Defensive Driving & Fleet Training instructors hold 'Minibus Driver Assessor/Trainer' accreditation under the MiDAS Scheme

MiDAS is the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme, organised by the Community Transport Association U.K. (CTA) 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 is applicable to any organisation operating or using minibuses. Member organisations range from small voluntary organisations operating one vehicle, to local authorities operating large fleets of minibuses as well as schools, colleges and universities.

MiDAS operates on a "cascade" approach. CTA has appointed a number of training agents, who provide training for minibus Driver Assessor/Trainers (DAT's) nominated from member organisations. Defensive Driving & Fleet Training instructors are fully DAT accredited. We assess the competence of other minibus drivers, and provide them with training on how to safely use a minibus.

In order to register as a DAT, Defensive Driving & Fleet Training instructors has to undertake a thorough driving assessment and participation in a course lasting three days for standard minibuses and a further day for wheelchair accessible minibuses.

The course gives information and practical experience on how to undertake a minibus driving assessment in an objective and consistent manner, how to structure on-road assessments, provide "classroom based" safety training, and refresher training.
The safety training, which can be delivered on a group or individual basis, uses key learning points from a number of areas:

• Legal Responsibilities of a Minibus Driver
• Passenger Safety
• Child Passenger Safety
• Defensive Driving
• Manual Handling Awareness
• Health & Safety Awareness
• Accident & Emergency Procedures
• Personal Safety for Drivers

Each DAT is given a comprehensive trainer's manual which includes all the information from the course, along with audio visual material needed to run the safety training sessions. DAT's certificates are valid for two years after which refresher training will be required.

Drivers who successfully complete the MiDAS assessment and training programme will receive a nationally recognised certificate valid for four years, as well as the option of obtaining the comprehensive "MiDAS Driver's Handbook".

Membership is FREE

Organisations joining MiDAS will only be required to make the following commitment:

• To assess and train all new drivers to the MiDAS standard from the date of joining,
• To assess and train all existing drivers within a period of 12 months from that date (this may be extended in exceptional circumstances),
• To allow drivers holding MiDAS certificates issued by other organisations, to drive your minibuses without the need for re-assessment - although local insurance conditions will always have to be fulfilled, and vehicle familiarisations undertaken.

For full details of all courses and fees please e-mail or telephone 029-20613930 with your enquiry.