Does anyone operate a pcv 16 seater minibus?

JMW77

I have a few questions about operating a minibus for hire and reward if anyone on here is doing the same .
With the regular checks every 6 - 10 weeks how detailed do they have to be and where did you get a checklist from to follow.
Also, must the tachograph be on all the time even if you were using minibus for private use?

Hopefully someone will have the answers,Thanks.

Photo_Stylus

detailed enough for any roadside check from the police or VOSA not to find ANY faults.

Our company vehicles insurance also have a clause about servicing every 6 weeks.

Tachograph for private use is not essential but its sometimes best to use them all the time. Helps verify the mileage between services & fuel costs.
Also if you get stopped without one its possible they may keep you there longer whilst they verify if your working or not. And have not done more than your permitted driving hours.

JMW77

Our bus is second hand and it has taken a long time for licence to come through so i assume we will have to have to get the tacho callibrated as we have no dates or certificates detailing when it was last done.
Do you know how much this should cost?

scbk

I think I paid about £30-£40 for a 6yr calibration earlier this year

They need a minor check every 2yrs and a main one every 6yrs

There should be a sticker on the tacho, dash, door pillar etc showing when it was last calibrated, if there isn't one then assume it needs done

Photo_Stylus

sorry not sure about the costs, but what can catch some people out is the 2 year check and the 6 year check can be on different dates.
eg. 2 year check on 1st january, the 6 year check maybe the 20th of january even though the 2 year check was done a few weeks before.

JMW77

Ok thanks,thats not too bad will have a search and see if i can find out when it was done , if not i will find someone to do it.

JMW77

Can anyone tell me if the operators address must be on the bottom of the front doors, is that the only legal position as the sign writer who did our bus has put them on the side near the rear of the bus which i believe is wrong, although on ringing VOSA they said they should be ok.
But i dont think he really knew the answer he said if its wrong we would be told when it is tested.( yearly MOT i assume)
Also has anyone been spot checked ,right now it makes you wonder whether all the rules are worth it.