We are responsible for the accreditation of all school drivers and vehicles.
A school accreditation is required for both the driver and the vehicle. An accreditation is not required if the vehicle and drivers are currently licensed as one of the following:
- PSV licensed vehicle and driver
- Hackney carriage licensed vehicle and driver
- Private hire licensed vehicle and driver
A school driver and vehicle must be affiliated to an operator that has been awarded a school contract by our School Transport Section. Drivers and vehicles must not be used without an accreditation and are not permitted to do so under the contracts issued by the us. Using a non-accredited driver and vehicle may result in the contract being reviewed by School Transport Services.
How to apply for accreditation
Firstly you apply for the driver accreditation, as a vehicle accreditation will not be issued until there is an accredited driver for that vehicle. Each application will be considered on its own merits in accordance with the relevant policies.
Before a driver accreditation can be issued the following checks will be carried out to determine if you are a “fit and proper” person to be issued with a licence:
- Driving licence check - DVLA
- Medical - with our nominated Occupational Health Doctor
- Two character references
- Criminal Records Bureau Check - CRB
- Certificate of Good Conduct*
*An authenticated certificate of good conduct should be obtained by applicants who have not been resident in the United Kingdom for the previous five years. You must obtain this from your appropriate embassy and this must be provided in English
On approval, an accreditation badge will be issued to the driver. This will show badge number, starting with SD, full name, photo and expiry date. This must be worn by the driver of the accredited vehicle at all times when working.
Vehicles will be subject to the same tests and checks as private hire/hackney carriage vehicles.
