MiDAS is the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme which is administered by the Community Transport Association UK. The scheme provides a nationally recognised standard for the training and assessment of minibus drivers. It ensures that minibus drivers provide safe, legal and comfortable journeys.
We provide MiDAS training for various schools and voluntary organisations.
Our trainer may be able to provide off site training.
We offer the following courses:
- MiDAS Standard £160.00
- MiDAS Accessible £180.00
The cost of the training includes a £40 charge for access to the e-learning portal and is subject to VAT.
Additional charges may apply if you choose to use one of our vehicles.
For further information contact geoff@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 optional 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?
- Online Theory Course and Assessment. 90 minutes of interactive and engaging e-learning which covers passenger centred journeys, boarding and alighting and the use of specialist accessible equipment. This also includes a 10-question multiple choice theory assessment. These modules follow on from the MiDAS Standard theory modules.
- Practical Skills Session. Opportunity to discuss the online theory. Includes a demonstration from a Driving Assessor showing best practice of the use of a passenger lift or ramp and Wheelchair Tiedown and Occupant Restraint System (WTORS).
- Practical Skills Assessment. An assessment of a driver’s ability to demonstrate safe practice when using a passenger lift (or ramp) and WTORS.
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.