To work out what safety inspections are required, you’ll need to know what type of permit you hold.
And the permit you have usually depends on whether you’re driving a minibus ‘for-profit’ or ‘not-for-profit.’
PSV ‘O’ or PHV licences - If your organisation receives any form of payment in exchange for transporting minibus passengers, it’s classed as a ‘for profit’ company. That means you’ll need a full operator’s licence. The traffic commissioner issues PSV ‘O’s. Local authorities issue Private Hire Vehicle licences (PHVs).
However, there are permits that exempt non-profit organisations in the UK from needing a PSV ‘O’ or PHV licence.
Under the Transport Act 1985, these are:
Section 19 permit: This shows your organisation has charitable status. Educational bodies (like schools) which don’t operate for profit fall into this category. With this permit, you can’t carry members of the public.
Section 22 permit: This is a community bus permit. It’s designed for local bus carriers who provide transport services to the general public.
Are section 19 permits specific to one vehicle?
No, section 19 permits can be transferred between vehicles.
However, you can only use them for one minibus at a time since each permit is issued in the name of the organisation (e.g. the school) and not the vehicle.
Each time a minibus is driven, the correct permit disc must be displayed clearly in the windscreen.
Even if you hire a minibus for one day, you must still display a valid section 19 permit disc.
What kind of safety inspections should I be doing?
If you’re operating a minibus under a Section 19 permit, you must conduct the following vehicle safety checks:
Daily safety checks (pre-use). Before every journey, you must check the following:
- Lights, indicators, brakes, tyres, windscreen wipers mirrors
- Fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windscreen wash fluid)
- First aid kit and fire extinguisher
Third-party safety checks. These inspections must be carried out by a competent, third-party person every 10 weeks* (or 10,000 miles).
Third-party safety inspections should be carried out whether or not the minibus is in use. Evidence of these safety checks should be retained for a minimum of 15 months, and any defects must be recorded and promptly resolved.
*If the minibus is more than 12 years old, third-party safety checks should be carried out every six weeks.
Remember, these safety inspections are in addition to regular servicing and MOTs.
Regular minibus safety inspections are not advisory; they are the law.
You are responsible for the condition of your vehicle, even if the maintenance is contracted out. And if that maintenance isn’t up to scratch, your permit could be at risk.
If you can’t provide evidence of regular safety checks, the issuing body or Traffic Commissioner could confiscate your permit.
So you must keep detailed records of every safety inspection and vehicle maintenance check.
Rivervale can help
We know how challenging vehicle maintenance can be, so we offer a range of services tailored to minibus operation, including section 19 checks.
We offer UK-wide coverage, and our independent, qualified engineers will visit you on-site.
We also offer pre-MOT, MOTs, servicing, and maintenance for your lease vehicle.
Leasing or buying a minibus
Leasing a minibus
A minibus lease deal allows you to get a newer vehicle without committing to a large upfront cost.
Our leasing options come with flexible terms and competitive rates, so you can choose a lease plan that works for your budget and requirements.
Our packages include regular maintenance, servicing, and repairs - so you don’t have to worry about unexpected costs or downtime.
Buying a used minibus
If you would prefer to buy a used minibus, check out our used minibuses for sale.
Our used minibuses are carefully selected, fully inspected, and covered by a comprehensive warranty.
Buying a used minibus can be a more affordable option, especially if you plan to keep the vehicle for a longer period.
Our team is on hand to help you find the right minibus for your needs. To learn more about our competitively priced lease deals, call the team today on 01273 433 480 or request a callback.
