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Blairgowrie and District Next Steps
Minibus
Our minibus, a Ford Transit with capacity for 16 passengers and a driver is available to bona fide community groups for non-commercial purposes.
In order to comply with our insurance it is necessary for all users or their parent group to belong to Blairgowrie and District Next Steps. This is through an associate group membership which is £25 per year. There is a £10 booking fee per day, and a charge of 25p (subject to fuel prices) per km travelled for fuel unless the bus is returned full. In addition user groups must bear responsibility for the insurance excess of £150 and also cover any other uninsured losses including loss of NCB in the event of an accident, or damage due to negligence or misuse. All drivers must either hold at least a D1 driving licence with a current MiDAS certificate or hold a current full class D or D1 (hire and reward) licence. BaDNS has a pool of qualified drivers who may be available to drive the vehicle for you. Prospective drivers must be between the ages of 21 and 70 and have held a full UK driving licence for a minimum of 4 years.
The hiring group is responsible for ensuring the vehicle is used in full compliance with all road traffic regulations and will also take responsibility for any traffic or other penalties incurred during the period of hire. Breakdown cover is provided with the vehicle insurance. Blairgowrie and District Next Steps are not responsible for recovery or repatriation of the vehicle or passengers, though will do what it can to assist in the event of an incident.
The vehicle is not available between 0800 to 1800 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or 0800 to 1400 on Wednesdays, as it is used for our regular programme.
If you or your group do not hold a MiDAS certificate then we can provide training and assessment for both new drivers and those undertaking refresher courses. These can be arranged on demand subject to diary availability, and there will be a per person charge for this of £50 for standard or £70 for accessible minibuses. Use of a minibus, drivers handbook and certificate (subject to satisfactory assessment) are included. If you wish to be trained and/or assessed for an accessible bus then you will need to have access to your own suitable vehicle. It is easier to schedule the theory elements in groups of at least 5. Training is firstly undertaken in a classroom group environment concluding with a short paper test, and covers various aspects of theory as applicable to the carriage of passengers and good driving practice. This is followed by a driving assessment which takes place on the road and is typically of up to 70 minutes duration, undertaken on a one to one basis. A MiDAS certificate is valid for 4 years and a shorter refresher course can then be taken to renew it.
The Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS) is administered by the Community Transport Association.
Driver Application and Registration Form
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