MiDAS - Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme

Also see: Transport Solutions
Also see: Call and Go
Also see: Minibus Hire
Also see: Wheels to Work

What we do

We provide minibus driving awareness training. It is a requirement that all drivers of HCC owned minibuses undertake MiDAS training, and it is recommended by them as best practise that all drivers of community transport minibuses also undertake this training.

There are two types of course available, standard training and the accessible course, which is for those who transport wheelchair users. These courses are held monthly, both for New Driver and Refresher training.

The MiDAS certificate is valid for four years, after which, a shorter refresher course is required.

The standard course consists of a 4 hour theory session in the classroom followed by a driving assessment session which can take up to about an hour.

For the accessible course there is an additional two hour session on disability awareness and the safe securing and transport of wheelchair users.

There are certain conditions attached to driving a minibus so please check your licence for your entitlements.

Whether you are able to drive a minibus depends on when you passed your driving test.

1. If you passed your car driving test before 1997, you are licenced to drive a minibus. Check that you have the correct entitlement on your licence:

On older-style licences: Groups A, E.
On newer-style licences: D1
(restriction 1 or 101, not for hire or reward).

2. If you passed your car driving test after 1 January 1997, you must meet all of the following conditions:

Aged 21 or over.
Have held a full licence (category B) for 2 years.
You will be driving on a voluntary basis.
The minibus is used for social purposes. In practice this means you need to operate under a Small Bus Permit (Minibus Permit).
The minibus has a maximum weight of no more than 3.5 tonnes (or 4.25 tonnes where a minibus has a passenger lift or ramp). This may mean volunteers cannot drive the larger, heavier minibuses.
No trailer can be towed.

What does it cost

Standard training for voluntary or charitable organisations- £57.50
For commercial organisations, schools, colleges, HCC etc - £67.50

Accessible training for voluntary or charitable organisations £62.50
For commercial organisations the fee is £72.50

Refresher training for both the standard and accessible course is available from £40.

There is an additional charge of £15 if using a CFNF vehicle for the driving assessment.

Where we provide the service

Courses take place on the second Thursday of each month at: Lyndhurst Community Centre, Main Car Park, High Street, Lyndhurst SO43 7NY
Tel. 023 8028 2267.

Our commitment to quality
Both of our trainers have undertaken the DATS training course and are fully qualified to provide the MiDAS training courses for our clients.

MiDAS Training Booking Form - PDF

What our clients say

‘The refresher course reminded me just how much I had forgotten over the last four years, I feel much safer now.’

‘The session ran very smoothly, was interesting, informative and very useful… excellent trainer’
‘good session, I was made to feel really at ease and able to contribute’

How to contact us
Booking forms are available from our website; www.cfnf.org.uk or from our office:
Community First New Forest
Archstone House
Pullman Way
Ringwood
Hampshire
BH25 1HD
Email [email protected] or
Telephone 01425 482773 or 0845 6024 326

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