We have already had it away on a 12 day shakedown trip. Made it up as we went: couple of nights in Bendigo so the family there could inspect bus, Swan Hill, Gol Gol, then back via Kerang and Beechworth. Weather not great, but we did a lot of learning. The bus has things that were not on our basic offroad van, like roll out awning, hot water service, wind up TV aerial, water pump, grey water tank, toilet & shower (but we haven't christened those yet.)
Yes, I did drive it some of the time. Its GVM is 4990, so car licence is not enough. But I have had a heavy rigid licence for many years - and have driven Coasters that were school buses. The Driver got a medium rigid licence a few years ago when we were doing tourism work up north and he may have needed to drive Coaster. It came in handy when we fetched up in the Pilbara on construction site and he had to do daily tip truck runs of 100 or 250km from sites to Port Hedland tip.
So, we are legal. And we are really happy with it. But I think we are probably going to have to flat tow a little vehicle.
Thanks for the good wishes folks. Last week, we took the bus for a day trip, up to Warburton. I know - it is not exactly a day tripping vehicle, but we want to keep reminding the nervous Stumpy Tail dog about travel in the bus, and also wanted to take the 9 year old grandson for a ride in it - there is a third seatbelt for one of the dinette seats. It was a lovely day for a drive, though parking a 7 metre vehicle in Warburton is not easy. The bakery/cafe at the far end of the town has the best vanilla slices ever...........
Great looking Bus Wendy We are still trying to sell our off road camper (Ultimate) and bought a motorhome. Been doing plenty of weekend (practice) trips and getting ready for the long one.