Everything Taxi Ltd offer the MiDAS minibus driving qualification from their Training Centre in Southend on Sea, Esssex and the course can also be run from suitable venues across the South East.

We train many professional drivers a year in minibus driving.

MiDAS is the award winning Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme, organised by the Community Transport Association. MiDAS is a nationally recognised standard for the assessment and training of minibus drivers. The scheme is designed to enhance driving standards and promote the safe operation of minibuses.

Everything Taxi Ltd has been providing training/assessment for minibus drivers for many years. We have a team of experienced Driving Assessor / Trainers (DATs) who use their years of minibus driving experience to enhance and supplement the comprehensive MiDAS training materials.
Each course is presented in a practical, friendly manner with the Driving Assessor / Trainers able to respond to the specific needs of each person on the course. The theory sessions are complimented by watching relevant videos.
Everything Taxi Ltd is able to draw on over 20 years of experience of operating a fleet of minibuses to help ensure that the training is delivered in an effective and professional manner, and that it meets the needs of the course delegates. A MiDAS Certificate is only awarded to those reaching the required high standards. Further training and assessment is offered to anyone unable to initially reach the required standard.

MiDAS training course content

Module One: Standard Certificate
One day course (09:15 – 15:30)

Training in the skills required to drive a minibus. Delegates will learn:

• A thorough knowledge of the legal responsibilities of a minibus driver and duty of care
• Department for Transport codes of practice in safe carriage of passengers
• Good practice in passenger comfort
• Health and Safety at work for Drivers
• Manoeuvring of vehicles
• Defensive Driving techniques
• Minibus Fire and Evacuation

At the end of this session, candidates sit a written test paper, consisting of 20 questions, the answers to which will be contained in the training session, and in the minibus drivers handbook provided to each candidate.

Each candidate undertakes a 1½ hour on-the-road driving assessment, which is booked for a later, mutually convenient time. The assessment route takes in to consideration a wide range of road conditions. The Assessor provides feedback and advice to the candidate during the drive.

Module Two: Accessible Certificate
Half-day course (09:15 – 13:30)

This module is for those carrying wheelchair users, and so those needing knowledge and experience of using passenger lifts and securing wheelchairs etc. The module is offered as a FREE addition to Module One. Delegates will explore:

• Group discussion after viewing a training related film
• Safe use of ramps and tail lifts
• Wheelchair and passenger restraint equipment
• Department for Transport codes of practice on safe carriage of passengers in wheelchairs
• Good practice on passenger assistance
• Information on disability, carrying children and professional etiquette

Refresher Course (both standard and accessible)

If you already hold a MiDAS Certificate and undertake refresher training before the certificate expires then you may opt to attend “Refresher Training” instead of the full MiDAS course. The Refresher training covers an abridged course content concentrating on the changes since obtaining your MiDAS certificate, and key components of the course programme. A refresher course for those with a MiDAS certificate expiring soon.

If you hold an Accessible certificate (see above), then the refresher training will also cover key elements of the Accessible Certificate training.

The course is half a day (usually mornings) with a 45 minute on-the-road driving assessment.

The certificate issued on succesfully completing the driving assessment is valid for four years. The refresher training is also available to reaquaint incidental minibus drivers with the complexities and skills of driving a minibus (even before the certificate is about to expire).

To verify the entitlement to undertake the refresher training it is essential that the current MiDAS certificate is brought to the refresher training course