Most minibus drivers across the nation, especially those working for non-profits like churches, schools and charities, are encouraged to have a MiDAS qualification. The training courses which minibus drivers in the UK must take to achieve the qualification are provided by the MiDAS – the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme.
MiDAS training in Birmingham is designed to assess how competent drivers are, and enhance their safety and driving standards, as well as their ability to focus on accessibility options for disabled or physically handicapped passengers.
In order to help you with MiDAS training, we have put together a detailed guide on what to expect from your MiDAS training provider. So, we’ll cover everything from what is required in order to pass the test, and the costs or fee involved, to how long you must take the MiDAS training course and even some of the benefits of taking it – like the possibility of smaller minibus insurance premiums.
A deeper look into what MiDAS is and who it is for
The Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme, or simply MiDAS, promotes a nationally recognised standard for assessing and training minibus drivers. It is a membership-based scheme overseen by the Community Transport Association UK (CTA), and has been designed to improve as well as enhance minibus driving safety standards, while also promoting safer operation of minibuses. At the moment, there are more than 5,000 member organisations across the UK and there are many benefits of becoming one:
- Improved passenger safety and confidence
- Potentially smaller insurance premiums as most minibus insurance companies recognise MiDAS training as a national safety standard
- Increased minibus driver and staff awareness in terms of responsibility toward passengers as well as the general public
- Single certificates which are recognised all across the UK
- Reduced whole-life minibus costs through enhanced ECO driver training
- An overall improved public image for non-profit organisations in particular
So who is MiDAS training in Birmingham, for instance, aimed at?
To answer that broadly, MiDAS training applies to any organisation which uses minibuses – whether they are a small non-profit organisation operating a single minibus or large public organisations that regularly use multiple minibus fleets.
MiDAS training has evolved over the years – from the basic minibus course to the Manual Handling, Minibus Fire 7 Evacuation, Passenger Assistant, Car & MPV and MiDAS Accessible courses. Whether you’ve already put your minibus drivers through MiDAS training in Birmingham or not, it is highly recommended that you consult us, so that we can supply you with all the MiDAS information you need according to your organisational objectives, drivers and minibus fleet.
We are able to provide MiDAS training in Birmingham as well as the rest of the UK, with programmes tailored to your exact needs. All MiDAS training courses include ECO Driver Training in the theory and practical elements.
How to get MiDAS and how it works
How MiDAS works
MiDAS training programmes operate in a cascading structure. For example, the principal association responsible for operating and promoting the scheme, the CTA (Community Transport Association), appoints various MiDAS training providers across the UK. These training providers or agents (TAs), in turn, conduct internal training for a relatively larger number of Driver Assessor Trainers (DATs), who will then individually train and assess minibus drivers.
When minibus drivers get trained and assessed through the Scheme, they do not do so on their own, but under the banner of the organisation they work for. So, for instance, if you work as a minibus driver for a non-profit school, charity or youth club, you cannot ask us directly to be your MiDAS training provider – rather your organisation will. And whether you work for a small charity with only one minibus or a small fleet, or a large organisation which is operating multiple fleets – any organisation is welcome (and encouraged) to put their minibus drivers up for a MiDAS training programme and qualification.
How to get MiDAS training in Birmingham (or anywhere else in the UK)
What kind of MiDAS training you’ll need depends on the module your organisation enrols you in. for example, if your application or profile has been submitted for Module 1 under the MiDAS training programme, then passing it will grant you a ‘Standard’ MiDAS Certificate. The module comprises both a theory and practical assessment. You can complete both in a single day.
If your organisation submits your profile for Module 2 under the Scheme, then passing it will grant you an ‘Accessible’ MiDAS Certificate. This module too comprises a theory and practical assessment, with the exception of an additional focus on minibus accessibility for disabled or physically challenged passengers requiring wheelchairs or other aids to use the minibus facilities. It also includes training on how to property secure wheelchairs and operate passenger lifts in a safe manner. Owing to the additional training content, this module can be typically completed in two days.
Here’s a more detailed look at Module 1;
The course lasts for up to 4 hours. The classroom-based session includes:
- Basic training for minibus driving skills
- Complete knowledge of minibus driving legal responsibilities including duty of care
- Familiarity with DfT (Department for Transport) codes to understand best practices for safe passenger carriage
- Best practices for passenger comfort
- Minibus driver Health and Safety at the workplace
- Proper Reversing & Maneuvering of vehicles
- Defensive minibus driving techniques
- Theory Test and Quizzes on Highway Code
Towards the end of the module, candidates must sit through a written test, comprising 20 questions. The answers will be discussed beforehand in the training session and available in the minibus driver’s handbook which will be provided. The passing mark for the theory test is 80%.
Here’s more information on Module 2;
The second module focuses on minibus drivers who transport physically challenged passengers (such as wheelchair users) and who need the necessary knowledge and experience to use passenger lifts as well as secure wheelchairs properly inside the minibus – in order to better facilitate passengers.
The module may last up to 3 hours and the classroom-based session includes:
- General passenger disability awareness
- Group discussion following a training-related film viewing
- How to safely use ramps and operate different kinds of tail lifts
- Familiarity with wheelchair and passenger restraint equipment
- Familiarity with DfT (Department for Transport) codes to understand best practices for safe disabled passenger carriage
- Best practices for passenger assistance
- Knowledge on passenger disability, carrying children safely and maintaining a professional etiquette
- Theory test
Towards the end of the module, candidates must take a Practical Skills Assessment and undergo a written test as well, which has 10 questions. The passing mark for the theory test is 80%.
Main difference between MiDAS Practical/Standard Test and Assessment Test
Please note that while we discuss the differences between these two, you may come across some overlapping information that may have already been covered in the above section explaining Module 1 and 2.
Practical test
Once you complete the 20-question theory test, you must complete the practical section which starts with a driving skills training session lasting around 30 minutes. The practical assessed driving test follows which may last 60-90 minutes. The practical section of MiDAS training includes:
- A basic eyesight assessment
- Your designated DAT who will provide a demonstration drive
- A chance to get familiar with the vehicle prior to the assessment
- A chance to ask questions in order to improve confidence and competence prior to driving
- Final assessment of practical minibus driving skills
Once you pass the theory and practical tests, you’ll be given the Standard MiDAS training certificate.
Accessible test
If your organisation enrolled you in MiDAS training Module 2, then you will receive extra training on:
- How to work with and accommodate physically disabled passengers
- How to safely operate passenger lifts and ramps
- Best practices around passenger assistance
- Safety practices regarding passengers who need wheelchairs while travelling in a minibus
The practical side of this course includes:
- A demonstration on how to assist wheelchair users on a minibus
- Supervised practice drills on how to properly use passenger lifts and other equipment like passenger restraints
- A brief written test
Once you pass the theory and practical tests, you’ll be given the Accessible MiDAS training certificate.
Is MiDAS Training a legal requirement?
Completing MiDAS training in Birmingham or anywhere else in the UK does not give minibus drivers any legal entitlement on their driver’s license. However, MiDAS is a good scheme for minibus drivers to have the opportunity to be assessed to drive to a national standard, so long as they have a legal requirement on their driver’s license to do so.
With that said, if you work for a non-profit organisation, such as a church, school or youth club, then chances are you are legally obliged to get a MiDAS training certificate, the Standard one at the very least.
How much does a MiDAS Training Provider charge?
The cost of MiDAS training in Birmingham can vary – it is typically footed by the organisation that submits you for the training. For example, if you are the owner of a minibus fleet submitting drivers for MiDAS training, the cost will depend on where you are located in the UK since different MiDAS training providers charge different fees – and also on the total number of minibus drivers which you submit for training.
Get enrolled in MiDAS Training
Travel SOS offers highly competitive rates for MiDAS training in Birmingham and beyond, and have a reputation for surpassing client expectations when it comes to the delivery of MiDAS training courses. Contact us now to get started.
