Our Courses

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. Find out more about driver licence rules in our FAQs, here. Undertaking MiDAS does not change your legal entitlement to drive a minibus.

How is it delivered?

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.

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.

Driving Assessment

Up to 45 minutes in a minibus being assessed to the nationally recognised MiDAS Standard.

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.

What is it?

Additional optional training for drivers on how to assist and support passengers with disabilities. 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?

The course combines classroom-based learning with practical demonstrations and practices which cover topics such as:

• Passenger awareness and assistance
• Assisting passengers who travel in their wheelchairs
• Boarding and alighting a vehicle using a passenger lift or ramp
• Securing passengers seated in wheelchairs using wheelchair tie-down equipment and passenger safety belts

Drivers will then undertake a theory assessment and a practical skills assessment. The theory part of the course is typically delivered over half a day, with additional time required for supervised practices and assessments.

How much does it cost?

The cost of MiDAS Accessible training varies depending on the training provider and factors such as the number of drivers being trained and travel.

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?

Learners undertake 1 core required module and up to 4 other optional modules

Module A: The Role of the Passenger Assistant  

• Duties and good practice
• Safeguarding and reporting
• Assisting the driver
• Health and safety awareness
• Manual handling awareness
• Safety on longer journeys
• Emergency procedures and contingency plans

Half day classroom based theory.

Module B1 – Passenger awareness and assistance

• Supporting passengers  
• Passenger safety plans
• Assisting passengers who have sight loss
• Assisting passengers who have walking difficulties

90 minutes theory plus practical session which includes supervised practice and assessment of practical skills.

Module B2 - Assisting passengers who travel in their wheelchairs

Topics include:

• Assisting passengers who travel in their wheelchairs
• Boarding and alighting a vehicle using a passenger lift or ramp
• Securing wheelchair users in a vehicle using wheelchair tie-down equipment and a passenger safety belt.
• 90 minutes theory plus practical session which includes supervised practice and assessment of practical skills.

Module C1 - Supervising children and young people with special needs

Topics include:

• Passenger awareness
• Passenger assistance, care and supervision
• Mobility aids and special seating
• Contingency plans.

60 minutes theory plus practical session which includes supervised practice and assessment of practical skills. Modules C1 and C2 can be delivered together.

Module C2 - Working with adults who require care and supervision

Topics include:

• Passenger awareness
• Passenger assistance, care and supervision
• Safety harnesses and additional equipment
• Contingency plans

60 minutes theory plus practical session which includes supervised practice and assessment of practical skills. Modules C1 and C2 can be delivered together.

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