“You’re never too old to learn” is a helpful saying and the concept behind it goes far further. Few would dispute that no one is too skilled, experienced or clever to learn either. However, we can all learn from someone who has much experience. David is a Scout Leader who’s been a D1-licenced minibus driver for 30 years. Let’s hear what he has to say.
David favours Ford-engined LDV minibuses, saying that their 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine is better than any normally aspirated unit. Regardless of what’s under the bonnet before him, David uses the same pre-flight checks before taking a party of scouts out on a road trip. He recommends that the minibus be serviced at a reputable garage. He prefers the input of qualified mechanics, rather than DIY servicing. That said, David himself also gives the minibus he’s to use a pre-trip once over. This includes checking the tyres’ condition and pressures, as well as taking a look at the oil level and ensuring that windows are clean and that the minibus’s floor is swept. It’s also David’s practice to keep a logbook for each minibus. In this, notes concerning any problems are made, with follow-up actions being logged and subsequently signed off.
With his preparations made, David follows some important self-established guidelines when he drives. When used in the UK, a minibus needn’t be equipped with a tachograph. However, David will ensure he has a rest break at least every two hours. His personal best in terms of trip time was a five-hour sojourn to Ireland for the Irish Jamboree in Dublin. A one-hour ferry crossing, out bound from Holyhead, Anglesey, obviously constituted a bracing rest break!
For any respectably lengthy trip with Scouts, David recommends that another Scout Leader who can drive the minibus should be to hand. He also has some tips about loading the vehicle, preferring not to tow a trailer as this can overload the minibus to the detriment of its clutch. Whilst it’s fine to use a roof rack, David warns against overloading it as this can make for a top-heavy combination. However, especially as many Scout groups use box vans, David warns that LPG gas bottles should be carried on the roof rack. Carrying gas bottles inside the minibus or van is frowned upon because leaking gas and confined spaces never mix.
With his 30 years at the wheel of minibuses, has David any stories to relate? He tells of an incident that took place on the way back from a camping trip to Brownsea Island, the birthplace of scouting. Though David clearly lived to tell the tale, it’s just as clear that a near miss with a foreign articulated lorry driving on the wrong side of the road was a memorable event. This also suggests that constant vigilance when driving is more than worth a place in a minibus driver’s personal portfolio.
David also makes a significant point concerning driving a minibus carrying youngsters. They may be excited at the prospect of a trip but David will temper this with some simple ground rules. In his book, distractions equal potential danger and noise is particularly distracting for any driver. So, while he doesn’t insist on sepulchral silence, David respectfully requests that the noise level is kept within reasonable bounds.
Thanks to David for his practical tips for practicable journeys. He will be telling us more but for now, it’s obvious that his advice can benefit any minibus driver.
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.
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