MiDAS training for Minibus Drivers

As a MiDAS minibus driver, you will:

• receive up-to-date training in the skills and information needed to drive a minibus
• have your driving competence assessed to a county-wide standard
• be able to drive a minibus for any MiDAS member without needing to be reassessed

Before your assessment

Before an assessment of your driving ability takes place, you will be asked to:

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

You may also be asked to provide two references.

If you are an existing driver, you may have already completed some of these steps.

About the assessment

The assessment lasts for about one hour and includes:

• a demonstration drive so you can see the standard of driving expected
• driving under supervision to familiarise yourself with the vehicle
• an assessment of your driving skills

After a successful assessment, your training will include:

• basic skills and information for driving minibuses
• additional training for driving an accessible vehicle (if required)
• a theory assessment

Once you have passed your driving assessment, training and theory assessment, you receive:

• a MiDAS certificate
• the MiDAS Driver's Handbook

Certification

MiDAS certification allows you to drive minibuses for any MiDAS member without being re-assessed.

You will still need to:

• meet the organisation's insurance requirements
• become familiar with the other member's vehicles
• receive training in accessible minibuses if this was not part of your initial training

Your MiDAS certificate is valid for four years. After four years, you will need to undertake a Refresher Training session.

Refresher training

Driver certificates are valid for four years. All certificates are issued with an expiry date.

After four years you will be asked to attend a Refresher Training session. This will involve:

• a reassessment of your driving ability
• a classroom based training session
• a further theory assessment

Refresher training is important and gives you the chance to:

• meet and share experiences with other drivers
• offer feedback on the MiDAS training scheme
• receive information on changes to legislation and best practice
• updates on key MiDAS training topics
• have the opportunity to ask questions about MiDAS

Early reassessment

Your organisation may request that you take Refresher Training before your certificate expires if you are:

• convicted of a driving offence
• involved in a road traffic accident

It's up to your organisation to decide when Refresher Training is appropriate.

Failure to attend

If you fail to attend your Refresher Training and your certificate expires, you can no longer drive minibuses owned or operated by MiDAS. This includes your organisation's minibuses.

Download a free copy of the Information leaflet for MiDAS Drivers

Contact

To find Driver Assessors in your area, or for further information about MiDAS, contact the Community Transport team on 01962 846785 or email [email protected]