Driver Training - we only carry out training to our member group drivers and not to third parties due to staff time restraints

MiDAS Information

In order to drive our minibuses, you need to have a valid MiDAS certificate.

MiDAS ensures that each driver has been assessed to a good standard of driving and understands the safety and legal requirements of driving a minibus with passengers.

Drivers must hold a D1 category on their licence, be over 25 for our insurance and company policy rules and have held their licence for at least 2 years.  Prior experience of driving larger vehicles will help your drivers to complete the course with more confidence.

If a driver doesn’t hold the D1 category, they can still drive as long as they meet the following conditions:

• you’re 25 or older under our rules (21 for other providers)
• you’ve had your driving licence for at least 2 years
• you meet the ‘Group 2’ medical standards if you’re over 70 - check with your GP if you’re not sure you meet the standards
• you’re driving on a voluntary basis and the minibus is used for social purposes by a non-commercial body.  *See note below
• the ‘maximum authorised mass’ or MAM of the minibus is not more than 3.5 tonnes – plus up to 750kg of equipment for disabled passengers, for example a wheelchair ramp (we have one vehicle available for hire under this category)
• you’re not towing a trailer

* Please note that we do not train or allow Teachers to drive our minibuses if they do not have D1 category.  Anyone who is a paid member of staff is in our eyes or our insurers, not a volunteer so therefore doesn’t meet the full conditions above. 

To obtain a MiDAS certificate there is a process which needs to be followed:

1. Your group or organisation must register with the CTAUK (Community Transport Association) to sign up their MiDAS commitment.  https://ctauk.org/training2/register-with-midas/
2. We check your driving licence for the correct category and any points or conditions.
3. As a training agency,  we then purchase an online training pass for each driver.  We need your full name and an email address from you as well as your MiDAS reg number. 
4. We allocate a training pass to you and this is sent by email and you will create an account so you can access the course and relevant information.
5. At your leisure, you can complete the online theory course and submit it to the CTA.
6. Once we have confirmation you have successfully completed the course, we can then arrange an on road assessment with you.
7. When the on road assessment is complete and you have passed,  your details will be logged with the CTA and you will receive your online certificate in your account.
8. Cost is £100 per person for a standard certificate and £130 for an accessible certificate.
9. Certificates last 4 years thereafter a refresher course will be carried out.