this is tim using dads user name.
We found the cost of hiring a mini-bus is ridiculous, plus alot of people wont touch me as im 21.
Unfortunately the university mini-bus is occupied the weekend we need it.
need minibus to take 10 people about 300 mile round trip from friday to monday.
before you request national express, not interested nor are we interested in using mini bus hire with driver.
So the question - looking through the autotrader lots of minibuses for sale. whats to stop me from approaching a seller or owner, and offering them say £120 quid to borrow their van for the weekend and ill get my own insurance.
do you reckon people would be willing to say yes? Also what are the regulations on driving mini-buses? driving for 3 years, no points, full license. and can you get short term insurance?
cheers.
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Up to the hiring outlet as to whether they will let you have one on the terms you mention and I can see an Insurance Company rubbing their hands at possible income.
Words of caution. Firstly a MiniBus is defined under Transport Act 1968 as a vehicle adapted to carry more than 8 but no more that 16 seated passengers in addition to the driver. Lawful operation will depend whether the vehicle is being used for hire and reward. If not then there is no need for an operator's licence or permit and may be driven by D1 restricted Licence holder. If being used at what is classed as Hire/Reward (Sorry I don't have the Transport Act in full to see what they define this as)then Sect 19 permit, Section 22 permit, or full operators Licence required.
The law regarding buses/etc is extremely complex and consists not only of UK Law but also EEC Regs and covers areas such as Licensing, Tachographs, Records, Hours of driving/rest.
The experts and Agency that deals with these matters is VOSA and I would suggest that you have words with them. They have a site at:
www.vosa.gov.uk
and get matters straight from the horses mouth so that you are legal in what you do and therefore fireproof.
DVD
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i find it very strange that you cant get a minibus and your over 21,be careful when hiring a minibus tho ,give it a good look underneath and fill up fuel to half way only,as the hire companies love it when you bring a full tank back to them ,if u fill up half and then if u need more on your travels just top up init.also i checked ,my local minibus hire will take 21 plus drivers for a premium fee on the insurance ,a extra 25 quid...im in croydon
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thank you repliers.
i can get a minibus, but people such as arnold clark want 70 quid a day, and over 4 days betwen 10 its very expensive.
If i approached a small hire firm or a private owner and offered them a few quid to borrow it for the weekend, im sure it would be cheaper.
My question is more do you reckon a geezer would be willing to let us have it for a weekend?
And i thought the law allowed you to drive a mini bus upto 12 or so people on a normal license but you needed a special license for more people?
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To drive the vehicle you mention you will need D1 entitlement on your DL restricted to non Hire and reward.
DVD
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"i can get a minibus, but people such as arnold clark want 70 quid a day, and over 4 days betwen 10 its very expensive"
It ain't that bad considering that will include insurance and breakdown cover - only £7 a day each.
What you are suggesting is very dodgy - for a start the insurance might cost you a small fortune and what guarantee do you have that the minibus you borrow is roadworthy? - you could be putting 10 lives at risk.
From hiring minibusses on a fairly regular basis I would advise you to go to a good local firm, that runs new or modern vehicles, fully serviced and well maintained with seat belts etc. They are pretty tightly controlled these days but it does generally guarantee a good vehicle
Don't borrow and old wreck just because it's cheap - and what if something mechanical goes wrong? tow off the motorway and a new clutch, head gasket etc - likely to cost you far more than £280.
Don't do it!
By the way - surely your University has more than one minibus? Or does it have contacts with another college in the city?
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I agree with PhilW, £70 a day sounds quite reasonable, especially as the cost will presumably be shared. Otherwise ave you costed public transport, or could you rearrange the trip for a time when the university minibus is available?
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If you're 21 then it's not possible that you have the D1 category on your licence unless you have taken an additional test (if you have then, like the man in the orthopaedic shoes, I stand corrected), the only categories you get in the last 5-6 or so years is B and B1-plus provisional motorcycle entitlement etc. Correct me if I'm wrong.
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