MiDAS Training
MiDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme) is a membership-based scheme designed to enhance both driving and safety standards for drivers of minibuses. The scheme is governed by the Community Transport Association (CTA) who promote this nationally recognised standard for the assessment and training of minibus drivers.
The Midas course is aimed mainly at members of staff who work for schools, colleges and organisations such as scout groups. Most Hampshire County Council organisations make this part of their driving policy as the course will help drivers be more responsible and have greater understanding of passenger safety. The course also contains a theory element, so for a first time driver the presentation would be roughly 2.5 hours long. At the end of the session there would be a multiple choice test of which the candidate must achieve at least an 80% pass rate. In the event of not passing you would have two more attempts to pass this on the same day.
The candidate should then perform a vehicle check to show knowledge and understanding of the vehicle and all of its safety features.
The candidate would then take a driving assessment, this would be on a one to one basis with an authorised Midas Driving Assessor. The process should last for approximately 1.5 hours with a full debrief at the end.
The assessment will contain a demonstration by the assessor and then an assessment drive of 45 minutes which will then be broken into three sections.
The candidate will also have to perform two reverse manoeuvres which are normally a left and right reverse into a side road.
If the candidate passes all of these elements they are then issued with a Midas certificate which is valid for four years.
After four years the candidate will have to come back and take a refresher course so that they can continue driving for their organisations. The refresher contains a theory element of around 1.5 hours and a theory test of which they must get at least 80% of the questions correct. The driving assessment process is exactly the same as the induction training and if successful they will again receive a certificate for another four years.
If the candidate needs any accessible training for carrying people with disabilities then they will have to take a separate course on top of the standard training above. This can be organised through MiDAS at Hampshire County Council who have a number of trainers in the County.
- MiDAS Standard Training : With the client supplying the vehicle ,£90 per person with a minimum of 2 candidates per course.
- MiDAS Standard Training without a vehicle: Price on Application.