MiDAS Minibus Awareness Training
Company Driver Training
At Positive Driving we provide minibus driver assessments and training to the MiDAS standard and offer driver improvement sessions and advanced driver training to companies and individuals
Teachers can drive a minibus on a car licence under certain conditions.
What does a MiDAS Course cover?
The training starts with a classroom based training session which covers the following topics in depth;
- Defensive driving
- Drivers' legal responsibilities
- Passenger safety
- Health and safety awareness
- Personal safety for drivers
- Collision and breakdown procedures
- EcoSafe driving
Following this delegates take a written theory assessment and an extensive, on-road assessment of their driving skills which includes thorough walk round checks of the vehicle, maneuvering safely etc..
MiDAS is a nationally recognized and portable driver training program.
Here are a few things you should know about MiDAS.
- MiDAS does not change anything on your driving licence or your entitlements
- Under certain circumstances minibuses can be driven on a car (B) licence - MiDAS was set up to address the training of drivers on these larger vehicles
- Many organizations will not allow minibus drivers unless they have an up to date MiDAS certificate
- Drivers have to undergo refresher training to maintain their certification
- MiDAS training also includes eco driving for safety and economy
Who should take a MiDAS course?
MiDAS is applicable to any organization that transports passengers by road and member organizations range from small voluntary organizations operating one vehicle to local authorities operating large vehicle fleets. Many schools and other educational establishments are members. The Department for Education and Skills recognizes, in it's guidance to schools using minibuses, the need to train minibus drivers and cites MiDAS training as good practice for schools.
Under what conditions can a minibus be driven without a full "D1" PCV Licence?
The DfT and DfES have issued guidelines to help those who think they may be able to drive a minibus without a category D1 licence but both bodies emphasize that they are only guidelines and have never been tested in a court of law.
MiDAS is a driver training program which in no way alters the licensed entitlement.
The type of organization for which you drive must meet certain conditions and also those passing their driving test from 1997 onwards will be restricted to minibuses with MAM of 3.5 tonnes or less (4.25 tonnes if equipped with accessibility equipment). This is important as the weight of many 16 seat minibuses now exceeds this weight limit. Drivers who have acquired rights due to passing the car test prior to 1997 can driver larger vehicles.
If there is any doubt about driving a minibus on a car licence guidance should be sought. Best practise would always be to take the appropriate DSA PCV driving test. To undertake training to D1 or D test level please contact us or our colleagues at Lawsons Transport Services