Minibus Driver Training – MiDAS Scheme (Standard Bus)

About the course

MiDAS is the recognised Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme, which promotes a nationally recognised standard, for the training and assessment 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.

MiDAS is applicable to any organisation that operates or uses minibuses, from small voluntary organisations operating a single vehicle, to local authorities operating large fleets of minibuses as well as schools, colleges & universities, and should not be confused with DSA category D1, minibus for hire and reward training. See 'Driving Licence Category: D1 (Minibus, for hire and reward).

Classed very much as ‘national in house’ training the qualification covers both theory and practical experience:

· Legal Responsibilities of a Minibus Driver

· Passenger Safety

· Child Passenger Safety

· Defensive Driving

· Manual Handling Awareness

· Health & Safety Awareness

· Accident & Emergency procedures

· Personal safety for Drivers

N.B. This training course is for standard minibuses only and will not cover accessible minibuses. It will be certificated with a Standard Certificate (SD) upon successful completion. Drivers without their D1 Driver Qualification can only be assessed and drive minibuses up to 350kg. D1 qualified drivers can drive and be assessed in any minibus with up to 16 passenger seats.

The qualification is delivered in 2 parts- please note that from Januray 2023 this deliver differs from previous courses/ assessments due to changes in the qualification:

Theory Session - The theory training and formal assessment will be completed online. It is fully on demand and an access link will be emailed to candidates 2 weeks before their practical driving date. The theory assessment must be sucessfully achieved before the practical driving training and assessment can take place.

Practical Driving Assessment - Candidates will be given a 1.5 hour slot which will cover the pratical traiing training and assessment. Candidates must be available for their allocated slots, specific slots cannot be requested. If the training is bespoke and all candidates are from the same organisation, the organisation can allocate slots as they feel appropriate.

Drivers who successfully complete the MiDAS assessment and training programme will receive a nationally recognised certificate valid for four years. At the end of this time the course and assessment must be retaken.

Special Requirements

MiDAS training is only open to members of MiDAS or organisations, which are directly affiliated. Please make sure that you or your drivers belong to an organisation that is a member of MiDAS.

MiDAS membership if free to join. Please download a membership application from the CTA website: http://www.ctauk.org/training/midas.aspx

Additional Information

Candidates must hold a current Full driving licence for a car. Candidates will be asked to provide their licence details and National Insurance Number on booking for a formal check on licence status.

The training can also be delivered as a bespoke package for your company using your vehicles and premises, subject to discussion. Please contact us for further details or to discuss your requirements.