When hiring a coach company, particularly for school transport, clubs, vulnerable passengers or organised trips, I would recommend checking more than just the price. These are the main things I would look for:

1. MOT / PSV test record

Ask the operator about the vehicle's PSV MOT/test history.

Look for:

• How often vehicles pass their tests.

• Any history of prohibitions or serious defects.

• Whether defects are repaired promptly.

• The age and condition of the vehicle.

• Whether the vehicle is maintained regularly between tests.

A good operator should be comfortable providing evidence that their vehicles are properly maintained.

2. DVSA OCRS / operator compliance

Check the company's DVSA Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) where available.

This can give you an indication of the operator's compliance history, including areas such as:

• Vehicle maintenance.

• Roadworthiness.

• Driver-related compliance.

• DVSA inspections and enforcement history.

Don't simply look at a score in isolation—ask the operator to explain any significant issues or enforcement history.

3. Vehicle tracking

I would strongly recommend asking whether the coaches have GPS vehicle tracking.

This can provide:

• Live or historical vehicle location.

• Journey monitoring.

• Confirmation that the vehicle has arrived.

• Assistance if there is a breakdown or emergency.

• Better management of delays.

• Evidence of the journey if an incident occurs.

For school transport, tracking is particularly useful.

4. Insurance

Before hiring, ask for evidence of appropriate insurance.

Check that the operator has:

• Motor insurance

  appropriate for passenger transport.

• Public liability insurance

• Suitable levels of cover for the type of work being undertaken.

• Appropriate cover for UK and European travel, if applicable.

Don't be afraid to ask for a current insurance certificate.

5. Safeguarding

This is particularly important when children or vulnerable passengers are travelling.

Ask whether the company has:

• A written Safeguarding Policy.

• Appropriate DBS checks for drivers where required.

• Driver safeguarding training.

• Procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns.

• A safer recruitment procedure.

• A process for dealing with allegations or incidents.

• Appropriate arrangements for school and home-to-school transport.

For school work, you should also establish exactly what safeguarding requirements have been imposed by the school or local authority and confirm that the operator meets them.

6. Driver qualifications and training

Ask

• Full PCV licence.

• Driver CPC / periodic training.

• Regular driver training.

• Licence checking and monitoring.

• Driver experience.

• Tachograph compliance where applicable.

• Training in safeguarding, disability awareness and passenger assistance where relevant.

7. Operator's Licence

This is one of the most important checks.

Make sure the company holds a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Operator's Licence appropriate for the work being undertaken.

You should check that:

• The operator is properly licensed.

• The vehicles being supplied are operated under the correct licence.

• The operator has sufficient authorised vehicles.

8. Breakdown and emergency arrangements

Ask what happens if the coach breaks down.

A professional operator should have:

• 24-hour emergency contact arrangements.

• Breakdown assistance.

• A replacement vehicle procedure.

• A clear incident management process.

• Procedures for dealing with passengers if a vehicle becomes unserviceable.

9. Policies and procedures

For schools and organisations, I would ask to see relevant policies such as:

• Safeguarding Policy

• Health & Safety Policy

• Accident & Incident Reporting Policy

• Drug & Alcohol Policy

• Mobile Phone Policy

• Driver Fatigue Policy

• Vehicle Maintenance Policy

• Equality / Accessibility Policy

• Complaints Procedure

• Data Protection Policy

•  

10. Finally – don't just look at the coach

A smart-looking coach doesn't necessarily mean the operator is well run.

My ideal pre-hire check would be:

Operator's Licence ’ MOT/PSV history ’ DVSA compliance/OCRS ’ Insurance ’ Vehicle tracking ’ Safeguarding ’ Driver qualifications ’ Maintenance arrangements ’ Breakdown arrangements ’ References/reputation.

For school transport, I would put safeguarding, operator licensing, vehicle safety and driver compliance ahead of price.