Updated 1st August 2024

If you are using Minibuses, remember that you must include the minibus travel as part of your activity risk assessment and part of that needs to show that the drivers have been deemed safe and competent to drive such a vehicle.

Previously Hertfordshire Scouts policy was that to demonstrate competence you needed to hold a Hertfordshire County Council Minibus Permit, however this scheme has recently changed and is no longer a viable route for most.

We are introducing the MiDAS scheme in Hertfordshire to replace the previous scheme, however this is will not be up and running until late 2024.

In the meantime we advise that you can demonstrate competence in a number of ways...
 

1. Hold a valid HCC minibus competence permit.

2. Hold a temporarily extended permit in 1 above, that expired in the last 6 months, and has been extended for Herts Scouts use only, by Herts County Office.

3. Any other recognised minibus competency scheme such MiDas.

4. Any recognised authority scheme, or agency/organisation scheme for driving similar vehicles, such as police vans, ambulances, military vans etc.

5. Have passed your test for (not have entitlement only) D1 minibus, or D bus or C1 or C large goods vehicles.

6. Demonstrate competency in another way in which you feel is valid and the DC/DLV agrees.

If you would like advice from County regarding the competency evidence of a driver, for your risk assessment, or if you are approving a risk assessment (GSL/GLV / DC/DLV / CC/CLV), then please send the enquiry to the County Support Centre info@hertfordshirescouts.org.uk and we will advise accordingly.

​

Notes:

• HCC Permits that have been "extended" by Hertfordshire Scouts, are not valid for any Herts County Council use, and are not valid for driving minibuses hired from/owned by Herts County Council.

• Drivers must always check the insurance requirements and conditions of hire of each vehicle, as they may have stronger requirements than above.

• Drivers must always check their licence entitles them to drive the size and weight of the bus hired, especially under "not for hire and reward" regulations.

​

​