This course is for not-for-profit organisations that use minibuses.
The Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS) is a national standard for assessing minibus drivers. It’s free to join for organisations that provide transport non-commercially for the benefit of the community.
Groups like this can charge a fee to people using their minibus, without the driver needing a passenger-carrying licence. But they need a permit to do this.
See gov.uk not for profit passenger transport permits.
The course costs £139 (standard course) per person, based on a minimum of four course delegates. It will help improve your minibus skills and make you a safer driver.
What sort of course is it?
You’ll learn how to reduce risks, be aware of your passengers, and be safer on the road.
If you complete the training, you’ll get a certificate showing you meet the MiDAS standard. To keep this recognition you would need to go on a refresher course within four years.
There are two versions of the course available:
- Standard MiDAS course:
This now consists of 10 online e-learning and assessment modules, usually taking a total of around 90 minutes to complete at your own pace. Once you have completed the e-learning, we will arrange a 90 minute on-road practice drive and assessment with a driver assessor / trainer, in your own minibus.
- Accessible MiDAS course:
SORRY - WE'RE CURRENTLY UNABLE TO DELIVER THE ACCESSIBLE COURSE.
This course is if you use a wheelchair accessible minibus with passenger lift. The Standard MiDAS course forms part of the Accessible course. There’s a further classroom-based session, and a one-to-one demonstration of specialist seatbelt and lift equipment.
Check if you have the correct vehicle and licence
You can go on this course if you drive a passenger-carrying vehicle with between nine and 16 passenger seats – not including the driver.
Your driving licence tells you if you are in the correct category:
Driving licence held from before 1 January 1997
Your licence needs to show category D1. It means you can drive a minibus without taking an additional minubus driving test.
Driving licence held from 1 January 1997 onwards
If your licence shows category B (car) you can drive a minibus if:
- you only use it for non-commercial purposes, and not for individual payment or reward except expenses
- you are 21 or older
- you have had a category B licence for at least two years
- the minibus weighs no more than 3.5 tonnes (or 4.25 tonnes if there is equipment for disabled passengers)
- you do not tow a trailer
If you are 70 or over you need to make a special application, and meeting certain medical standards.
You must have the correct vehicle and driving licence to go on this course.
Check if you have the correct vehicle and driving licence.
Interested?
If you have the correct vehicle and driving licence, contact us for dates and more information:
• Email: midas@drivesafe.org.uk
• Phone: 0300 123 1518 (we're open Mon-Fri 8:30am-3:00pm excluding bank holidays).
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Learn more about getting to Co-op Live
Travel included with Co-op Live tickets
Co-op Live ticket holders can travel on the tram and new city centre shuttle buses.
-
Learn more about new Starling Bank Bikes
New sponsor: Starling Bank Bikes
We’re delighted to welcome Starling Bank on board as the new sponsors of our bike hire scheme.
-
Rate your journey
Rate your journey
We want to hear your views to help us deliver a better Bee Network for Greater Manchester.
-
Learn more about the Bee Network
Say yellow to the Bee Network
Buses in Oldham, Rochdale and parts of Bury, Salford and north Manchester joined the Bee Network on 24 March.
-
Find full details of the bus routes, ticket fares and timetables
Manchester City Matchday Buses
We've teamed up with Manchester City to launch a large-scale bus trial helping fans from across Greater Manchester and nearby areas to travel to and from the Etihad Stadium on a matchday.
-
Find out about planned works on the tram
Planned engineering works on Metrolink
Visit our dedicated webpage to find out how the works could affect your journeys.