Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme
The standard and accessible Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS) courses consists of training for minibus drivers in legal, practical and safety issues and has been developed over a number of years by the Community Transport Association (CTA).
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council is accredited by the Community Transport Association to deliver the MiDAS driver training package through its Driver Assessor Trainers (DATS)
MiDAS is the sole industry standard driving qualification for D1 and restricted D1 licence holders who are required to drive a minibus at work. Training is nationally accredited and accepted by Schools, Youth and Social organisations.
The course is designed to improve passenger safety and comfort and develop driving skills. It consists of an element for drivers of standard minibuses and additional elements for those who wish to drive accessible vehicles. 'Accessible' refers to a vehicle that has facilities to enable a wheelchair user to board and alight using a passenger lift or ramp, and specialist equipment to secure both the user and their wheelchair.
Drivers attending the courses will be assessed to ensure driving skills are of an acceptable standard and provided with coaching if needed to improve those skills. The standard process includes:
- defensive driving
- the Safety and Comfort of Passengers
- health and safety Issues
- emergencies
- the legal requirements
In addition accessible training covers important topics such as:
- the use of passenger lifts and ramps
- wheelchair and passenger restraining systems
- techniques for assisting passengers
- evacuation techniques for emergencies
- disability awareness
- the legal considerations
Standard drivers attend a one-day general theory session that includes an on-road assessment of their driving and a multiple choice theory assessment.
Drivers of accessible minibuses continue with an additional half day theory and practical session followed by a multiple choice theory assessment. This concludes with a practical assessment of their ability to use the accessible features of the vehicle safely.
For a MiDAS qualification certificate to be issued all the applicable elements must be completed and the assessments passed. Facilities exist to enable re-takes where this is needed. Every attempt is made to try and achieve this during the course.
At the conclusion of training, students will receive a certificate valid for 4 years.
Cost: £115 per person reduced to £92 per person for 5 or more
To reserve a place on the course, please fill in the online form.