MiDAS is the national Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme from the Community Transport. BCT has a team of DATs (Driving Assessor / Trainers) authorised to deliver the MiDAS training and assess driving skills.

In addition to running courses on various dates within our own training centre, we can also conduct the training at your own premises. This is particularly attractive to schools where we come to the school (unually on an inservice day) to provide the training to a batch of your teaching or support staff.

MiDAS training is particularly suitable for those driving for care homes, nursing homes, youth groups, schools, etc.

The Guide Association / Girlguiding UK (Guides) require that their minibus drivers “have passed a recognised minibus driving course”.  The MiDAS course is one such qualification.  [source]

The Scout Association (Scouts) states “Drivers must be properly qualified and insured”, and refers to the MiDAS scheme.  [source]

The Boys’ Brigade issue advice to their members on the safe use of minibuses -   “Boys Brigade Safety Handbook”       [source chapter 8.7 and 8.8]

The Girls’ Brigade publish information for their members here.

Bristol City Council “Walking for health” project advises that one of the responsibilities of a minibus driver is “To undertake MIDAS (volunteer mini bus driver) training” [Incidental Driving of Minibuses” which includes guidance to teachers (and other school staff) on driving licence requirements.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) provides advice to their members saying “Teachers should only agree to drive a minibus if they have received proper training.”  “Many local education authorities provide accredited training schemes for minibus drivers, including essential refresher training every 4 years, or more often if an incident merits it (…).  One of these is the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS) operated by the Community Transport Association (CTA).” [source]

Bristol City Council’s Transport Guidance Note 16, Part Two,  states that it is mandatory for drivers of minibuses and designated vehicles operated by City Council Departments to hold a current valid driving licence and a current MiDAS certificate.

The minibus training helps to ensure the safe carriage of mini-bus passengers, and can also help with insurance costs.

See our home page for full details:

www.midastraining.info

www.minibustraining.info