And if they’re too old to go into uniform, but the only one with a D1 licence and drive the mini bus every weekend…?
Firstly welcome to the forum, i trust your username is not a true reflection of your opinions!
i am not sure how this point is relevant to @Paracetamol’s point on VA.
If a CI wants VA - there is a route for that, become appointed into a uniform position.
what a CI does and how unique their skills maybe shouldn’t influence their likelihood to receive VA under the current scheme.
it would also be a very limited scope where VA could be claimed. Our SOV is used at least once a month (pre-Covid) but less than half of those occasions would be eligible for VA, either based on duration (and evening at the climbing wall an eligible event, but too short a duration) or the event itself, such as a charity/fund raising event
i would also argue that driving an SOV is a minor role in terms of warranting VA. I have no climbing quals so don’t claim VA when i join the Sqn on climbing events as I bring nothing to the event - i can see as the unique driver the role is critical but as a CI still not eligible
If someone is also only attending to drive a minibus, and they get paid for it, that could be interpreted as driving for hire or reward.
It is worth calling out that if they haven’t done the D1 course, they are not licensed to drive for hire or reward, even if they have grandfather rights.
It’s a grey area at the best of times, but it could catch them out.
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Apparently, it definitely is for hire or reward, but grandfather rights D1ers are covered by an exemption:
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My understanding is that under a permit 19, those who are paid to work can occasionally drive, as long as it’s not their main duties.
I.e a teacher can take a 17-seater with pupils once a year on a field trip under permit 19
But the school can’t employ a full time minibus driver. Unless they’ve done the full d1 course. Even under permit 19
I’m sure I read this online recently, will see if I can find the link!
I think you are correct (as long as the teacher has grandfather rights D1. If not they are limited to 3.5 tons and 15 seats).
So A CFAV with a grandfather rights D1 claiming VA can drive under a P19.
Bring on the VA for CIs I say!
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Found the link i was reading before: Driving school minibuses: advice for schools and local authorities - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Sounds like I was right, up until the permit 19 bit! Which does specifically allow D1 (101) (not for hire or reward) licence holders to drive for hire or reward.
So like you say, CFAV with a grandfather rights D1 claiming VA can drive under a P19