Driver Training 

MiDAS Information

In order to drive our minibuses, you need to have a valid MiDAS certificate.  we hire out 2 of our minibuses for self drive.  1 is a 17 seat high roof Ford Transit, the other is a 17 seat Peugeot with wheelchair access via a pull out ramp.  The Peugeot can be hired by drivers without D1 if they fit the eligibility below.

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.

To drive our vehicles, 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 and 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 but please contact a provider first to ensure you are eligible and they can provide training.

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. We signpost you to a MiDAS provider - list below - please contact them in the first instance to book your course
4. You are allocated a training pass and this is sent by email and you will need to 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, your on road assessment will be booked by your preferred training provider
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. You will then be able to book vehicles on a self drive basis.
9. Certificates last 4 years thereafter a refresher course will be carried out.

MiDAS provider details:

Easington Lane, ELCAP: enquiries@elcap.org.uk

Durham County Council: fleetdrivertraining@durham.gov.uk

Hartlepool, Catcote School: michael.slimmings@catcote.co.uk

Brian Ord: brianord@msn.com