This petition is essentially about the safety of children and their teachers where driving a minibus is concerned. It is complicated, but because of the current exceptions and confused interpretations of the law, schools are taking unintentional risks both physically and legally.

We simply want the law changed so that ALL drivers of 8+ vehicles must hold the full D1 licence to drive a minibus which requires a medical, sight, theory & practical driving test, bringing us in line with the rest of Europe. 

The D1 licence laws were amended in 1997 (a change to the full D1, non-inherited category) after 12 children & their teacher died in a tragic minibus accident in 1993, but the UK made exceptions for volunteer drivers, social purposes and vehicles under certain weights, which is where the confusion lies and safety is compromised.  

Castle Minibus wants to raise awareness of these issues and have the law changed so a full D1 licence for all drivers of 8+ passengers becomes a priority. 

Please help us by signing our petition so that no teacher becomes the legal test case as to whether they were a volunteer and driving for social purposes only.

We want to clear the fog of the current guidelines and reassure, parents, teachers and governors  that all drivers of 8+ passengers are suitabley trained and are driving the most appropriate vehicles. 

For more information visit http://www.castleminibus.co.uk/greater-than-8