As the financial crisis puts an ever-tightening grip on everyone’s funds, getting the maximum mileage from the fuel we buy for our minibus is more than just desirable.
Peak Efficiency
Modern diesel engines are very efficient. As these hints and tips show, achieving the best fuel consumption isn’t difficult, just apply these sensible, logical rules when using your minibus. Get into the habit and you’ll reap significant rewards.
Prep School
Preparing your minibus to achieve the best fuel consumption is easy and much of the preparation involves one-off tasks…
• Tyres can be a drag. The minibus manufacturer’s tyre pressures are the right ones but often, you can tweak them to a slightly higher figure. Conversely, under-inflated tyres worsen economy.
• Consider having ‘economy’ tyres fitted next time around. Most tyre manufacturers offer tyres that give better mpg.
• Got freeloading passengers? You may feel that you need your de-icer year-round, that the coats, Wellington boots and seventeen paperbacks in the back are essential. Yet everything aboard is dead weight. Take items like a fire extinguisher and a small tool kit but leave the rest at home – don’t give it a free ride.
• Must you carry a full load of fuel all the time? You needn’t. Unless you know you’ll be driving for many miles or to places where the garages close early, fill up with only as much fuel as you need, plus a percentage for emergencies. Hoarding heavy fuel aboard for no good reason is uneconomical.
• Are you using the best fuel? The ‘high-performance’ diesel fuels on offer can be the more efficient in modern minibuses. Try calculating the difference from your mileometer. As the engine’s electronics adapt to the new fuel, the result may surprise you.
• Beware of ‘brewing’ your own fuel, from cooking oil, for example. A modern engine’s fuel pump is a precision instrument; the wrong fuel could destroy it.
Pilot’s Briefing
The minibus’s maker can only offer its user so much. How you drive can make a vast difference to economy…
• Any internal combustion engine is least efficient when it’s cold. Always start driving from cold – warming a vehicle at rest is very costly.
• Drive efficiently. Diesel engines are low revving but have a broad power band. Use this to get into the highest possible gear quickly.
• Moderate your speed. A higher average speed may save you time but the greater road drag and wind resistance are expensive on fuel.
• Plan your route carefully. A consistent cruising speed on an open road is far more economical than continual acceleration, gear changing and braking. Try to use motorways or dual carriageways wherever possible.
• Pay attention to your journey’s timing. Jams occur at commuting times, even on motorways. Steer clear at these times, or make your stops while the office workers are travelling.
• Get a satnav with TMC (Traffic Message Channel) technology…then you can avoid traffic jams using its live updates.
The Minibus Club is a specialist minibus insurance provider and has offered UK minibus insurance quotes since 1997. Visit our website for minibus driving advice and to receive an online quote for minibus insurance.
Sunday, 28 June 2009
Wednesday, 1 April 2009
Definition of a Minibus
If you've got a large family and you've got a large car, you may be worried that you're driving a minibus.
MPV's and people carriers can have as many as 8 seats and when ferrying family and friends around you may well feel like a minibus driver. But rest assured- you're not driving one.
To be classed a minibus, the vehicle has to have between 9 and 16 passenger seats. If it has more than 16 then you are driving a coach.
Our website at minibusclub.co.uk has more information on carrying passengers.
MPV's and people carriers can have as many as 8 seats and when ferrying family and friends around you may well feel like a minibus driver. But rest assured- you're not driving one.
To be classed a minibus, the vehicle has to have between 9 and 16 passenger seats. If it has more than 16 then you are driving a coach.
Our website at minibusclub.co.uk has more information on carrying passengers.
Driving Licence Requirements for a Minibus
If your driving licence was issued after the 1st January 1997, then you'll need a D1 classification to drive a minibus.
There are exceptions that allow a minibus to be driven on a category B (car) licence:
For more information about the minibus driving licence requirements go to the Directgov website. Our website, www.minibusclub.co.uk, has more information about specialist minibus insurance.
There are exceptions that allow a minibus to be driven on a category B (car) licence:
- The minibus is used for a social purpose.
- You are over 21 and have held you category B licence for more than 2 years. Drivers over 70 will need to meet the health standards required for a D1 licence.
- The maximum weight of the minibus is 3.5 tonnes. If it is carrying specialist equipment for transporting disabled passengers then the weight is increased to 4.25 tonnes.
- The minibus cannot be used for towing a trailer.
- The minibus can only be used in the UK. Driving outside of the UK requires a D1 licence.
- No payment can be accepted for driving the minibus.
For more information about the minibus driving licence requirements go to the Directgov website. Our website, www.minibusclub.co.uk, has more information about specialist minibus insurance.
Types of Minibus Insurance Explained
The three main types of minibus insurance are Comprehensive, Third Party Fire and Theft, and Third Party Only.
Third Party is the minimum level of insurance cover as required by law. It will cover liability for death or injury to third parties, liability for damage to other people’s property and legal costs in connection to claims against your policy.
With Fire and Theft the minibus is covered for damage caused when stolen or by fire.
Comprehensive is the highest level of minibus insurance and covers most risks including medical expenses after an accident, replacing personal effects lost after a theft or accident, and insuring against damage to the minibus’s windows and windscreen.
The three types of cover are only standard policies. It is recommended to tailor the insurance to your specific requirements. For instance additional public liability may be needed if the vehicle is carrying fee paying passengers or European breakdown cover for minibuses that travel regularly to the continent.
To find the right cover for you contact the Minibus Club. We will provide a policy appropriate to your minibus and its use, ensuring there are no unexpected surprises when you have to make a claim.
Third Party is the minimum level of insurance cover as required by law. It will cover liability for death or injury to third parties, liability for damage to other people’s property and legal costs in connection to claims against your policy.
With Fire and Theft the minibus is covered for damage caused when stolen or by fire.
Comprehensive is the highest level of minibus insurance and covers most risks including medical expenses after an accident, replacing personal effects lost after a theft or accident, and insuring against damage to the minibus’s windows and windscreen.
The three types of cover are only standard policies. It is recommended to tailor the insurance to your specific requirements. For instance additional public liability may be needed if the vehicle is carrying fee paying passengers or European breakdown cover for minibuses that travel regularly to the continent.
To find the right cover for you contact the Minibus Club. We will provide a policy appropriate to your minibus and its use, ensuring there are no unexpected surprises when you have to make a claim.
What To Do After a Minibus Accident
As a minibus driver the first consideration after an accident is to make the scene as safe as possible.
1. Switch your minibus hazard lights on. Use a warning triangle if available. Take great care when placing the triangle at least 50 metres away from the vehicle. Warning triangles should never be used on the motorway.
2. Assess your passengers. If any are injured do not move them unless there is an immediate risk from other vehicles or fire. If the minibus must be vacated move the passengers to a safe location as far from the vehicle as possible. Be aware of approaching traffic when exiting the minibus.
3. If needed call the emergency services immediately. Provide them with as much information as possible about the accident scene and any injured passengers. As the minibus driver you will be required to stay at the scene until they arrive.
4. Any injuries should be reported to the Police. Try to keep details of all vehicles and people involved in the accident.
5. If the accident is minor or does not involve other people, check there are no injuries to your passengers and your minibus is roadworthy before continuing with your journey.
When an accident is serious enough that an insurance claim may follow do not admit liability at the scene. As rude as it may seem, do not apologise. This can be interpreted as admitting liability. And do not offer any payment.
The law requires you to give any person who is affected by the accident your details. These should include your name, contact number and the name of you insurance provider.
It is very important to record all details of an accident. Information should include:
1. Vehicles involved
Record the types of vehicles and their registration number. Obtain the details of the other people involved in the accident including their name, address, contact number, insurance details and policy number.
2. Accident scene
Include details about the weather, visibility and road condition. Estimate the speed of the vehicles prior to the accident. Record the location of the accident, the date and the time. If the police attend the scene then ask for an incident number.
3. Details of Witness
Ask for the name and contact details of any people who witnessed the accident.
The best advice if involved in an accident is to stay calm. Losing your temper, however angry you may feel, will not help an already difficult situation. As a minibus driver your first responsibility is to your passengers and their safety. By taking a controlled approach to the situation will prevent putting others at further risk. The details gathered at the scene of the accident will be valuable information for resolving any legal or minibus insurance issues that may follow.
For more information about minibus insurance and advice about making a claim, contact us at The Minibus Club.
1. Switch your minibus hazard lights on. Use a warning triangle if available. Take great care when placing the triangle at least 50 metres away from the vehicle. Warning triangles should never be used on the motorway.
2. Assess your passengers. If any are injured do not move them unless there is an immediate risk from other vehicles or fire. If the minibus must be vacated move the passengers to a safe location as far from the vehicle as possible. Be aware of approaching traffic when exiting the minibus.
3. If needed call the emergency services immediately. Provide them with as much information as possible about the accident scene and any injured passengers. As the minibus driver you will be required to stay at the scene until they arrive.
4. Any injuries should be reported to the Police. Try to keep details of all vehicles and people involved in the accident.
5. If the accident is minor or does not involve other people, check there are no injuries to your passengers and your minibus is roadworthy before continuing with your journey.
When an accident is serious enough that an insurance claim may follow do not admit liability at the scene. As rude as it may seem, do not apologise. This can be interpreted as admitting liability. And do not offer any payment.
The law requires you to give any person who is affected by the accident your details. These should include your name, contact number and the name of you insurance provider.
It is very important to record all details of an accident. Information should include:
1. Vehicles involved
Record the types of vehicles and their registration number. Obtain the details of the other people involved in the accident including their name, address, contact number, insurance details and policy number.
2. Accident scene
Include details about the weather, visibility and road condition. Estimate the speed of the vehicles prior to the accident. Record the location of the accident, the date and the time. If the police attend the scene then ask for an incident number.
3. Details of Witness
Ask for the name and contact details of any people who witnessed the accident.
The best advice if involved in an accident is to stay calm. Losing your temper, however angry you may feel, will not help an already difficult situation. As a minibus driver your first responsibility is to your passengers and their safety. By taking a controlled approach to the situation will prevent putting others at further risk. The details gathered at the scene of the accident will be valuable information for resolving any legal or minibus insurance issues that may follow.
For more information about minibus insurance and advice about making a claim, contact us at The Minibus Club.
Ten Bizarre Motor Insurance Claims
Every year insurance providers receive a variety of unusual and bizarre claims:
1. One motorist was in such a panic when a wasp flew into his car and up his trouser leg that he hit the accelerator; unfortunately, also hitting the car in front.
2. Cows can be a problem. In one particular instance, a driver claimed that the cow jumped onto his quad bike, presumably by accident rather than with the intention of driving away.
3. In another incident involving a cow the driver described his experience, “As I came over a hill, I hit a cow in the middle of the road, which then hit the bonnet and shattered the windscreen with its rear end”. Thankfully, the cow survived.
4. When driving close to a herd of cattle try to avoid their tongues. In a particularly bizarre insurance claim a motorist stated that the cows caused damage to his car’s paintwork by licking it.
5. Cows aren’t the only animal causing problems. A driver claimed that a reindeer fell onto the bonnet of his car. Thankfully it wasn't at Christmas and the reindeer did not have a red nose.
6. When driving in Africa zebras can be difficult, especially if they intentionally collide with your car, as was the case with one claim.
7. Always secure your shopping bags when driving. One driver had the misfortune to find that a potato had fallen out of the bag and had become lodged under his brakes, rending them useless.
8. Bizarrely flying kebabs can be a hazard on the road. Apparently, a driver was rounding a bend when a frozen kebab flew out of his car, hitting a passing car and causing damage.
9. That’s not the only frozen item causing damage. Another motorist claimed, “A frozen squirrel fell out of a tree and crashed through the windscreen onto the passenger seat”.
10. If flashed at by a speed camera try to contain your anger. One motorist, fed up of being snapped by a speed camera, decided to take his revenge by driving into the post that it was attached to. Unfortunately, the post was stronger than expected, causing him to write off his motor.
Each of these incidents illustrates the importance of having adequate car, motorcycle or minibus insurance. After all, you can never predict when a reindeer might fall from the sky or an unhappy cow exacts her revenge.
The Minibus Club is a specialist minibus insurance provider and has offered UK minibus insurance quotes since 1997. Visit our website for minibus driving advice and to receive an online quote for minibus insurance. We will listen to every insurance claim, however bizarre it may be!
1. One motorist was in such a panic when a wasp flew into his car and up his trouser leg that he hit the accelerator; unfortunately, also hitting the car in front.
2. Cows can be a problem. In one particular instance, a driver claimed that the cow jumped onto his quad bike, presumably by accident rather than with the intention of driving away.
3. In another incident involving a cow the driver described his experience, “As I came over a hill, I hit a cow in the middle of the road, which then hit the bonnet and shattered the windscreen with its rear end”. Thankfully, the cow survived.
4. When driving close to a herd of cattle try to avoid their tongues. In a particularly bizarre insurance claim a motorist stated that the cows caused damage to his car’s paintwork by licking it.
5. Cows aren’t the only animal causing problems. A driver claimed that a reindeer fell onto the bonnet of his car. Thankfully it wasn't at Christmas and the reindeer did not have a red nose.
6. When driving in Africa zebras can be difficult, especially if they intentionally collide with your car, as was the case with one claim.
7. Always secure your shopping bags when driving. One driver had the misfortune to find that a potato had fallen out of the bag and had become lodged under his brakes, rending them useless.
8. Bizarrely flying kebabs can be a hazard on the road. Apparently, a driver was rounding a bend when a frozen kebab flew out of his car, hitting a passing car and causing damage.
9. That’s not the only frozen item causing damage. Another motorist claimed, “A frozen squirrel fell out of a tree and crashed through the windscreen onto the passenger seat”.
10. If flashed at by a speed camera try to contain your anger. One motorist, fed up of being snapped by a speed camera, decided to take his revenge by driving into the post that it was attached to. Unfortunately, the post was stronger than expected, causing him to write off his motor.
Each of these incidents illustrates the importance of having adequate car, motorcycle or minibus insurance. After all, you can never predict when a reindeer might fall from the sky or an unhappy cow exacts her revenge.
The Minibus Club is a specialist minibus insurance provider and has offered UK minibus insurance quotes since 1997. Visit our website for minibus driving advice and to receive an online quote for minibus insurance. We will listen to every insurance claim, however bizarre it may be!
Minibus Driver Training Courses
The Community Transport Association (CTA) is the lead UK body for voluntary and community transport. They oversee two minibus driver training schemes which are recognised by most insurance companies, MiDAS and CommunityDriver.
MiDAS
MiDAS (Minibus Driver Training Scheme) is a nationally recognised scheme organised by CTA for the assessment and training of minibus drivers. It was originally developed by Hampshire County Council and provides organisations with a standard to train their drivers to.
MiDAS is suitable not only for small organisations that operate one minibus but for larger companies operating a fleet of vehicles. CTA have appointed a number of training agents who can visit an organisation to assess and train the drivers. Or the training can be undertaken in house once a company representative has passed CAT's Driver Assessor/Trainers (DAT) assessment.
Areas that are covered in the MiDAS test include:
1. Minibus driving skills to an acceptable standard.
2. General defensive driving.
3. Driver's personal safety.
4. Passenger safety.
5. Roadside inspections.
6. Breakdown and accident procedures.
7. Legal requirements for drivers.
8. Disability awareness.
9. Use of passenger safety, access and storage equipment.
10. Passenger assistance.
As well as possible reductions on minibus insurance, the MiDAS test increases a driver's confidence, reducing their levels of stress. Passenger safety and comfort is improved. And the MiDAS certificate enhances a minibus organisation's image.
CommunityDriver
Changes to driving licence legislation on 1st January 1997 require all licences issued after this date to have D1 classification for driving a minibus.
To obtain a D1 licence a driver must pass a theory test, a hazard perception test and then undertake a full medical. The CommunityDriver scheme provides all that is needed to obtain the licence, including locally based trainers and learning materials. Tests are arranged at convenient locations for the driver.
A minibus can be driven on a category B (car) licence, without a D1 classification, but only if the following conditions are met:
1. The minibus is not being used for hire and reward.
2. The driving licence has been held for more than 2 years and the driver is over 21. Drivers over 70 must meet the health standards required for a D1 licence.
3. Payment cannot be accepted for driving the minibus.
4. The weight of the minibus must not exceed 3.5 tonnes. This limit is raised to 4.25 tonnes when special equipment for disabled passengers is being carried.
5. Trailers cannot be towed.
6. The minibus can only be driven in the UK.
Our website, www.minibusclub.co.uk, has more about minibus driver training. Evidence of training such as the MiDAS certificate may help get a discount on your minibus insurance..
MiDAS
MiDAS (Minibus Driver Training Scheme) is a nationally recognised scheme organised by CTA for the assessment and training of minibus drivers. It was originally developed by Hampshire County Council and provides organisations with a standard to train their drivers to.
MiDAS is suitable not only for small organisations that operate one minibus but for larger companies operating a fleet of vehicles. CTA have appointed a number of training agents who can visit an organisation to assess and train the drivers. Or the training can be undertaken in house once a company representative has passed CAT's Driver Assessor/Trainers (DAT) assessment.
Areas that are covered in the MiDAS test include:
1. Minibus driving skills to an acceptable standard.
2. General defensive driving.
3. Driver's personal safety.
4. Passenger safety.
5. Roadside inspections.
6. Breakdown and accident procedures.
7. Legal requirements for drivers.
8. Disability awareness.
9. Use of passenger safety, access and storage equipment.
10. Passenger assistance.
As well as possible reductions on minibus insurance, the MiDAS test increases a driver's confidence, reducing their levels of stress. Passenger safety and comfort is improved. And the MiDAS certificate enhances a minibus organisation's image.
CommunityDriver
Changes to driving licence legislation on 1st January 1997 require all licences issued after this date to have D1 classification for driving a minibus.
To obtain a D1 licence a driver must pass a theory test, a hazard perception test and then undertake a full medical. The CommunityDriver scheme provides all that is needed to obtain the licence, including locally based trainers and learning materials. Tests are arranged at convenient locations for the driver.
A minibus can be driven on a category B (car) licence, without a D1 classification, but only if the following conditions are met:
1. The minibus is not being used for hire and reward.
2. The driving licence has been held for more than 2 years and the driver is over 21. Drivers over 70 must meet the health standards required for a D1 licence.
3. Payment cannot be accepted for driving the minibus.
4. The weight of the minibus must not exceed 3.5 tonnes. This limit is raised to 4.25 tonnes when special equipment for disabled passengers is being carried.
5. Trailers cannot be towed.
6. The minibus can only be driven in the UK.
Our website, www.minibusclub.co.uk, has more about minibus driver training. Evidence of training such as the MiDAS certificate may help get a discount on your minibus insurance..
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