MiDAS Training
MiDAS Training
Introducing MiDAS Training
The Community Transport Association operates MiDAS throughout the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, under licence from Hampshire County Council which initially developed MiDAS and operates the scheme in Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton. MiDAS is designed to make appropriate training, assessment and accreditation available for voluntary sector organisations, local authorities, care providers and educational establishments.
Woking Community Transport provides MiDAS and PATS training
These training courses and assessments are conducted at our premises or at your premises and can include both
- MiDAS – Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme
- PATS – Passenger Assistant Training Scheme
Objectives of MiDAS for drivers
The objectives of MiDAS for drivers are that minibus drivers will:
- Be assessed to ensure their driving skills are of an acceptable standard
- Be given help where necessary to improve their minibus driving skills
- Be aware of the legal, practical and safety issues surrounding minibus driving
- Be trained and assessed in the safe use of wheelchair accessible minibuses where necessary
- Receive a certificate that is accepted by other MiDAS members
To book or discuss any aspect of MiDAS training please call us at
01483 744800
There are many potential benefits of MiDAS including:
- Enhanced passenger safety
- Improved passenger comfort
- Increased staff confidence
- Reduced stress on staff
- Potential reduction in vehicle running costs
- Potential reduction in insurance premiums
MiDAS certificate for minibus drivers
There are two certificates which can be achieved:
- Standard
- Accessible
If you undertake the basic training then you will receive a certificate which enables you to drive standard (non-wheelchair accessible) minibuses only.
The MiDAS certificate for minibus drivers will enable you to drive the minibus of other MiDAS members without needing to be re-assessed.
How MiDAS works for minibus drivers
The MiDAS course for minibus drivers includes some practical elements and some classroom elements.
All drivers attend a classroom session which looks at:
- Legal requirements for minibus drivers
- Driving for safety and economy
- Passenger safety
- Child passenger safety
- Personal safety for drivers
- Breakdown, accident and emergency procedures
They then undergo a driving assessment, which includes;
- Eyesight check
- Basic vehicle familiarisation
- Demonstration and commentary drive
- Driving familiarisation
- Driving assessment
WCT Bustler now offers an EV (Electric Vehicle) minibus drivers course
Our EV driving course is designed to help you understand the differences between internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric vehicles, so you can be confident you are getting the most from your new vehicle.
The course focuses on the following key elements:
- Differences between an EV and an ICE powered vehicles
- Differences in performance and power delivery compared to ICE (Internal Performance characteristics of your specific EV)
- EV history
- Planning and observation – reading the road ahead
- Dispelling myths
- EV Range Anxiety
- Acceleration sense and throttle use in EVs
- Vehicle efficiency & driving techniques to maximise battery range
- Charging of your EV
Our course involves both classroom-based theory and a practical element to ensure a complete understanding.
- Classroom time 1.5 hours
- Practical time 3.5 hours
The course is designed for between 2 and 4 trainees and runs from our Brookwood Centre, Woking.
Please enquire if you require a course to be run from your location.
For further information or to book a course, please email or phone enquires on:
Call to enquire – 01483 724433
Or email by clicking the button
Accessible certificate
The additional modules that need to be covered for the Accessible certificate are:
- Passenger awareness
- Passenger assistance
- Safe use of passenger lifts and ramps
- Wheelchair and passenger restraint equipment
- Legal requirements and good practice
How to book your MiDAS training
A Standard course (non-accessible) costs £115.00 plus VAT per person
The Full course (accessible) costs £138.00 plus VAT per person
MiDAS training can be carried out either at your school, or at our training centre in Westfield, Woking.
Courses run between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Course duration may vary depending upon the number of students and course selection.
Call 01483 744800 to book your MiDAS training today
Teachers and Schools
We have created some documents for use, in particular with schools and teachers, for both understanding what certificate to take and then after the certification. Please feel free to download and share them with your colleagues.