The Northern Ireland (NI) government’s Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has published new guidance to clarify the role of ‘not for profit’ operations of minibuses, leaving Great Britain as the only EU country to yet to fully enforce EU driving rules.
NI Education Authority CEO Gary Boyd (pictured) has responded to the new guidance by telling schools that they must comply.
However, teachers can continue to drive minibuses for at least six months, the NI Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has said, which has provided a new legal interpretation.
However, the DfI, which has responsibility for the DVA, says that the new interpretation and guidance on the law will not come into effect until at least 1 January 2018
The guidance confirms that paid drivers will no longer be able to drive a minibus on their D1 (not for hire or reward) driving licence, and that some volunteer drivers, undertaking commercial passenger transport activities, may also require a full D or D1 driving licence.
The DfI adds that the legislation, a mix of European and national legislation, has “evolved over time and can be difficult to understand…” and the UK “is unique in Europe as the only member state to allow some categories of driver to drive a minibus without first having passed the appropriate test.”
In a statement the DfI says: “Given recent concerns as to the impact of these changes on a number of sectors, the department can confirm that the draft guidance will only come into effect on approval by an incoming minister.
“Therefore, at present, those who drive a minibus for an organisation under the small bus permit scheme do not need a full D1 entitlement.”
Due to the failure to form a NI Executive there is no infrastructure minister at present.
