There are a number of courses under the MiDAS umbrella. You can find out more about each course, including how they're delivered, below.
MiDAS Standard
What is it?
MiDAS is the gold standard training scheme for minibus drivers in the community transport sector and beyond, ensuring that minibus drivers are able to provide safe, legal and comfortable journeys.
Who is it for?
MiDAS is suitable for anyone who is required to drive a minibus as part of their role. That might be a volunteer who drives occasionally for a local community group or a paid driver working full time.
Any driver undertaking MiDAS must hold a D1 driving licence entitlement or be entitled to drive a minibus under category B licence conditions. You can find more information regarding driver licensing in our Information Pack, here.
How is it delivered?
1. Online theory course and theory assessment
Module 1 – Introduction to MiDAS
Module 2 – The Minibus
Module 3 – Driver Licensing
Module 4 – Minibus Driving Tips
Module 5 – Reversing & Manoeuvring
Module 6 – The Journey
Module 7 – Legal Responsibilities
Module 8 – Breakdown, Collision & Evacuation Procedures
Module 9 – Theory Assessment
Module 10 – Next steps
90 minutes of interactive and engaging E-Learning, covering the legal responsibilities of drivers and the essential theoretical knowledge needed to provide safe, legal and comfortable journeys.
2. Individual Practical Session
Up to 45 minutes in a minibus working individually with a Driver Assessor. This session provides drivers with an opportunity to ask any questions they have based on their online course and is tailored to their needs and ability.
3. Driving Assessment
Up to 45 minutes in a minibus being assessed to the nationally recognised MiDAS Standard.
Upon successful completion, drivers are issued with a certificate which lasts for 4 years.
How much does it cost?
The cost of MiDAS Standard training varies depending on the training provider and factors such as the number of drivers being trained, the hire of vehicles and travel. The cost will include £40 per driver for access to the online theory course. This also gives the driver continued access to the system for 4 years, including all resources and any updates.
MiDAS Accessible
What is it?
Additional optional training for drivers on how to assist and support disabled passengers. MiDAS Standard is a prerequisite for completing MiDAS Accessible.
Who is it for?
MiDAS Accessible is suitable for any drivers who will be transporting passengers who need additional support and driving minibuses which have specialist equipment such as passenger lifts and ramps. Drivers must have passed the MiDAS Standard course before completing MiDAS Accessible.
How is it delivered?
1. Online theory course and assessment
90 minutes of interactive and engaging E-Learning which covers Passenger Centred Journeys, boarding and alighting and the use of specialist accessible equipment. This also includes a 10- question multiple choice theory assessment (pass mark 80%). These modules follow on from the MiDAS Standard theory modules.
2. Practical Skills Session
Opportunity to discuss the online theory. Includes a demonstration from a DA showing best practice of the use of a Passenger Lift or ramp and WTORS. Additional time for supervised practices may be required for delegates who are less experienced.
3. Practical Skills Assessment
An assessment of a driver’s ability to demonstrate safe practice when using a Passenger Lift (or ramp) and WTORS.
Upon successful completion, drivers are issued with a certificate which lasts for 4 years.
How much does it cost?
There is no additional charge for access to the MiDAS Accessible online content. There may be additional costs from your chosen provider for the additional time required to conduct the Practical Skills Session and Assessment.
PATS (Passenger Assistant Training Scheme)
PATS changed on 1st March 2026. Find out more about the changes and why we've made them, here.
What is it?
PATS is for anyone who has care or supervision responsibilities of passengers travelling by road, whether that be by minibus, car, MPV or bus. PATS has developed alongside MiDAS to provide a nationally recognised standard for the training of passenger assistants. The scheme consists of a core module, and four additional optional modules which can be chosen depending on the training needs of the passenger assistant.
How is it delivered?
PATS Standard
PATS Standard provides the essential knowledge needed for a Passenger Assistant to understand their role in providing a safe, legal and comfortable journey for passengers.
Online theory
A series of interactive and engaging eLearning modules which cover the Role of Passenger Assistants and Passenger Centred Journeys. This also includes a multiple choice theory assessment (pass mark 80%).
120 minutes (does not have to be completed in one go).
A learner must pass the theory assessment before they proceed with the rest of the course.
The online course is designed to be as accessible as possible. It can be completed on any device which a passenger assistant feels comfortable with, including mobile phones and tablets. Where Passenger Assistants require additional support with completing the online theory, the Passenger Assistant Workshop may be extended to allow time for the online course to be completed in the classroom with an Assessor present to provide support.
Passenger Assistant Workshop
Opportunity to discuss the online theory and apply the knowledge to real life case studies and scenarios.
90-120 minutes
Groups of 6
Once a Passenger Assistant has passed their online PATS Theory Assessment, the next step is the Passenger Assistant Workshop. The session is designed to be tailored to contexts within which the Passenger Assistant works so the exact content and timing of the session will vary. The main aim is to review the passenger assistant’s understanding of the online learning and to help them apply their knowledge to practical scenarios.
PATS Accessible (Optional)
All Passenger Assistants will receive an overview of the use of specialist accessible equipment such as lifts, ramps and WTORS through their online theory. For Passenger Assistants travelling in accessible vehicles or who have a responsibility for helping to secure passengers seated in wheelchairs, the PATS Accessible module provides practical demonstrations, the opportunity to practice using the equipment and the option to be assessed.
Practical Skills Session
Develop a practical understanding of specialist accessible equipment.
60 minutes
Groups of 3
The main aim of this session is for the Passenger Assistant to develop a practical understanding of the use of specialist equipment. An Assessor will provide an overview of the specialist equipment, including providing demonstrations and supervising practices.
This session will also help Passenger Assistant to prepare for their Practical Skills Assessment, where applicable.
If a Passenger Assistant is not being assessed, they can obtain a PATS Accessible Certificate of Attendance by completing this session.
Practical Skills Assessment (Optional)
Assessment of a Passenger Assistant's ability to demonstrate safe, legal and comfortable practice in the use of specialist accessible equipment.
Up to 20 minutes per Passenger Assistant
Groups of 3
The Practical Skills Assessment is optional. It should be conducted where Passenger Assistants have a responsibility for using specialist equipment. The assessment consists of passenger assistants demonstrating that they can complete 3 elements:
- Assist a wheelchair user to board and alight from a minibus using a passenger lift or ramp.
- Secure a passenger’s wheelchair in the minibus before a journey and release it afterwards.
- Assist a passenger to fit a safety belt or harness before a journey and assist them to remove it afterwards.
How much does it cost?
The cost of PATS varies depending on the training provider and factors such as the number of people being trained, the hire of vehicles and travel. The cost will include £30 per PA for access to the online theory course. This also gives the PA continued access to the system for 3 years, including all resources and any updates.
MiDAS Car and MPV
MiDAS Car and MPV will be redeveloped as part of the next phase of the transformation. There currently is no online element.
What is it?
The MiDAS Car & MPV scheme provides the opportunity for organisations operating smaller vehicles, or voluntary car schemes, to deliver the same level of training to their drivers as MiDAS provides for minibus drivers. It follows the same modular format as MiDAS, providing drivers with the information they need to provide safe and comfortable transport for their passengers. As part of the course, a driver’s ability is observed rather than assessed to ensure they meet an acceptable standard.
How is it delivered?
Standard - How to provide a safe, legal and caring journey to passengers
Topics include:
- Driver licensing
- Walk-round checks
- Reversing and manoeuvring
- Legal responsibilities
- Fitness to drive
- Breakdowns, collisions and emergency evacuation
Half day theory plus driving session which includes a minimum of 30 minutes of driving observation per driver. The observed drive is optional for volunteers who only use their own vehicle.
Additionally, drivers undertaking MiDAS Car and MPV also have the option to undertake the same optional modules which are covered in PATS:
- Module B1 – Passenger awareness and assistance
- Module B2 - Assisting passengers who travel in their wheelchairs
- Module C1 - Supervising children and young people with special needs
- Module C2 - Working with adults who require care and supervision
Find out more in our Information Pack
How do our courses work?
If you would like to organise training for your organisation, there are two options:
Choose an existing provider
There are hundreds of organisations across the UK who can deliver MiDAS courses. We recommend contacting a few different providers in your area as availability and costs can vary. Prices can vary depending on the number of people being trained, the modules required and your location. All of details and arrangements for your course will be organised directly with your chosen provider, including access to the online theory course if completing MiDAS Standard or Accessible.
Find your local Training Provider
Become a provider
Rather than accessing courses through an existing provider, you may want to be able to deliver MiDAS yourselves. This can be a good option particularly if you have a large number of people requiring training or if you struggle to find an existing provider close to you. It also allows you to deliver courses to other organisations in your area. To deliver MiDAS, you need to have a Driver Assessor. Driver Assessor Training can be accessed through our network of Approved Training Centres.
Find out about Driver Assessor Training