My memories of school are becoming slightly hazy, but one thing that does stand out is feeling of impending freedom we used to get in the last few weeks of the summer term each year.

Not only was the long holiday looming, but regular work was not usually required as a schedule of day trips and even whole weeks away was organised, along with the usual sporting activities, end of term concerts and other such diversions.

Many schools manage to own one, or even two, minibuses, but these can prove badly inadequate when half the school is on the move at the same time. The sensible solution, when this happens, is to hire additional minibuses from local companies.

When doing this, it is important to remember the various rules and regulations that might apply to potential drivers – at the very least:

• Driver training requirements
• School regulations
• Insurance requirements
• Local authority rules
• Hire company rules – most hire companies require minibus drivers to have D1 entitlement on their driving licence and be over a certain age

Younger teachers may find they do not have D1 entitlement on their driving licences and some may find they are below the minimum age for hiring a minibus, which is often 25 (although this does vary).

Unfortunately, we cannot help you get older, add new categories to your driving licence or cut red tape. We also cannot help you with the inevitable child who sits at the back and gets travel sick…

However, we can help you find a minibus to hire – click here to get started!