Driving and operating a tour minibus
Discussion
I've got a few years to go until retirement and I've been a professional driver for a large part of my working life, HGV all over the UK for many years bookended with delivery driving all over the midlands, Wales, and north west of /england. I can drive a minibus on my licence but I've never held a pcv licence, in fact I don't even know if they're still called that, and I've no idea about operators' regs and licensing
Mrs M's work is beavily involved with tourism and she's well connected in the industry We both see the scope for a small friendly private tour operation using a nice smart minibus, 6 or 7 passengers tops. Single vehicle driven by me. I'm not looking to make a fortune, I'll be quite comfortable and have enough to invest around 30k into a nice vehicle without needing to make a massive return in the first year or two.
But what about licensing etc? premises? Would I be a miniature bus company with massive overheads or an upmarket taxi operating from my garage?
I would really appreciate anyone who would take the time to drop a bit of advice about some of the rules and potential annual costs.
Mrs M's work is beavily involved with tourism and she's well connected in the industry We both see the scope for a small friendly private tour operation using a nice smart minibus, 6 or 7 passengers tops. Single vehicle driven by me. I'm not looking to make a fortune, I'll be quite comfortable and have enough to invest around 30k into a nice vehicle without needing to make a massive return in the first year or two.
But what about licensing etc? premises? Would I be a miniature bus company with massive overheads or an upmarket taxi operating from my garage?
I would really appreciate anyone who would take the time to drop a bit of advice about some of the rules and potential annual costs.
I think you'd need an "O" Licence (Operators Licence) which involves many hoops to be jumped through -Think maintenance records, inspections, CPC, Insurance, e.t.c.
I do a bit of part time Coach driving and the rules the Operator has to comply with are staggering.
You might need a PCV Licence but that might depend on the capacity of the vehicle.
I do a bit of part time Coach driving and the rules the Operator has to comply with are staggering.
You might need a PCV Licence but that might depend on the capacity of the vehicle.
Up to 8 passenger seats, it's a taxi. Over that, it's a coach/bus with all the associated regulations.
For a taxi, have a look at what is required from your local council.
In short you will need it to have a Private Hire plate, be insured for hire or reward and you will personally need a badge. You will also have to pay the council for a Private Hire operators licence.
For a taxi, have a look at what is required from your local council.
In short you will need it to have a Private Hire plate, be insured for hire or reward and you will personally need a badge. You will also have to pay the council for a Private Hire operators licence.
Jordie Barretts sock said:
Up to 8 passenger seats, it's a taxi. Over that, it's a coach/bus with all the associated regulations.
For a taxi, have a look at what is required from your local council.
In short you will need it to have a Private Hire plate, be insured for hire or reward and you will personally need a badge. You will also have to pay the council for a Private Hire operators licence.
This ^. That's why nobody else is doing it because there are eye-watering costs on both paths, then all the red tape on top. Do some casual coach / minibus driving for someone else if you've got an itch to scratch. None of the hassle and you can walk away from it whenever you want.For a taxi, have a look at what is required from your local council.
In short you will need it to have a Private Hire plate, be insured for hire or reward and you will personally need a badge. You will also have to pay the council for a Private Hire operators licence.
Could you get a job with someone who is already doing this? Learn about what you need, find out if you like it and if all is well then take the leap yourself.
Where are you based OP? There's a rapidly growing company in central Scotland (but currently expanding all over the UK) who are almost always looking for new driver/tour guides. I don't think I am allowed to name them on here but if you think of a famous Scottish poet, you wouldn't be far out. I know someone who retired a couple years ago and joined them. He loves it, fun job, never a dull moment, beautiful scenery and flexibility hours.
Where are you based OP? There's a rapidly growing company in central Scotland (but currently expanding all over the UK) who are almost always looking for new driver/tour guides. I don't think I am allowed to name them on here but if you think of a famous Scottish poet, you wouldn't be far out. I know someone who retired a couple years ago and joined them. He loves it, fun job, never a dull moment, beautiful scenery and flexibility hours.
I did wonder about the number of passengers as I see loads of MPV style taxis outside stations. I’ve seen a few nice Merc vans with six seats. Ideally a biggish vehicle and six roomy seats in the back plus the guide in the front.
I have thought about working for a local firm in wales, but in the long term I would like to make some money out of it and would want to be able to work directly for the people paying and also possibly bring the kids in at some point. That said I appreciate that learning the basics as an employee is a very sensible course of action, and would work well if I wind down the hours nearing retirement.
I have thought about working for a local firm in wales, but in the long term I would like to make some money out of it and would want to be able to work directly for the people paying and also possibly bring the kids in at some point. That said I appreciate that learning the basics as an employee is a very sensible course of action, and would work well if I wind down the hours nearing retirement.
Macneil said:
I have thought about working for a local firm in wales, but in the long term I would like to make some money out of it and would want to be able to work directly for the people paying and also possibly bring the kids in at some point. That said I appreciate that learning the basics as an employee is a very sensible course of action, and would work well if I wind down the hours nearing retirement.
Absolutely, if you want to make money, do it for yourself...but if you want to learn the ropes, why not make your mistakes while someone else is paying for them?Desiderata said:
Where are you based OP? There's a rapidly growing company in central Scotland (but currently expanding all over the UK) who are almost always looking for new driver/tour guides. I don't think I am allowed to name them on here but if you think of a famous Scottish poet, you wouldn't be far out. I know someone who retired a couple years ago and joined them. He loves it, fun job, never a dull moment, beautiful scenery and flexibility hours.
SD.
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