that if a teacher s contract of employment states that driving a minibus is part of their job, the teacher must hold a D1 PCV licence to drive a school minibus. If they drive a minibus with a Maximum Authorised Mass greater than 3.5 tonnes, or 4.25 tonnes if specialised equipment for the carriage of disabled passengers is included (and this includes most newer minibuses), they must hold a D1 PCV licence. If the contract of employment does not refer to driving, or the maximum authorised mass of the minibus does not exceed 3.5 tones (or 4.25 tonnes), they do not need to hold a D1 PCV licence, but it would be good practice to do so The DfE statement sets out Government policy. Only a court can issue a legal ruling RoSPA s advice is that irrespective of the legal requirements, teachers and other school staff who drive a school minibus should receive specific minibus driving training, and preferably hold a D1 PCV licence. Schools that wish to adopt the exemptions for teachers and other staff on the basis that their contract of employment does not refer to driving, should also check if driving is included in the job description. If so, the school should seek legal advice to check if the job description forms part of the contract of employment. The school may also wish to seek legal advice on whether a teacher who is subject to school rules and discipline when driving the school minibus out of hours can be regarded as a volunteer even if their contract does not specify driving The DfE policy statement is available at Best practice Education employers must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health andsafety of staff and anyone else who may be affected by their activities, including pupils participating in off-site visits. Advanced driver training mitigates the risks to staff and pupils when school staff drive in the course of their work. Acquiring the D1 PCV licence is a good practice option for exempted staff, but there are other options, for example MIDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme) certificates, awarded on a 4-yearly cycle of training and assessment. The DfE understands there are other training arrangements provided by the RoSPA and that individual local authorities have their own in-house training and assessment schemes. Local authorities and other education employers could consider such training/assessment programmes as these. Chapter 1 of Health and Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits (DfES) sets out the legal requirement about risk management.

11 APPENDIX 2 LICENSING INCIDENTAL DRIVERS OF THE SCHOOL MINIBUS This statement updates Chapter 6 Planning Transport in Health and Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits (DfES 1998, supplemented 2002). Summary In most circumstances, minibus drivers must hold a D1 PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle)licence. However, school staff who hold a car (Class B) licence can legally drive a school minibus without a D1 PCV licence as long as certain conditions are met. The most significant requirement is that staff are not specifically remunerated for driving through their contract of employment or otherwise. The other conditions are set out and explained later in this statement. It would, nonetheless, be bad practice for school staff to drive the minibus solely on the basisthat they have held a Class B licence for two years. There are a range of options for further training, including the D1 PCV licence and other courses established by employers and others to secure a high level of competence for incidental minibus drivers. The statutory risk assessment process should help an employer choose which good practice option is most appropriate. The exemption is only for a minibus weighing no more than 3.5 tonnes. In the medium term, when a school replaces its minibus, it is likely to lose exemption because newer minibuses tend to weigh more than 3.5 tonnes, and the Government has no plans to change the weight limit on the exemption. Therefore, we advise schools to consider investing in D1 PCV training over the next few years, since the law will require it in the longer term, if or when they move to a heavier minibus. 1. Car driver licences issued before 1997 carried an entitlement to drive a minibus not for hire or reward. Car driver licences issued since then (B category) do not. A category B licence holder driving a minibus must now also hold a D1 PCV, unless they meet conditions for exemption, which are : The driver is 21 or over and has held a car driver (B) licence for not less than 2 years The vehicle is being used by a non-commercial body for social purposes but not for hire or reward The minibus driver receives no consideration for driving other than out of pocket expenses. 3. It follows that car drivers are exempt from the D1 PCV licensing requirement when they drive a minibus in the course of their employment and are not paid for doing so. This means that most teachers and other school staff may legally drive the school minibus on their category B car driver licence because their contract of employment does not expressly require them to drive a PCV. See also paragraph Some independent schools which lack charitable status could be viewed as commercial bodies and we advise such schools to seek their own legal advice. There are also restrictions on the minibus weight and on towing a trailer details available at the DVLA website as below. Good practice options 5. Education employers must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of staff and anyone else who may be affected by their activities, including pupils participating in off-site visits. Advanced driver training mitigates the risks to staff and pupils when school staff drive in the course of their work. Acquiring the D1 PCV licence is a good practice option for exempted staff, but there are other options, for example MIDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme) certificates, awarded on a 4-yearly cycle of training and

12 assessment. The DfE understands there are other training arrangements provided by the RoSPA and that individual local authorities have their own in-house training and assessment schemes. Local authorities and other education employers could consider such training/assessment programmes as these. Chapter 1 of Health and Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits (DfES) sets out the legal requirement about risk management. Non exemption 6. The exemption does not apply where a driver s employment contract expressly states that driving a PCV vehicle is part of the job. Employers of, for example, support staff hired as drivers, or of instructors at outdoor education centres, should check the contracts of these categories of staff carefully before concluding whether or not a D1 PCV licence is required. Employers of part time teachers working extra hours and being paid additionally for driving a PCV should also check their contract(s) to establish whether a D1 PCV qualification is needed. 7. The exemption does not apply where a minibus exceeds 3.5 tonnes or where a trailer is attached. Out of Hours Driving There are a number of other situations in which the exemption does not apply. These include : Driving in other European member states; Driving in the UK during out of hours situations (for example, during school holidays) where pupils or parents have to pay for carriage (unless the bus has a section 19 permit allowing not for profit charging); When a teacher is being remunerated under the Teachers Pay and Conditions Document for driving the minibus on an out of school hours learning activity. Hire or reward Where passengers pay for transport, in most cases the driver must hold a D1 PCV licence. The exemption from the D1 PCV requirement applies where the vehicle is used for a noncommercial purpose, for example by a maintained school, and where the pupils are carried not for hire or reward that is, where pupils are not obliged to pay in exchange for the right to be passengers. It can be argued that independent schools are non-commercial bodies for this purpose. In such schools, the minibus is not generally used for a passenger service on a commercial basis, but rather to take pupils off site for curricular purposes. Charitable status assists this argument. Schools who admit pupils on a fee-paying basis may wish to take their own legal advice. Permits issued under Section 19 of the Transport Act 1985 If, however, the school offers the minibus to pupils for a charge but on a non-profit basis under a section 19 bus permit, then the driver is exempt from the D1 PCV requirement. This is because the section 19 permit exempts the employer from holding a PSV operator licence and exempts the driver from the D1 PCV requirement. Other guidelines and further details The Department for Transport is publishing its own guidance for incidental drivers of minibuses, which addresses the generality of PCV driving situations. It focuses on the PCV test both as a legal requirement and as the good practice option for exempted drivers and does not discuss the wider range of good practice options available for school staff. The Driver and Vehicles Licensing Agency provides advice ( or on D1

13 PCV or section 19 requirements, and the Driving Standards Agency ( ) on the PCV test. Schools and local authorities can shop around the PCV training providers; anyone who has had a D1 licence for three years can be an instructor for the PCV test; and there is no requirement to attend a full time course. For details of other training/assessment contact, for example, RoSPA at or MiDAS at Local authorities and schools may wish to discuss exemption from holding a D1 PCV licence with their insurer. They may also wish to bring this statement to the attention of other local agencies including the police. Certificate of Professional Competence From September 2008, all new professional bus drivers must also pass an initial qualification to obtain a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). This will be on top of the D1 requirement, though it is likely that the training for the acquisition of a D1 licence could be combined with the initial qualification CPC training. All professional bus drivers will have to take periodic retraining on a four yearly cycle. The Driving Standards Agency consulted to February 2006 on the regulations that will implement this requirement in the UK. Most school staff, whether they hold a D1 PCV licence or not, will be exempt from this requirement. This is because the regulations will exempt drivers of vehicles used for the non-commercial carriage of passengers. Relevance of this policy statement This statement is also relevant to non-school drivers who drive minibuses for noncommercial purposes incidentally in the course of their employment (for example in childcare or in colleges of further education) or in volunteering activity. The text of this statement replaces paragraph 134 of the DfES guidance, Health and Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits (