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Becoming an ICU Approved Driver

So you want to become an ICU Approved Driver? So what does it actually involve? First of all you must meet the criteria listed in sections 1 and 2.

Section 1

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Have held a Full UK/EU Driving Licence for at least 2 years with Manual Car category (B) on it (to be eligable international licences must have been issued inside the EU)
  • Be any of the following:
    - A current staff member of Imperial College,
    - A current staff member of Imperial College Union,
    - A full student member of Imperial College Union,
    - A life member of Imperial College Union,
    - An associate member of Imperial College Union.

If you answered "No" to any part, then you will be unable to become an ICU Approved Driver. Otherwise please goto Section 2.
Staff members without a category D1 entitlement should be aware of the 'not for hire or reward' rule.

Section 2

  • Have you received any endorsments (speeding fines, penalty points) in the last 3 years?
  • Have had any accidents in the last 3 years?

If you answered "No" to Section 2 then you can book a Minibus Introduction session. Details and the booking of the introduction session can be found on this page.

If you answered "Yes" to any part of Section 2 then your application to become an approved driver will have to go through a separate process, which may involve it having to be refered to the ICU Clubs and Socities Board - though you are not automatically excluded from becoming an approved driver.

If you have answered "Yes" to any part in Section 2 then please contact Transport.

Minibus Introductions

If you have met all the criteria outlined on this page about becoming an ICU approved driver then what next?

There are two parts of the introduction to complete, a theory and a practical part.
It should be noted that this introduction does not allow you to drive any minibus in the UK, only ICU minibuses. All drivers have to have pass this introduction for insurance purposes, and to ensure that you are up to the standard of driving the union expects.

Theory Part

Please complete the theory part before arriving at the practical part. The theory part can be taken any time online via eactivities and clicking on the tab "Minibus Theory Test". It involves reading the procedures and rules concerned with minibus driving located on the minibus home page and the answering of a set of multiple choice questions. The questions are taken from sample DSA minibus theory test questions and can be completed "open book" style. The theory part will take 45-60 minutes, including this 20 minute test.

Practical Part

The practical part of the introduction needs to be booked in advance, this can be done online via the website shop. It will cost £13.50 for a scheduled session. Introductions are normally carried out on Monday and Thursday lunchtimes between 12:00 and 14:00. Please arrive promptly at the student activities centre, since the staff are not able to wait for you.
The website may display dates which are "out of stock". This means that these sessions are full, and you will have to either pick a different date, or arrange a special introduction.
Such special (one off) introductions for dates and times not otherwise available cost extra - £18.50. Contact Transport if you wish to arrange a special introduction.

The practical part involves familarisation with the vehicle, including learning how to do the daily routine checks. This is followed by a drive around the local area. In particular the assessor will be checking to see that you drive safely, can manage the length of the vehicle and are generally happy with driving. If you are not up to the required standard you will be given the chance to have a retest free of charge.
There are certain mistakes which are more common than others - these are listed on this page. Please read them before you arrive.

When you come to your practical introduction please remember to bring the following:

  • Your Driving Licence (if you have the new style UK licence this includes the paper section),
  • A completed Minibus Declaration Form.

Minibus Application Form (138 KB)

The procedures and rules concerned with minibus driving can be found here:
Driving Minibuses v1.3 (6.8 MB)