MiDAS
What is MiDAS?
MiDAS is the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme, organised by the Community Transport Association U.K. (CTA) which promotes a nationally recognised standard for the assessment and training of minibus drivers. It is a membership-based scheme that has been designed to enhance minibus driving standards and promote the safer operation of minibuses.
The training comes in two forms – Standard and Accessible.
MiDAS Standard
What is it?
MiDAS is the gold standard training scheme for minibus drivers in the community transport sector and beyond, ensuring that minibus drivers are able to provide safe, legal and comfortable journeys.
Who is it for?
MiDAS is 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.
Any driver undertaking MiDAS must hold a D1 driving licence entitlement or be entitled to drive a minibus under category B licence conditions.
How is it delivered?
Online theory course and theory assessment
Module 1 – Introduction to MiDAS
Module 2 – The Minibus
Module 3 – Driver Licensing
Module 4 – Minibus Driving Tips
Module 5 – Reversing & Manoeuvring
Module 6 – The Journey
Module 7 – Legal Responsibilities
Module 8 – Breakdown, Collision & Evacuation Procedures
Module 9 – Theory Assessment
Module 10 – Next steps
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
What is it?
Additional optional training for drivers on how to assist and support passengers with disabilities. MiDAS Standard is a prerequisite for completing MiDAS Accessible.
Who is it for?
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.
How much does it cost?
The cost of MiDAS Accessible training varies depending on the training provider and factors such as the number of drivers being trained and travel.
