Applying to drive a public service vehicle
To be able to apply for a badge to drive a public service vehicle (PSV) coach / bus, you will need to:
- hold a full Jersey driving licence which includes category D (coach / bus)
- complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (see step 1 below)
- be aged 21 or over
- attend a formal briefing at Driver and Vehicle Standards Department (DVS) (see step 2 below)
- have a medical form completed by your doctor confirming you are fit to drive a coach / bus
The application process is split into three steps.
Step 1: fill in application form PSV1
You must fully complete application form PSV1 and submit it to DVS.
Step 2: attend a formal briefing
When your application has been processed you will be invited to a formal briefing at DVS.
At the briefing we will:
- explain what will be expected of you as a PSV driver
- issue you with a code of conduct
- answer any queries you may have
You will also complete the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) form and submit it along with the appropriate fee. DVS will check that the form has been completed correctly and will pass it onto Police Headquarters. A record check will then be done to find out if you have any criminal convictions including motoring offences. The results of the check will be sent to you, and you must then present it to DVS. This may take several weeks.
About Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks
If you are only intending to drive buses on routes at staged fares, your employer (the bus company) should send us a letter confirming this. You will be issued with a badge to drive an omnibus only.
Step 3: show your knowledge of the Island
A good knowledge of the location of places and areas in the Island is essential for you to be able to perform your job as a coach / bus driver.
This part of the process is divided into two main sections. Section 1 is an oral test. Section 2 is a written test. The time allowed for the full knowledge test is one hour. If at the end of the test you have failed to reach the required standard in all areas, you will need to resit those areas. The full test fee £58.50 will apply each time, regardless of the number of areas to be completed.
To prepare for both the oral and written tests, you should study:
- the Highway Code
- the Jersey Highway Code
- the Jersey almanac
- a map of Jersey
- 'Obtaining a badge to drive a PSV coach / bus' which is available from DVS for free
Section 1
Section 1 is divided into seven categories:
Category
| Subject
|
|---|
1
|
Places of interest |
2
|
Schools |
3
|
Parish churches |
| 4 |
Parish halls |
| 5 |
Major hotels |
| 6 |
Major guest houses |
| 7 |
Coach journeys |
You will be asked randomly selected samples from each category and will be expected to clearly explain the location to the examiner. Your response should assure the examiner that you are familiar with the location of the area, building etc. If the examiner is not satisfied with your answer, he / she may ask you to give further details, such as landmarks, location relative to other buildings etc. When questioned you should be able to picture the building or the journey in your head.
In the coach journeys section you will be required to clearly explain a suitable route for a coach between the locations given, including one or more stops at given places of interest. When describing the route, you should be considerate of your passengers' requirements and mindful of the prohibited or difficult areas for coach travel.
Section 2
Section 2 is a multiple choice questionnaire covering aspects of the:
- law pertaining to PSV
- vehicle maintenance that a driver would be expected to be aware of
- Highway Code
- general public service vehicle matters
You will also have to:
- fill in the names of the 12 parishes on an outline map of Jersey
- give the agreed times and direction of travel through Rozel Bay, Bonne Nuit Bay and Le Mourier Valley
Getting your badge
When you have successfully completed all of the steps detailed above, and paid the relevant fee you will be issued with a badge to drive a coach / bus.
You must renew your badge annually and on time. It is illegal to drive a public service vehicle unless you hold a valid PSV badge. You will not be sent a reminder to renew your badge.
As a PSV driver you will be expected to abide by the code of conduct and act in a professional manner at all times. You will probably be the first Jersey resident visitors meet in the Island. Ensure that their first impression is a good one.
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