Car Leasing
Minibus Safety Inspections

Minibus Safety Inspections

Every school should have a detailed checklist for the driver to complete before the minibus is used.

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Every school should have a detailed checklist for the driver to complete before the minibus is used. This is essential to conform to Health and Safety requirements and particularly important after school holidays, when the minibus may have been standing unused for a long period of time.

When operating under a section 19 permit you are required to carry out and record regular Minibus safety checks and Inspections. You are required to carry out a daily walk-around checks before each vehicle journey as well as full safety inspections carried out by an independent and qualified engineer.

The current DVSA recommendation is every 10 weeks and 6 weeks for any vehicle over 12 years old.

These inspections are in addition to any servicing or maintenance work and you must also provide evidence of any completed checks for up to 15 months after.

Minibus safety inspections are in addition to the routine daily walkaround checks and the MOT test. The maintenance checks can be contracted out to a third party such as a garage but whoever carries out the checks must be able to recognise faults such as parts wearing out too quickly. They should also know what the standards of performance and normal wear of parts are.
The person undertaking the safety inspection should sign the form declaring that, in their opinion, the vehicle is roadworthy.
You’re still responsible for your vehicle’s condition even if the maintenance is contracted out. Your permit could be at risk if the maintenance isn’t adequate.
Routine checks should be carried out at set intervals which are time rather than mileage based, eg every 6 weeks.
DVSA recommend that inspections are carried out at least every 10 weeks. You must ensure that a safety inspection is carried out before it’s used, if your vehicle is used very rarely.
Specialist equipment should be inspected and serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. There are additional requirements for passenger lifts and ramps.
Drivers must be able to report promptly any defects or symptoms of defects that could adversely affect the safe operation of vehicles. Reports must be made in writing and you should make sure you record details of any work done to fix the problem.
Drivers’ defect reports that record any faults should be kept for at least 15 months.
Records of any remedial work carried out should be kept for at least 15 months.

What we can offer…

Rivervale safety inspections

Regular minibus safety inspections are not advisory, they are law. If you are unable to provide evidence of a schedule of safety inspections and walk-around checks, your Section 19 Permit is at risk of being confiscated by the issuing body or Traffic Commissioner.

Here at Rivervale we can offer a range of minibus services including;

Inspection completed on site, no need for delivery or collection
UK-wide coverage
Independent qualified engineers
Pre-MOTs, MOTs, Servicing and Maintenance also available
Covid-19 Safe

Contact the team at Rivervale for further information on 01273 433 480 or

Request a callback

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