ET7 Minibus Driver

Access Creative College; Manchester; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

AR. Access Further Education Ltd. in Manchester is looking for a competent minibus driver to transport learners in accordance with the Highway Code and college policies. You will perform daily checks, assist learners on and off the vehicle, and plan cost-effective routes.

The role requires a PSV/D1 licence, a full PCV entitlement, and a clean DBS check. Excellent communication, reliability, and a flexible approach to hours are essential.

Qualifications

• Valid UK driving licence with D1 (Minibus) and D (PCV) entitlements.
• Clean driving record (or up to 3 penalty points).
• Enhanced DBS check by the employer.
• Experience driving large vehicles, ideally for schools or community transport.

Responsibilities

• Drive minibus to transport learners safely according to Highway Code and college policies.
• Carry out daily vehicle checks and arrange servicing/MOT when needed.
• Assist learners on/off, including wheelchairs and steps/tail lift.
• Plan routes, maintain safety, log route changes as required.
• Ensure health and safety for learners and staff during transport.
• Report defects, incidents, and accidents promptly.
• Keep vehicle clean and roadworthy; refuel as required.
• Follow health and safety guidelines and minibus operating instructions.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Reliability

Flexibility

Geographical knowledge

Minibus driving experience

Education

PSV licence (D1) (Minibus)

Full PCV entitlement (D)

Job description

Candidate Requirements

You will be competent in driving a 16-seater minibus, with a full, clean UK Driving Licence which should include PSV and D1 Entitlements and have knowledge of regulations and legislation pertaining to road and vehicle use.

The successful candidate will be committed to providing helpful and friendly customer service and have a reliable and professional approach to work at all times.

The college is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the young people in its care and all posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Purpose of the Job

Drive the minibus to transport learners in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Highway Code and in accordance with the Access Creative College (Sports) Driving Safely Policies by maintaining learner, staff and public safety whilst on the highway.

Key duties and responsibilities

1. Drive the minibus in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Highway Code, ACC’s Driving Safely Policies to maintain pupil, staff and public safety whilst on the highway.

2. Provide daily visual checks and basic maintenance for the vehicles eg. oil levels, topping up fluid levels, tyre pressures, cleaning of vehicles, etc. Arrange when necessary the service and MOT of the vehicle to maintain basic working order and prevent unnecessary deterioration of the vehicle. Carry out a weekly, recorded check in accordance with the maintenance schedule.

3. Assist learners on and off the vehicle, using the steps or tail lift, ensuring wheelchairs are clamped etc. in order to prevent accidents.

4. Drive an agreed daily route plan for journeys, seeking prior agreement to any route changes to achieve a practical and cost effective route.

5. Responsible for the health and safety, comfort and welfare of learners and staff whilst being transported in the vehicle.

6. Reporting any vehicle defects, faults, incidents and accidents.

7. Ensuring the vehicle is in a clean and roadworthy condition before and after use.

8. Refuelling vehicles as required.

9. Working within health and safety guidelines and other guidelines that may be issued from time-to-time.

10. Working within the constraints and guidelines as set out in the Minibus Drivers’ Operating Instructions.

Qualifications:

Must hold a PSV licence and D1 category on driving licence.

Skills and Experience:

• An ability to communicate with a range of people.

• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.

• Reliable and trustworthy.

• Flexible approach to working arrangements.

• Good geographical knowledge of the local area.

• Previous experience of driving a minibus or similar sized vehicles would be advantageous.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Licensing

Valid UK Driving Licence with Category D1 (Minibus) and Category D (Full PCV)

Clean driving record (or maximum 3 penalty points)

Experience

Proven track record of driving large vehicles or passenger transit vehicles

Experience driving in urban, highway, and adverse weather conditions

Demonstrated experience dealing directly with the public or customer service roles

Previous experience driving for schools, local authorities, elderly care, or community transport

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

Sound knowledge of the Highway Code, road safety regulations, and legal driver hours limits

Basic vehicle maintenance and daily walkaround check awareness

Strong route-planning ability and competent use of GPS/navigation tools

Fluent spoken and written English for route communication, logbooks, and passenger interaction

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. Employment will be conditional upon satisfactory completion of the required pre-employment checks, including safeguarding checks where applicable.