Information for drivers

Devon County Council's transport policies require all holders of the Devon County Council Certificate of Competence to drive a minibus of up to 16 passenger seats to undergo refresher training every four years. This refresher course is similar to the existing one-day course, except there will be no practical and theory tests. However, continuous assessment will be a feature of this course.

The purpose of the course is to ensure that you are driving a Devon County Council minibus in a safe and acceptable manner, to a standard either commensurate with or better than the standard you achieved at the time you took your original minibus test. It is also an opportunity for you to review and refresh your skills under the guidance of a qualified instructor.

Timetable

Preparation

You will not only be assessed on your driving skills, but also on your knowledge of conducting pre-driving safety checks of the vehicle, and, of course, your working knowledge of the Highway Code and how this should be applied to everyday driving. It is therefore advisable to revise the Highway Code as well as ensuring you are carrying out pre-driving checks correctly. You will be asked questions about, and be asked to demonstrate your knowledge of these subjects.

Driving skills

When on the road, you will be expected to produce a safe, defensive drive whilst making progress appropriate to the prevailing road, weather and traffic conditions. Your forward planning skills, observation of the Highway Code, attitude and concentration will be assessed.

You may also be asked to carry out a manoeuvre such as a reverse around a left-hand or right-hand corner, or asked to carry out a controlled braking exercise. These will be carried out in safe, quiet areas and where practicable off road.

And finally

At the end of the course you will be debriefed and given a written report which will reflect your performance. If the assessment is satisfactory, you will be issued with a new certificate of competence which will be valid for four years. If not, you will be required to re-sit either the one-hour minibus test or the one-day combined course and test.

Contacts

Devon Drivers' Centre
Westpoint,
Clyst St. Mary,
Exeter,
EX5 1DJ
Tel : 01392 444773
Fax : 01392 444532
Email: drivers@devon.gov.uk.

Minibus Administration
Transport Co-ordination Services
Room 18,
Matford Offices,
County Hall,
Topsham Road,
Exeter,
Devon,
EX2 4QW
Email:  TCSMinib@devon.gov.uk

For information about the Minibus Test, and One Day Course and Test, click on this link:
Minibus Training and Testing