Contents

The Minibus
Getting started
The medical
The Provisional licence
The Theory & Hazard Perception test
The practical driving test
Our training
Prices


The Minibus
Our training vehicle is the Ford Transit Tdi long wheel base. It complies with the DSA minimum test vehicle requirements which are:
Category D1
A Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) with 9 -16 passenger seats
A Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of at least four tonnes
At least five metres in length
Capable of 50 mph
Tachograph
ABS
Seat belts
Examiners mirrors

The Ford Transit is easy and smooth to drive with the classic 5 gears.

Getting Started
On deciding to join us for your training you will receive a FREE starter pack. This will include all the application forms and guidance through each step.

Easy step – by – step guide

# Make your medical appointment
# Apply for your provisional Minibus licence
# Book your theory & hazard perception test
# Take the practical training
# We will apply for your practical test
# Take the practical minibus test

The Medical

You must prove that you are fit and healthy to ensure the safety of any passengers you will carry. You must have a Vocational licence medical examination. This may be organised through your GP or any clinic that conducts this type of medical. Your GP will charge around £100 plus for this!
We provide the contact number for far cheaper medicals through drivers medicals.com costing only £49 at a location near to you normally within ten days. You will need to take with you the form D4 (enclosed in the starter pack) and a urine sample. The medical lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Provisional Licence Application

When your medical has been completed you will need to fill in the provisional licence application form D2 (enclosed in the starter pack).
If you hold the old style paper licence you will need to send form D2, enclosing also your passport (or birth certificate) along with your current driving licence and two passport style photos. This is now free of charge.
If you hold a valid UK passport you will need to send this with your application, as it is the preferred method of identification. It means that you will not have to complete section 5 to verify your photograph. It also ensures a speedy return of your provisional licence.

There is a premium checking service available at some post offices for a small fee. This means that passports are checked by official staff then handed back immediately and saves the risk of loosing your passport in the post.

In section 3 “The licence you want”. You must tick the box marked D1.

The Theory & Hazard perception test

The theory test for minibus drivers consists of 60 multiple choice questions, time allowed is 70 minutes. The test is computer based and the pass mark is 51 out of 60. Some questions require multiple responses. Along with the theory there is also the hazard perception test. This consists of 15 video clips, which contain a number of hazards that you must identify. The pass mark for minibus drivers is 50 out of 75. You are given the results immediately on completion of both tests. You have to pass both parts at the same time.

Test centres available in this area are:
Milton Keynes
Northampton
Luton
Cambridge
Peterborough
(Not Bedford)

The practical Driving Test

The practical test lasts for approximately 90 minutes. The standard required to pass is high and you are advised to take professional training. To pass you must achieve less than 16 minor driving faults, these are minor errors such as missing a mirror check or slightly incorrect position!
It goes without saying that a serious or dangerous fault will fail.

There are four parts to the test:
# Describe and demonstrate some basic vehicle maintenance checks
# Reverse the bus around a cone and into a parking bay at the test centre
# (Emergency) Controlled stop
# Drive on a wide variety of roads

There are Government specifications for the bus you take your test in. It must:
# Be at least 4 tonnes Gross Vehicle Weight
# Have Anti-lock Braking system
# Have a working Tachograph
# Be at least 5 metres long
# Have extra mirrors and working seat belts for the examiner
# Be fitted with L plates

The test may only be taken from Heavy Goods Vehicle testing stations.
Local test centres are:
Leighton Buzzard
Northampton (Weedon)
Peterborough

Our Training

As a local independent driving school we are extremely flexible. We are able to offer bespoke training to your specific needs Including:

# Free starter pack with step-by-step guidance
# All application forms
# One to one training – unless otherwise arranged
# No wasted down-time sitting in the back
# Assessment session to see how much training is required
# We collect you
# Use our bus – unless otherwise arranged
# Training around the area you will take the test
# Qualified, professional instructor
# Booking & contact direct with the instructor, not offices or secretaries

Current Prices

Assessment session 2 Hours £70.00 (£35 per hour)
4 hour training session £160.00
Practical Test day 4 hours £160.00
Provisional licence Free
Medical £49.00
Theory test £50.00
Practical Test £105.00