How *MiDAS works: [Minibus Driver’s Awareness Scheme]
* Under MiDAS, training is provided by Sutton Community Transport, who is responsible for assessing and training minibus drivers.
* This person, called a Driver Assessor/Trainer, assesses the driving ability of new minibus drivers.
* Existing drivers will also have to be assessed. Some organisations will be seeking exemptions for their existing drivers.
How *MiDAS will affect you:
Before an assessment of your driving ability takes place, you will be asked to:
* complete and sign a Driver Registration form.
* produce your driving licence.
* undertake a simple eyesight check.
You may also be asked to provide two references. If you are an existing driver, some of these steps may have already been done.
After a successful assessment, you will be given:
* basic training by our Driver Assessor/Trainer in the skills and information you need when driving minibuses.
* additional training if you drive an accessible vehicle (one which can carry passengers who use wheelchairs).
At the end of this training you will be asked to undertake a theory assessment
After your assessment and training and passing the theory assessment, you will receive a MiDAS certificate, which enables you to drive the minibuses of other MiDAS members without needing to be re-assessed. You will still have to meet the other organisation's insurance requirements and may need to receive familiarisation on the vehicles that they use. You will not be able to drive accessible vehicles belonging to other organisations unless you have received training in the skills associated with using such minibuses.
*MiDAS
* helps to improve minibus safety by working with Sutton Community Transport, and enhancing passenger awareness skills of our drivers.
* is organised by the Community Transport Association (CTA), which is the national representative body for community, voluntary and other specialist transport operators and their supporters.
*MiDAS Refresher Training
After four years:
* you will be asked to attend a "refresher" training session This will involve a:
o re-assessment of your driving ability
o classroom based training session
o further theory assessment
