Frequently Asked Questions

Training

• What training is available through MiDAS?

  MiDAS is the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme, which has been enhancing the safety and care of passengers for nearly 30 years. The scheme provides a nationally recognised standard for the assessment and training of drivers and passenger assistants to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge to provide safe, legal and comfortable journeys to all passengers.

  Schemes available under the MiDAS umbrella:

  • MiDAS for Minibus Drivers
  • MiDAS for Car and MPV Drivers
  • PATS – Passenger Assistant Training Scheme
  • ‘5 Steps to Safety’ – Vehicle evacuation.

• How long do MiDAS certificates last?

  The following certificates last for 4 years:

  • MiDAS Driver certificate
  • PATS certificate
  • MiDAS Car and MPV certificate
  • Passenger Assistant Trainer certificate

  The following certificates last for 2 years:

  • DAT certificate
  • Car and MPV Observer certificate

  5 STEPS to Safety certificates do not expire and 5 STEPS Trainer certificates remain valid in conjunction with a valid DAT or PAT certificate.

  To renew your certificate you must attend Refresher Training before your certificate expires. In some extenuating circumstances you can apply for an extension to your certificate if you will be unable to attend Refresher Training before your certificate expires. If your certificate expires and you have not been granted extension or if are unable to complete Refresher Training before your current certificate expires, you may have to attend a full induction course to renew your certificate.

• Is MiDAS a legal entitlement?

  Completing a MiDAS assessment does not give a driver an additional legal entitlement on their driving license. MiDAS is a good practice scheme which allows drivers who already have the legal requirement on their driving license an opportunity to be assessed to drive a minibus to a national standard.

• Does my organisation need to register?

  Every organisation that interacts with any of the MiDAS training schemes, needs to become MiDAS registered. MiDAS registration is free and you only need to fill out a short form online to be issued with a MiDAS registration number. As part of the MiDAS registration process the organisation agrees to sign up to the MiDAS commitment which helps us to maintain MiDAS as a respected nationally recognised programme. The registration number is unique to your organisation and should be quoted whenever you contact the CTA, on resource order forms and certificates. CTA use the unique registration number to ensure that training records are allocated to the correct organisation. If you are a trainer delivering training you must ensure that every organisation you deliver training to has their own registration number.

  Trainers are also given a unique I.D number when they are registered with us. This will be different to the organisation’s MiDAS number and is important for ordering resources and completing certificate returns.

  If you have misplaced your MiDAS membership number or your Trainer I.D. number, you can contact the CTA’s central support office on 0161 351 1475 or training@ctauk.org.

  MiDAS membership is different to CTA membership. If you are an organisation delivering local transport services that fulfil a social purpose and community benefit, you can find out more about CTA membership here.

• How much does training cost?

  MiDAS providers can charge their own prices which is why we would always recommend that you contact more than one provider so that you get the best price for your organisation. Prices can vary depending on the number of people requiring training, the modules you require and your location.

• What training will I receive when I attend a course?

  You can find out more about the topics and timings of each course, by visiting the information pages, here. All modules of each course include a theory session and theory assessment. This is usually delivered in a classroom, however may be delivered virtually. For driver courses, each driver will receive an individual driving assessment which includes a minimum of 30 minutes of assessed driving (or observation for Car & MPV). For Accessible modules (including PATS B1&B2) there should also be a practical session where you will be shown demonstrations and undertake supervised practices before having your practical skills assessed. If you are concerned about the any training you have received, you can let us know, here.

  Please note, we’re currently updating the way that MiDAS courses are delivered. You can find out more, here.

• How do I find my organisations MiDAS registration number?

  Your MiDAS registration number is a unique number which is allocated to you when your organisation registered. If you have misplaced your number you can contact the CTA’s central support office on 0161 351 1475 or training@ctauk.org

• What does a practical skills assessment involve?

  If undertaking an Practical Skills Assessment (as part of Accessible MiDAS, Car & MPV and PATS), you will be assessed on your ability to demonstrate good practice when:

  • Assisting someone with walking difficulties
  • Assisting someone who has sight loss
  • Assisting a wheelchair user
  • Leading a someone away from danger by their arm (PATS / Car & MPV C1 and C2 only)

  Additionally, you will be assessed on your ability to demonstrate good practice when:

  • Assisting a wheelchair user to board and alight a minibus using a passenger lift or ramp
  • Using wheelchair tie-down equipment
  • Fitting and removing a passenger safety belt

  Before the assessment you will be shown demonstrations and be given the opportunity to practice under the supervision of the trainer.

  If you are completing a trainer course, you will also be assessed on your ability to accurately assess others completing these skills and our ability to provide clear explanations and demonstrations.