Minibus Club Article Archive

Driving a minibus is easy enough for any driver. There is, however, one aspect that minibuses share with children – neither comes with instructions. This is where being able to pick the brains of a minibus driver with experience comes in. Our tame expert, D1 Category licensed Scout Leader David, has been driving minibuses for 30 years. Here are some more hints and tips from him, for minibus drivers starting from scratch to those with many miles under their belt.

For drivers new to minibuses, David begins by pointing out that driving one is unlike driving a car. True, the layout of the controls is the same but the driving technique can be quite different. The relatively high overall weight of a minibus means its driver must have patience. Pulling away at a roundabout or junction, or overtaking, are scenarios in which more time is needed to accommodate the minibus’s relatively reduced acceleration. Moreover, the size that adds to the weight of a minibus isn’t a licence to use it aggressively. Giving consideration to other drivers is essential, as is an awareness of the vehicle’s stopping distances in dry and wet conditions. Also, be aware of other drivers’ tendency to cut in after overtaking.

David goes on to warn new drivers about manoeuvring. He stresses that the inevitable blind spot warrants due consideration and suggests making sure that the minibus is fitted with a reversing alarm. While this lets pedestrians know the vehicle is about to reverse, David says that drivers should not reverse unless they can see all around the minibus and that reversing on a campsite is not wise. He further suggests that drivers new to minibus use should take a relevant training course, as outlined below.

What about on the road? David recommends carrying a spare can of diesel fuel. Unlike petrol, diesel needs the significant heat of, say, a fire to make it a danger aboard a minibus and it doesn’t have the problem of the fumes given off by petrol. His next suggestion is to always start a journey of any length with a full fuel tank, to lessen the chance of running out of fuel. Why is this important? Because after running a diesel engine dry, the driver can’t simply top up with fuel and drive on. To work, diesel engines must atomise their fuel at very high pressure and a fuel system that’s run dry can’t do that unaided. So, to save having to call out a mechanic to bleed the system, never let it run out of fuel.

The Scout Association (SA) has the following guidelines concerning minibuses…

Drivers should keep a journey log book detailing who’s driven where. Any problems and the actions taken to resolve them should also be logged. This shows due diligence has been taken.

The SA’s has a dispensation for scouts, who aren’t fare-paying passengers. This can cause complications when a minibus is hired out but the hirer’s making a contribution to maintenance offers a solution.

When hiring out a minibus, the SA suggests the following are checked…

Has the driver got a D1 Licence?
Has the driver got a MIDAS Certificate*?
Has he/she driven a minibus before?
Is he/she fit to drive?

*MIDAS is the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme.

David closes with the information that the going rate for minibus hire is currently £50 per day.

Above all, David’s hints are the consequence of his extensive experience of driving a minibus. As such, they can be taken as appropriate to all minibus drivers, regardless of circumstances.

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Like any vehicle, a minibus can either be hired or bought. Each approach has its merits and, just as importantly, its pitfalls. It is nevertheless possible to make the right decision and all it takes is the consideration of a few questions.

Which is the cheaper method?

That depends on the type of use you intend. Suppose you only need a minibus infrequently. Road tax, insurance and maintenance costs are ongoing, regardless of whether the minibus is in regular use. Hire costs mount up too but for infrequent use, hiring is the more economic option.

I often use a minibus, should I buy one?

Perhaps but again, it depends. Can you accommodate a minibus? Storing a large vehicle can be tricky and on-road parking, even if permitted, isn’t the most secure option. Can you look after one? Servicing and maintenance are essential to the health of you and your passengers as well as to that of the vehicle. Such things cost money, over and above everyday costs and are covered in hire rates.

Supposing I also run it as a passenger car?

Good point. A minibus can do double duty, within limitations. The downsides concern size and cost. Can you live without using multi-storey car parks and parking at a distance from your destination? Can you afford to run a vehicle that is thirstier than a car? Will you carry more than three or four passengers often enough to warrant the outlay?
On the upside, you’d never be stuck for a vehicle that can carry a lot, be it passengers or goods. Minibuses are extremely capacious, which can come in very useful.

I’d like to buy a minibus. What about a new one?

Another good point but one with a trap into which many have fallen with a loud clatter. A new vehicle, minibus or otherwise, is a tempting proposition, especially in the current economic climate. That said, any new vehicle will suffer a staggering loss in value the minute it turns a wheel in your ownership. Depreciation must be factored in to your calculations unless you know for certain that you will be keeping your minibus for a long time. If buying new, you can use the economic downturn to your advantage; minibus dealerships are unlikely to be fighting customers off so your business will be more than just important to them. Use this in your negotiations and visit more than one dealer.

What about a used minibus?

More traps loom here but protection is to be found. All motor dealers have to offer a measure of protection to their clients, including HPI (vehicle history) checks that will reveal any outstanding finance and unsavoury history in a minibuses’ past.
As in any secondhand vehicle purchase, the rule is caveat emptor…buyer beware. Should the vehicle be young enough to have any remaining manufacturer’s servicing and/or warranty cover, it’s a good bet. Most importantly, it should have a full service history, with the stamps to prove it has been serviced at a factory-approved concern. If you doubt your vehicle choosing skills, look for ‘vehicle inspections’ in Yellow Pages: the major motoring organisations offer this service and a professional report represents money well spent.

So, should I hire or should I buy?

Easy. If your costs for hiring minibuses in a given year are more than what it would cost for the payment and upkeep of a minibus of your own, the answer is obvious. Good hunting!

Article Resource
If you’d like to save money on your minibus insurance, look no further than The Minibus Club. Request a FREE quote now by calling our hotline on 08456 090323 or visit our website at www.minibusclub.co.uk