What is MiDAS? (Now Online)

MiDAS is the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme 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. Fermanagh Community Transport is the organisation who delivers MIDAS training in Fermanagh.

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​Who is it aimed at?

MiDAS is applicable to any organisation operating or using minibuses. Member organisations include sports clubs, youth groups, community groups, church groups and a range of individuals who want to help out in the community by driving a minibus. If a driver has a D1 category on driving license then the driver can drive up to a 16 seater minibus provided they have passed MIDAS. 

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What MiDAS courses are available?

 

MiDAS consists of three different courses. Find out more about each of them below.

 

Standard

The core training for anyone who drives a minibus as part of their role.

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Accessible

Additional training which is available for drivers who will be responsible for transporting disabled passengers. MiDAS Accessible will be reviewed in 2024 as part of the next phase of the Modernising MiDAS project. MiDAS Standard is a prerequisite for completing MiDAS Accessible.

RefresherA MiDAS certificate lasts for 4 years. By undertaking a MiDAS Refresher course, a driver can renew their certificate for a further 4 years. From 2nd January 2024, drivers requiring a Refresher course will be completing the new course in full. A new Refresher course will not be launching until late 2027.

 

The Benefits of MiDAS

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1. MiDAS Standard - What is it?

MiDAS is the gold standard training scheme for minibus drivers in the community transport sector and beyond, ensuring that minibus drivers are able to provide safe, legal and comfortable journeys.

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Who is it for?

MiDAS is suitable for anyone who is required to drive a minibus as part of their role. That might be a volunteer who drives occasionally for a local community group or a paid driver working full time.

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How is it delivered?

• 90 minutes of interactive and engaging E-Learning, covering the legal responsibilities of drivers and the essential theoretical knowledge needed to provide safe, legal and comfortable journeys.

• Up to 45 minutes in a minibus working individually with a Driver Assessor. This session provides drivers with an opportunity to ask any questions they have based on their online course and is tailored to their needs and ability.

• Up to 45 minutes in a minibus being assessed to the nationally recognised MiDAS Standard.

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How much does it cost?

The cost of MiDAS Standard training varies depending on the training provider and factors such as the number of drivers being trained, the hire of vehicles and travel. The cost will include £40 per driver for access to the online theory course. 

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2. MiDAS Accessible - What is it?

Additional optional training for drivers on how to assist and support passengers with disabilities. MiDAS Standard is a prerequisite for completing MiDAS Accessible.

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Who is it for?

MiDAS Accessible is suitable for any drivers who will be transporting passengers who need additional support and driving minibuses which have specialist equipment such as passenger lifts and ramps. Drivers must have passed the MiDAS Standard course before completing MiDAS Accessible.

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How is it delivered?

The course combines classroom-based learning with practical demonstrations and practices which cover topics such as:

• Drivers will then undertake a theory assessment and a practical skills assessment.

• The theory part of the course is typically delivered over half a day, with additional time required for supervised practices and assessments.

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How much does it cost?

The cost of MiDAS Accessible training varies depending on the training provider and factors such as the number of drivers being trained and travel.

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3. MiDAS Refresher

To keep a MiDAS certificate valid, a Refresher course must be undertaken every 4 years. From 2nd January 2024, drivers requiring a Standard Refresher course will be completing the new MiDAS Standard course in full. This means that there will not be any MiDAS Standard Refresher courses until late 2027.

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1.  Online theory course and theory assessment

• Module 1 – Introduction to MiDAS

• Module 2 – The Minibus

• Module 3 – Driver Licensing

• Module 4 – Minibus Driving Tips

• Module 5 – Reversing & Manoeuvring

• Module 6 – The Journey

• Module 7 – Legal Responsibilities

• Module 8 – Breakdown, Collision & Evacuation Procedures

• Module 9 – Theory Assessment

• Module 10 – Next steps

 

 2.  Individual Practical Session

 

 3.  Driving Assessment

• Passenger awareness and assistance

• Assisting passengers who travel in their wheelchairs

• Boarding and alighting a vehicle using a passenger lift or ramp

• Securing passengers seated in wheelchairs using wheelchair tie-down equipment and passenger safety belts

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What will I gain from completing MiDAS?

Improved driving skills, a nationally recognised driving qualification which will help employability and the ability to drive a 16 seater minibus hired from Fermanagh Community Transport or other provider.

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For more information on the MiDAS course or to express your interest in participating in a MiDAS course, please contact Fermanagh Community Transport on 028 6632 4260 or email info@fermanaghcommunitytransport.com.