What is the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme

MiDAS for minibus drivers comes in two forms – Standard and Accessible. Standard refers to a fully seated minibus, such as may be used by a main stream school. Accessible would refer to a vehicle that had facilities to enable a wheelchair user to board and alight using a passenger lift or ramp, and specialist equipment to secure both the user and their wheelchair.

All drivers do a half day general theory session, followed by multiple choice theory assessment. Drivers of accessible minibuses do an additional half day theory and practical session, followed by a multiple choice theory assessment plus a practical assessment of their ability to use the accessible features of the vehicle safely.

The final element, again for all minibus drivers, is an on-road assessment of their driving. 

For a MiDAS certificate to be issued all the applicable sessions need to be attended and the assessments passed, although facilities exist to enable re-takes where this is needed. Every attempt is made to try and achieve this during the course, however if it requires another visit by the trainer this may incur additional costs.