MiDAS Training
MiDAS is the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme which is administered by the Community Transport Association. The scheme provides a nationally recognised standard for the training and assessment of minibus drivers; it has been designed to enhance minibus driving standards and promote the safer operation of minibuses.
We provide training for a various schools and voluntary organisations. Our trainer may be able to provide off site training.
We offer the following courses:
- MiDAS Standard £130.00
- MiDAS Accessible £150.00
Price includes £40 for access to the e-learning portal and subject to VAT.
For further information contact simon@thevoluntarynetwork.org
MiDAS Standard
Suitable for anyone who is required to drive a minibus as part of their role. That might be a volunteer who drives occasionally for a local community group or a paid driver working full time.
How is it delivered?
- Online theory course and theory assessment. 90 minutes of interactive and engaging E-Learning, covering the legal responsibilities of drivers and the essential theoretical knowledge needed to provide safe, legal and comfortable journeys.
- Individual Practical Session. Up to 45 minutes in a minibus working individually with a Driver Assessor. This session provides drivers with an opportunity to ask any questions they have based on their online course and is tailored to their needs and ability.
- Driving Assessment. Up to 45 minutes in a minibus being assessed to the nationally recognised MiDAS Standard.
MiDAS Accessible
Additional training for drivers on how to assist and support passengers with disabilities. MiDAS Accessible is suitable for any drivers who will be transporting passengers who need additional support and driving minibuses which have specialist equipment such as passenger lifts and ramps. Drivers must have passed the MiDAS Standard course before completing MiDAS Accessible.
How is it delivered?
The course combines classroom-based learning with practical demonstrations and practices which cover topics such as:
- Passenger awareness and assistance
- Assisting passengers who travel in their wheelchairs
- Boarding and alighting a vehicle using a passenger lift or ramp
- Securing passengers seated in wheelchairs using wheelchair tie-down equipment and passenger safety belts
Drivers will then undertake a theory assessment and a practical skills assessment.
The theory part of the course is typically delivered over half a day, with additional time required for supervised practices and assessments.
MiDAS Refresher
To keep a MiDAS certificate valid, a Refresher course must be undertaken every 4 years. From 2nd January 2024, drivers requiring a Standard Refresher course will be completing the new MiDAS Standard course in full. This means that there will not be any MiDAS Standard Refresher courses until late 2027.
