Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS)

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.

Course Modules

  • MiDAS Standard

    • The MiDAS Standard includes a half-day classroom theory session and then a driving assessment that can be booked on the same day or take place on a separate day.
    • After the theory session, candidates sit a written test paper, consisting of 20 questions, the answers to which will be contained in the training session, and    in  the minibus drivers handbook provided to each candidate.
    • Each candidate undertakes a 1½ hour on-the-road driving assessment. The assessment route takes in to consideration a wide range of road conditions. The Assessor provides feedback and advice to the candidate during the drive.

  • MiDAS Accessible

    • The MiDAS Accessible is a one-day course consisting of a classroom session, followed by an evaluation of your skills to secure a wheelchair into a minibus and assist someone with mobility difficulties.

  • MiDAS Refesher ( Standard & Accessible )

    • A refresher course is available for those with a MiDAS certificate expiring soon. If you already hold a MiDAS Certificate and undertake refresher training before the certificate expires then you may opt to attend “Refresher Training” instead of the full MiDAS course. The Refresher training covers an abridged course content concentrating on the changes since obtaining your MiDAS certificate, and key components of the course programme.
    • If you hold an Accessible certificate (see above), then the refresher training will also cover key elements of the Accessible Certificate training. Those undertaking refresher training receive comprehensive course notes.
    • The certificate issued on successfully completing the driving assessment is valid for four years. The refresher training is also available to reacquaint incidental minibus drivers with the complexities and skills of driving a minibus (even before the certificate is about to expire).
    • To verify the entitlement to undertake the refresher training it is essential that the current MiDAS certificate is brought to the refresher training course.

Venue
Room C, Hirst Hall, 1 Tower Lane, East Lane Business Park, East Lane, Wembley, HA9 7NB.
Venue Parking
There is a pay to park system in place.  The payment system can be accessed via a unique code provided by Old Oak Training on the day.  This code will allow you to park all day.  It is your responsibility to pay the parking fee.
Course Times – To be notified
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to course start time for registration purposes.
Identification Requirements
Please bring at least one of the following forms of identification – Driving Licence, Driver Qualification Card,
Driver Card or Valid Passport.

Who should attend MiDAS training?

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.

Course equips drivers with knowledge of :-

  • A thorough knowledge of the legal responsibilities of a minibus driver and duty of care

  • Department for Transport codes of practice in safe carriage of passengers

  • Good practice in passenger comfort

  • Health and Safety at work for Drivers

  • Manoeuvring of vehicles

  • Defensive Driving techniques

  • Information on organisation’s hire policies and procedures

  • Minibus Fire and Evacuation