MiDAS training for Driver Assessors

Appoint a Driver Assessor

The Driver Assessor will be the person who:

  • attends the MiDAS training course
  • assesses the competence of all new and existing minibus drivers
  • trains minibus drivers

The Driver Assessor will need to have:

  • good driving skills (assessed to MiDAS standards)
  • good presentation and training skills
  • the time and desire to take on the role

If the task is too large for one person, you may wish to split the role. One person can assess drivers and another can deliver the training to drivers. However, all Driver Assessor will need to complete their training in full.

I am unable to appoint a Driver Assessor within my organisation

Another organisation can assess drivers on your behalf. Many schools, voluntary organisations and council establishments can provide a MiDAS Driver Assessor to work with your organisation. You will be charged for this service.

Hampshire County Council keeps a list of organisations who provide this service. Contact the Community Transport Training Coordinator on 01962 846785 or email [email protected].

Driver Assessor attends a MiDAS training course

MiDAS will assess the Driver Assessor's driving.

If successful, the Driver Assessor will complete up to three modules. Each module lasts up to seven hours (not including breaks). Modules are run on weekdays.

Module 1. Classroom session

The session covers topics such as checking licences; pre-assessment procedures; the practical elements of setting up a driving assessment; how to assess a driver.

Module 2. Practical session

This is a practical session which involves delegates practising undertaking a driving assessment with a driver and giving commentary drives. Delegates will be assessed on their ability to assess drivers at the end of the session.

Module 3. Additional training for drivers of an accessible minibus

How to train drivers so they have the skills and information they need when driving an accessible minibus.

Accessible minibus training

For those who wish to train drivers on an accessible minibus, Driver Assessor will also need to successfully complete a Practical Skills assessment. This ensures they can correctly use specialist equipment and support those with specific transport needs.

Certification

Before the Driver Assessor is certified, they must also:

  • be assessed for assessment skills
  • pass a theory test

Once the training is complete, the Driver Assessor will receive a certificate showing which modules they attended. This certificate is valid for two years.

Minibus driver assessments

The qualified Driver Assessor can now assess and train minibus drivers within your organisation. They may also be able to train drivers from other MiDAS member organisations in Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight.

The amount of time this will take depends on the number of drivers within the organisation, but as a guide each assessment will take about 1¼ hours. Standard classroom training for each driver will then take approximately 3 hours although this can be done in a group. Additional training will also need to be provided to drivers who will be using accessible minibuses. This can also be done in a group.

Once successful, your drivers will receive a certificate and Minibus Driver's handbook.

Refresher training

Certificates for Driver Assessors last for two years. All certificates are issued with an expiry date. Driver Assessors cannot provide driver training once their certificate has expired.

Refresher training for Driver Assessors includes:

  • a reassessment of driving ability
  • a theory assessment
  • a Practical Skills reassessment if you are looking to train drivers of accessible minibuses

This training will last no longer than a day, depending on whether you are training drivers of standard or accessible minibuses.

Contact

For further information about MiDAS or Driver Assessor training, contact the Community Transport team on 01962 846785 or email [email protected]