School minibus assessments - Important information
Is your minibus ready?
Managing a school minibus comes with clear health and safety responsibilities. Having robust policies, driver development and regular assessments in place helps ensure safe journeys for staff and children.
Norfolk County Council's Public Health Road Safety Team can support your school with:
✅ Minibus driver assessments and re-assessments.
✅ Practical training to build driver confidence and competence.
✅ Access to online learning and guidance to support ongoing professional development
✅ Sign posting to resources to help you strengthen your Driving for Work approach
The cost of a 90‑minute minibus assessment is £67, effective from 1 April 2026.
Please plan ahead - assessments should be booked at least 3 months in advance. This will ensure you access the best level of booking availability.
Get started by reviewing and sharing the following resources:
- Driving for work: www.norfolk.gov.uk/drivingforwork
- Stay focused: www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/60166/Stay-Focused
- Driving for better business: Managing Road Risk - Free resources from National Highways
To book an assessment, or if you have a specific question about this offer or questions about minibus weight or licence requirements or to cancel an assessment please contact: [email protected]
Alternatively, if we have already assigned your school a dedicated trainer and you have their details you can book directly with your trainer.
For more information about driver/rider courses and assessments available please visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/drivingforwork
Key requirements
Before booking a minibus assessment, schools must ensure drivers:
- Hold a valid, in-date driving licence with the correct entitlement to drive the minibus.
- Have Category D1 for minibuses over 3.5t MAM, or meet DVLA conditions for Category B drivers
- Drivers must bring their original licence to the assessment. Failure to do so will result in the session being cancelled and charged.
New rules apply for electric vehicles - check updated MAM limits at: Driving an electric or hydrogen-powered vehicle - GOV.UK
Five working days' notice is required for cancellations to avoid charges.
