Driving a minibus for East Sussex County Council
To drive a minibus on behalf of East Sussex County Council you will need to:
- have category D1 on your current driving licence.
- attend a risk management theory course
- meet eyesight and health requirements
- complete a practical training session with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)
For detailed advice and guidance for drivers and mangers please download our: Guidelines for Minibus and People Carrier Operation 2014 [406.9 KB] [pdf].
The guidelines are in the process of being updated, if you have any questions, please email: Minibus training.
Driving licence category D1
Drivers who passed their test after 1 January 1997 are not given this category and are now required to pass PCV minibus theory, medical and practical tests to obtain a D1 licence.
Find out more from: Driving a minibus
Please note ESCC does not provide D1 training.
Risk management theory courses
Before taking the practical course, you need to complete a theory course. This covers:
- health and safety
- risk assessment
- defensive driving
- journey planning and motorway driving
Practical training sessions
On road training helps familiarise drivers with the transition between a car and a minibus. We train and assess drivers to ensure that they are safe and competent.
Eyesight tests
All drivers must provide up-to-date written confirmation from an optician that their eyesight meets the required standard. Without this proof, you cannot do the practical driving course.
Print the driver eyesight requirements form and take it to your optometrist:
- Minibus Driver Eyesight Form [45.6 KB] [pdf]
Important – Please note Eyesight standards have been updated by DVLA, when booking your eye test advise your optician that you require an eyesight test as a Group 2 licence holder (lorries and buses).
Medical requirements
Before taking a practical course, you need to complete a form declaring you fulfil the health requirements for driving a minibus.
Print and complete the, driver medical requirements form and hand it to your driving instructor:
- Driver medical requirements form [60.3 KB] [pdf]
Booking training sessions
To book a place on a Risk Management Theory Course contact Road Safety Education:
Email: Minibus training
Practical assessments can be booked with trainers directly. Contact details for trainers can be provided on request.
