the ones like me that is 
Can I drive a minibus? More, am I allowed to? My licence predates 1997 (quite considerably actually) so according to this page I think I can, as long as it’s not for “hire or reward”. Does driving a bus for school count as hire or reward? I’m thinking not, but I’m also thinking it’s not very clear.
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This page from the NASUWT site might be useful, there is some sort of exemption scheme for schools:
http://www.nasuwt.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=70924&L1=-1&L2=70924
There is some sort of exemption/permit scheme for charities and voluntary bodies etc.
Though I would not drive a minibus as part of my teaching job, for the sorts of reason outline on the above link.
I know *I* can, because we’ve looked at buying one! If it’s part of your job though, that might count as “for hire or reward”?
I know I’ve done it - I drove the Student Union minibuses many years ago, based on an internal test rather than anything official; however, whether you can drive THAT minibus is a slightly different question.
Yes, I used to drive a Student Union minibus as well, to karate camps, so I know I can do it.
Chris, the kind of teaching job I’m going to be doing is remarkably different from the ones you do, that link is useful for all the bits I wouldn’t know about to do with minibuses, but I think if I can drive I probably will drive. It’ll be trips with a small group to local attractions, or to an allotment if we get one, stuff like that. Occasional long trips there is already at least one other driver.
“Hire or reward” sounds like taxiing to me, but IANAL.
you should probably do the “MIDAS” thing (minibus drivers something or other) but yes, licence-wise you are allowed assuming the parents aren’t paying you to take their children.