What MiDAS courses are available?

MiDAS consists of three different courses. Find out more about each of them below.

Find out more about the benefits of MiDAS

1. 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.

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.

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. You can find out more about MiDAS costs, here.

2. MiDAS Accessible

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.

3. MiDAS Refresher

To keep a MiDAS certificate valid, a Refresher course must be undertaken every 4 years. From 2nd January 2024, drivers requiring a Standard Refresher course will be completing the new MiDAS Standard course in full. This means that there will not be any MiDAS Standard Refresher courses until late 2027.