MiDAS For Drivers

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.

 

Who is MiDAS aimed at?
MiDAS is applicable to any organisation operating or using minibuses. Member organisations range from small voluntary organisations operating one vehicle, to local authorities operating large fleets of minibuses as well as schools, colleges and universities.

How does MiDAS work?
MiDAS operates on a "cascade" approach. CTA has appointed a number of training agents, who provide training for minibus Driver Assessor/Trainers (DAT's) nominated from member organisations.
A DAT can then assess the competence of other minibus drivers, and provide them with training on how to safely use a minibus.

What do drivers get out of this?
Drivers who successfully complete the MiDAS assessment and training programme will receive a nationally recognised certificate valid for four years, as well as the option of obtaining the comprehensive "MiDAS Driver's Handbook".

What Is The MiDAS Training Process?
1. Before an assessment of your driving ability takes place, you will be asked to:

• complete and sign a Driver Registration form.
• produce your driving licence.
• undertake a simple eyesight check.

You may also be asked to provide two references. If you are an existing driver, some of these steps may have already been done.

2. The assessment, will normally last for about 1 hour and will include:

• a demonstration drive by the Driver Assessor/Trainer so you can see the standard of driving which is required.
• the opportunity for you to drive the vehicle under supervision in order to receive on-road vehicle familiarisation.
• an assessment of your driving skills.

3. After a successful assessment, you will be given:

• basic training by your Driver Assessor/Trainer in the skills and information you need when driving minibuses.
• additional training if you drive an accessible vehicle (one which can carry passengers who use wheelchairs).

4. At the end of this training you will be asked to undertake a theory assessment.

5. After your assessment and training and passing the theory assessment, you will receive:

• a MiDAS certificate, which enables you to drive the minibuses of other MiDAS members without needing to be re-assessed

If you fail the assessment, we may provide you with additional training to bring your driving skills up to the MiDAS standard.

Further Requirements
Once you have completed the MiDAS Training you will still have to meet your organisation's insurance requirements and may need to receive familiarisation on the vehicles that they use. You will not be able to drive accessible vehicles belonging to other organisations unless you have received training in the skills associated with using such minibuses.

MiDAS Handbook

MiDAS Driver's Handbook may also be purchased, in the form an A5 book, which contains useful information about minibus driving.

Refresher MiDAS Training
After four years you will be asked to attend a "refresher" training session
This will involve a:

• re-assessment of your driving ability
• classroom based training session
• further theory assessment

In certain circumstances, such as you being convicted of a driving offence or being involved in a road traffic accident, your organisation may ask you to have your driving skills re-assessed. It is up to your organisation to decide when this is appropriate.
 
More Information

H.A.R.T. have a fully qualified DAT Trainer and run regular MiDAS training courses. H.A.R.T. are able to offer training to volunteers and other organisations wishing to train their own drivers.

To find out more please contact H.A.R.T. on 01964 536684 or email H.A.R.T..