§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Minister of Transport what special training is required by public service vehicle drivers responsible for school buses; whether there is an age limit for such drivers; and whether they are required to take a particular test before undertaking this work.
§ Mr. FowlerThere is no special training required for public service vehicle drivers responsible for school buses. All drivers of large passenger vehicles, including public services vehicles, are at present required to be over 21, but the Transport Act 1980 will reduce this to 18 in certain circumstances; there is no upper age limit.
Applicants for PSV driver licences are normally required to pass a stringent practical and oral test in order to demonstrate their ability to handle vehicles of the size 107W and type in question before being granted such licences. Applicants must also meet character and health criteria. No distinction is made between different types of service.
Drivers of school buses belonging to local education authorities are not required to hold PSV licences. The reduction in minimum age will not apply to them. It is for local education authorities to determine whether any special test or training is required.