MiDAS Standard

What is it?

MiDAS is the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme, which has been the gold standard for enhancing the safety and care of passengers for nearly 30 years. The scheme provides a nationally recognised standard for the assessment and training of drivers to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge to provide safe, legal and comfortable journeys to passengers.

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.

How is it delivered?

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Driving Assessment

Up to 45 minutes in a minibus being assessed to the nationally recognised MiDAS Standard.

How much does it cost?

The cost of MiDAS Standard training is £120.00 per person. Included in the cost is full access to your online account. Including any updates, reminders and tips to support your MiDAS experience.

Where is it Delivered?

Once your online learning is completed, the individual practical session and driving assessment are delivered at our training centre in Cumnock, if you require on-site training, this can be arranged at an additional cost, please get in touch at [email protected].

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.

 Where is it Delivered?

Training is delivered at our training centre in Cumnock, if you require on-site training, this can be arranged at an additional cost, please get in touch at [email protected].

How much does it cost?

The cost of MiDAS Accessible training is £160.00 if booked at the same time as your standard course.

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.

Accessibility and support

We are fully inclusive of all driver’s access requirements. If you require online support or are unable to access course content online due to a disability i,e dyslexia, reasonable adjustments can be made for you. To find our more please contact [email protected]

What are the benefits of MiDAS?

As well as ensuring that drivers can provide safe, legal and comfortable journeys to passengers, there are lots of other benefits of MiDAS.

Driver Confidence

Driving can be stressful, particularly if you are driving a vehicle significantly different to the one you are used to. MiDAS can help to improve their confidence, supporting them to apply their car driving skills to a minibus. It also ensures that they understand the additional legal responsibilities of carrying passengers and driving a minibus and how to deal with a range of situations such as breakdowns and collisions.

Fuel Efficiency

Drivers who have a better understanding of driving minibuses are more likely to drive more efficiently. This will help to save fuel costs, and help to reduce carbon emissions. More efficient driving will also mean more comfortable journeys for passengers as acceleration and braking will be more gentle.

Improved Maintenance

Ensuring that vehicles are in a roadworthy condition is a legal requirement. But by training drivers to conduct effective walkaround checks and ensuring they understand their responsibilities for reporting defects will also help to prevent breakdowns and extend vehicle lifespan.

Lower Costs

Whilst there is a cost to training – the long-term cost savings associated with reduced accidents, maintenance, and fuel consumption can be substantial. Trained drivers lower the risk of accidents which can therefore lead to reduced insurance premiums. Ensuring drivers have the skills for driving larger vehicles also ensures they have the confidence performing manoeuvres such as navigating tight spaces, and reversing which is one of the most common causes of insurance claims.

Trust and peace of mind

Ensuring that all drivers receive effective training demonstrates to passengers, parents, carers and guardians that you value safety. This helps to contribute to a thriving transport sector where people feel confident travelling.

Why MiDAS?

Passenger-Centred Approach

MiDAS was created by the community transport sector, with the key goal of promoting the safety of passengers. This remains a central value of MiDAS, ensuring that the safety and care of passengers is paramount.

National leadership

As the national administrator of MiDAS, CTA, along with our partners Hampshire County Council can bring together perspectives and expertise from the community transport sector and beyond, ensuring that MiDAS reflects the latest guidance, addresses the latest challenges and sets the gold standard for best practice.

A thriving sector

MiDAS helps to support the transport sector to maintain high standards and promote the safety of passengers.

Nationally recognised standard

MiDAS is available right across the UK with over 20,000 drivers assessed to the MiDAS driving standard every year. This standard has been recognised and trusted for nearly 30 years.

Flexible, modern online Learning

Our new online learning ensures that training materials are available anytime, anywhere and they can be reactive to feedback, legislation and best practice. It also ensures that learners can access materials in an interactive and engaging way.