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Written question asked by Bradley Thomas (Conservative) on Friday, 29 August 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 September 2025. It was answered by Simon Lightwood (Labour) on Monday, 8 September 2025 on behalf of the Department for Transport.


Minibuses: Schools

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help ensure that school vehicles operated under Section 19/22 exemptions (a) meet the same safety standards as those under Passenger Carrying Vehicles licences and (b) help mitigate driver fatigue after a day of teaching; and what assessment she has made of the adequacy of (i) vehicle safety and (ii) compliance checks.

Answer

The Government publishes guidance to support the correct and safe use of section 19 and section 22 permits, including recommended vehicle maintenance arrangements. Vehicles operated under permits should have regular safety inspections, at least every 10 weeks, in addition to daily walkaround checks, regular servicing and annual MOTs.

The guidance further notes that all drivers should be aware of the risk to passenger safety from driving when tired and that it is not sensible to start a long trip after a full day’s work, whether that work involves driving or not. In 2013, the Government also published guidance specifically for schools and local authorities on driving school minibuses.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
73481
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Driving Safety Schools Minibuses
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk