What is MiDAS Training?
MiDAS is an acronym for Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme. It is a training programme that aims to enhance the driving and passenger awareness skills of the many thousands of individuals who drive minibuses in the course of their work or, as volunteer drivers. The scheme is the outcome of a study of minibus driving and a lengthy period of consultation with voluntary and statutory groups which operate minibuses.
MiDAS is designed to make appropriate assessment, training and accreditation available to minibus drivers from voluntary organisations, schools, colleges and Local Authorities.
The Scheme is organized by the Community Transport Association under license to Hampshire County Council.
Objectives
The Objectives of MiDAS are that minibus drivers will:-
Be assessed to ensure their driving skills are of an acceptable standard
Be given help where necessary to improve their minibus driving skills
Be aware of the legal, practical and safety issues surrounding minibus driving
Be trained in the safe use of wheelchair accessible minibuses where necessary
Receive a certificate which is accepted by other MiDAS members
Potential Benefits of MiDAS
There are many potential benefits from MiDAS including:-
Enhanced passenger safety
Improved passenger comfort
Increased driver confidence
Reduced stress on minibus drivers
Potential reduction in vehicle running costs
Potential reduction in insurance premiums
A better image for organisations
A better image for minibuses
MiDAS Content Summary
Training techniques for driving skills
Identifying and rectifying driving faults
Reversing and manoeuvring
Defensive driving
Legal requirements for Minibus drivers
Passenger safety
Child passenger safety
Personal safety for drivers
Breakdown, accident and emergency procedures
Passenger awareness
Passenger assistance
Safe use of passenger lifts and ramps
Wheelchair and passenger restraint equipment
Legal requirements and good practice
MiDAS Training
Standard and Accessible training
Note: The prices include a mandatory £40 registration fee per driver we pay to the CTA.
MiDAS Theory online (90min) Standard and Accessible £40 per person.
MiDAS STANDARD practical training £95 per person.
(Maximum 2 groups per day up to 3 people per group)
MiDAS ACCESSIBLE practical training £120 per person.
(Maximum 2 groups per day up to 3 people per group)
Practical Session last up to 45mins depending on group size.
The driving assessment min 30min per person.
Practical Session can be held at our site in Clacton on Sea or we can travel to your site at a charge of 75p per mile, and the use of your vehicle and equipment.
Eligibility for MiDAS training:
To be eligible for MiDAS training, drivers typically need a full, current driving license, be at least 21 years old, have passed their car test two years prior, and hold a D1 or B category license.
The practical element of the course includes:
Individual Practical Session (up to 45 minutes) – An opportunity to address any questions which the driver has following the online theory course and ensures that the driver is familiar with the vehicle.
Driving Assessment (up to 45 minutes) – A minimum of 30 minutes of assessed driving (split into 2×15 minutes parts with 10 minutes for feedback in between). 1 major fault at any time or 3 of the same minor faults during part 2 of the assessment results in a failure. Must include a minimum of 1 reversing manoeuvre.
Accessible MiDAS (if applicable)
The Accessible MiDAS course is with equipment training and on road assessment with additional time required for supervised practices and assessments. We can provide equipment for the training if required.
Certification: Upon successful completion, drivers receive a MiDAS certificate valid for four years.
Further Information
To find out more about MiDAS and MiDAS Refresher Training or, to book a training session, please contact: Norman Rose: normanrose.tct@gmail.com.