Experienced drivers say larger bus restriction leaves gap in school transport
School bus drivers aged 72+ remain excluded from driving larger buses (55+ seaters) under the new rules, creating reliability problems when regular drivers fall ill. Paddy Gallogley explains how the restriction means contractors cannot provide replacement cover, leaving parents without notice when service fails and forcing them to arrange alternative childcare.
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The government has increased the maximum age for small school bus drivers (up to 8 passengers) from 70 to 72 years, effective September. However, experienced drivers in their mid-70s and older remain excluded from driving larger buses (55+ seats), leaving rural areas vulnerable to service disruptions when drivers fall sick. This patchwork solution fails to address the core recruitment crisis affecting schoolchildren across the region.
The government has announced that the maximum age for school transport drivers will increase from 70 to 72 years old, effective next September. However, the change only applies to vehicles carrying up to 8 passengers, leaving drivers over 72 ineligible for larger buses. Experienced drivers in their mid-70s say the partial measure doesn't go far enough to address ongoing service reliability issues in rural areas.