MiDAS is the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme and is administered by the Community Transport Association. The scheme provides a nationally recognised standard for the assessment and training of minibus drivers and has been designed to enhance minibus driving standards and promote the safer operation of minibuses.

MiDAS is available to any organisation operating or using minibuses. Organisations that train their drivers in MiDAS range from small voluntary organisations with one vehicle, to local authorities operating large fleets of minibuses as well as schools, colleges and universities.

Benefits

There are many potential benefits of MiDAS training, including:

• Increased passenger safety
• Improved passenger comfort
• Increased staff confidence
• Reduced staff stress
• Potential reduction in vehicle running costs
• Potential reduction in insurance premiums

Our trainer covers both the Standard Certificate and Accessible Certificate training.

Both will cover:

MiDAS training course content

Module One: Standard certificate

This is a 3 hour theory course and 2 hour practical during which you will receive training in the skills required to drive a minibus. A pre-requisite is a full English driving licence and driving for at least 2 years.

A typical course includes training in:

• A thorough knowledge of the legal responsibilities of a minibus driver and duty of care
• Depart of Transport codes of practice in safe carriage of passengers
• Good practice in passenger comfort
• Health and Safety at work for minibus drivers
• Manoeuvring of vehicles
• Vehicle checks and basic eyesight test
• Defensive driving techniques
• Minibus fire and evacuation procedures

T    Typically, at the end of the training, delegates will be asked to complete a test paper of 20 questions to confirm what they have learned earlier.

      At a later date, the delegate will undergo a 1.5-hour road driving assessment which includes a wide range of road conditions. This session will usually include:

• Basic eyesight check
• Basic vehicle familarisation
• Commentary on driving
• Driving assessment

      On successful completion of the MiDAS training, delegates receive a MiDAS certificate.

      The accessible certificate also includes

• Safe use of ramps and tail lifts
• Wheelchair and passenger restraint equipment
• Department of Transport codes of practice on safe carriage of passengers in wheelchairs
• Good practice on passenger assistance
• Legal requirements

We also offer Refresher Training for Drivers who need to retrain to keep their certificate.

Please contact lindsey.tassi@manorgreenschool.co.uk for further details and to discuss your training needs.