MiDAS is the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme, which promotes a nationally recognised standard for the assessment and training of minibus drivers. It is a membership based scheme that has been designed to enhance minibus driving standards and promote the safer operation of minibuses.
MiDAS helps to improve minibus safety by working with organisations to enhance the driving and passenger awareness skills of drivers. Membership is open to any organisation operating minibuses on a non commercial basis.
As a MiDAS member, Bury MBC Road Safety Unit provides the minibus driver training and assessments to both Bury MBC employees and minibus drivers of any other organisation.
Course information
The course consists of two sessions (theory and on-road) and is aimed at those who have had some prior experience in driving and handling a minibus. For those who have not had prior experience please contact the Road Safety Unit.
Before an assessment of driving ability takes place, drivers will need to:
- ask their line manager to complete the online application form below;
- produce their driving licence; and
- attend the theory training session.
Driving licence requirements
Any person who passed their driving test after 1 January 1997 will have a licence without the D1 Minibus entitlement but can still operate a minibus but on a voluntary basis.
It is essential drivers bring their driving licence with them to both training sessions (both parts if they have a photocard style licence).
Theory training
This consists of basic training in the skills and information needed when driving minibuses with the option of additional training if an accessible vehicle (one which can carry passengers who use wheelchairs) is used. At the end of this training, drivers will be asked to undertake a theory assessment.
There a two theory training sessions: Induction Theory Training for new MiDAS drivers, OR Refresher Theory Training for those drivers who already hold a MiDAS certificate.
Theory sessions are held on Tuesdays (dates below) at the Road Safety Unit, Lester House, Bury. Go to a town centre map showing Lester House
Induction Theory Training dates (for new MiDAS drivers)
Time: 4pm to 6.30pm
MDS05 24 June 2008
MDS07 26 August 2008
MDS09 28 October 2008
Refresher Theory Training dates
(for drivers who already hold a MiDAS certificate)
Time: 4pm to 6pm
MDR04 1 July 2008
MDR05 16 September 2008
MDR06 4 November 2008
Practical assessment
The on-road assessment will last about 1 hour and will include:
- an eyesight check;
- a demonstration drive by the assessor if required;
- the opportunity to drive the vehicle under supervision in order to receive on-road vehicle familiarisation; and
- an assessment of driving skills.
Where possible, this session is held the Thursday following the theory training. Drivers will need to provide their own minibus for the assessment. On completion of the assessment, a certificate is issued which is valid for 4 years. However, depending on the organisation the driver works for, refresher training may be required after the first 2 years.
If a driver fails the assessment, their organisation may decide to provide additional training to bring their driving skills up to the MiDAS standard.
Cost
Bury MBC employees - £41 per person
All other organisations - £59 per person
Application forms
Applicants with D1 entitlement
For any person who passed their driving test before January 1997:
Apply online for the MiDAS course
Applicants without D1 entitlement
For any person who passed their driving test after 1 January 1997:
Apply online for the MiDAS course for volunteers
How to contact us
Bury MBC Road Safety Unit
Lester House
21 Broad Street
Bury
BL9 0AW
Phone: 0161 253 5552
E-mail: roadsafety@bury.gov.uk
