A Cat D licence opens you to a world of opportunities. From operating a bus on a regional route to transporting tourists across Europe or performing school runs on a bus. The proper attitude, driving method and solid knowledge of CAT D driver training are essential for category D licence holders.
They must remember that they are carrying passengers and are in charge of ensuring their security and well-being.
You can operate a large bus on hire or compensation with more than eight seats and a trailer weighing up to 750 kg if you have a category D licence. Once you have got this licence category, any size PCV, including single- and double-decker buses, may be driven for employment or reward.
This guidance will help you to understand a few guidelines. It is related to driver behaviour and licencing in the bus and coaches (PCV) industry. Links to sites with additional in-depth information are here.
To protect your safety, the safety of your passengers, other drivers on the road, and pedestrians, a minibus or coach driver should adhere to the employer and governmental regulations.
Driving Behaviour
Driver conduct describes how drivers act and behave both at work and off duty.
You need to be aware of the Traffic Commissioners’ function. They are accountable for:
- Considering how PCV licensees and licence applicants behave, the entitlement is held.
If necessary, suspend or revoke driving permits. - A PCV driver’s license may be revoked or suspended for other, more serious criminal offences, including moving offences, driver’s hours’ violation, and tachograph offences.
Given the possibility of intimate contact with the public and operating a bus or coach, the Traffic Commissioner pays special attention to convictions for assault and theft. It includes the sale of narcotics before deciding whether a person is fit to operate one.
Road safety is in danger if you drive while intoxicated, use drugs, fast-drive, and use a hand-held phone. Commissioners can suspend or revoke their driving privileges if a driver gets reported for certain offences. They can also remove them from the road. Inform your employer if you are convicted of any illegal motor vehicle offence. Report all motor vehicle infractions to the Traffic Commissioners by operators.
Remember that you risk losing your right to a CAT D licence with just one infraction.
Driver’s Tachograph Card
You can operate a vehicle equipped with an analogue tachograph. You are still required to carry a digitized driver card if you have got one.
Need to use a driver’s card if your job is subject to EU Drivers’ Hours legislation. Your automobile has a digital tachograph according to the law. A vehicle with a digitalised tachograph must be set to “out of scope” to yield with British Domestic Regulations. Until and unless it is used to replace keeping logs in a driver’s log book.
CPC Driver Card
When operating a bus, you must always have your Driver Qualification Card (for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence).
A Driver Certificate of Professional Competence is given after completing CAT D licence training. It is required to operate a bus, you must finish 35 hours of regular training every five years.
If you have received a driver’s qualification card, keep it with you every time.
Licencing And Health Information
You drive overseas or have a limited licence because of a medical condition. Seek to renew your driving privilege as soon as possible, usually 60 days before it expires. It will guarantee that the DVLA has adequate time to look into any medical issues.
You should be informed that when you renew your CAT D licence. Your vocational entitlement will still be in effect as of the day the DVLA issued it. It will only coincide with when the prior entitlement expired.
You must be aware of the expiration dates of your driver’s licence, driver’s card, and CPC card.
Using the DVLA’s Driving Licence tool, you can always find out the vehicles you are allowed to drive. Check how many penalty points you possess and when your licence expires. To use it, you’ll need your National Insurance number and driving licence number. You can get free service here.
Inform an employer and the DVLA of any notifiable medical conditions. Most drivers who inform the DVLA of a medical problem are eligible.
Conclusion
So these are some responsibilities you need to remember after getting your licence. Make sure you follow everything. If not then you might have to pay hefty charges. Driving an HGV is a huge responsibility. You know most of the accidents take place because of HGVs. It is better to know your responsibilities beforehand. If you work according to the rules, you can save yourself from this chaos. Taking training before diving any bus or coach is important. More important is to make sure you know your role and responsibility after getting the licence. Make sure you dont consider that you have the licence and can do anything. You still need a lot more things to drive CAT D vehicles professionally.
Also Read: Know All About The C+E Licence
