Starting up in PCV driving. Questions

Starting up in PCV driving. Questions

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EL11SEG

Original Poster:

1,849 posts

187 months

Sunday 30th April 2017
quotequote all
Hey folks, so I am currently looking at changing careers in August once my brat heads off to school. Apart from working offshore I have spent a lot of times on the roads either couriering or Class 1. I am not really wanting to get into the HGV again but I am considering investing in Private Hire Minibus, as my licence suggests I already have (grandfather they call it??) rights to a 16 seat minibus as long as not for hire or reward.




I have been told I still have to sit my D1 test now as I will be driving for hire and reward. Last time I was on the lorries it was a floppy bit of paper we used for tachos, so I have printed off the forms for applying for a card tacho but do I require any training for this? Also, can I use the mini bus without tacho card for personal use? Say a quick trip to the shops or a day out with family? Last time I used one was 2004 and can imagine things have changed.

Any books to use as a good reference, noticed a few on the DVSA site
Also, CPC training? What's that all about? I take it I need it first? I am led to believe I will loose 35 hours and the will to live when I do it. laugh

It would probably be far easier just to get a job and leave myslef out all this hassle but hey ho laugh

Many thanks

Avril

grumpy52

5,717 posts

173 months

Monday 1st May 2017
quotequote all
You need the CPC ,I think its slightly different for PCV as opposed to trucks .
I think you can do a shortened course for your D1 for minibuses .
I may be wrong but I think if you have the licence for the vehicle that requires you to use a tacho you must use a tacho at all times .Even for nipping to the shops it all counts towards your hours .
Rog will be along to give you the correct info at some stage .

EL11SEG

Original Poster:

1,849 posts

187 months

Sunday 14th May 2017
quotequote all
Hi Grumpy only just logged back in as I never got a notification of posting.

Ok so........

I have ordered the minibus and it will arrive in 20 weeks if not sooner, looks like I need to get my finger out and get passing tests and CPC's. I did speak to the guy running the test centers and he said I could use vehicle like a daily runner but I will check as I am calling the Traffic commissioner office tomorrow and hopefully they will shed light on my next hurdle of *transport manager* and if I need one or can I also be a TM

Cheers

Avril

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