In the early 1990's after there had been a series of fatal accidents involving minibus drivers and their passengers, it was brought to the government's attention that there should be a training program to assess a driver's competence and ability to drive safely on the public roads and motorways. The government with the involvement of RoSPA and the Community Transport Association then went on to form the organisation MiDAS.

MiDAS stands for "Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme" and is a training and registration scheme for drivers of minibuses throughout the UK. This is the nationally recognised standard of assessment and training for individuals who want to become minibus drivers. It is a membership based scheme that has been designed to enhance minibus driving standards and promote the safer operation of minibuses.

MiDAS operates by employing a number of certified trainers that are responsible for the training of individuals who wish to become minibus driver assessor/trainers (DAT's). Successful candidates who become driver assessor/trainers can then assess the competence of other minibus drivers, and provide them with training on how to safely use a minibus.

MiDAS is applicable to any organisation operating or using minibuses. Member organisations range from small voluntary organisations operating one vehicle, to local authorities operating large fleets of minibuses as well as schools, colleges and universities.

If you wish to become a minibus driver, you will be trained and educated in the following fields:

• Child Passenger Safety
• Defensive Driving
• Manual Handling Awareness
• Health & Safety Awareness
• Accident & Emergency Procedures
• Personal Safety for Drivers

There are no joining fees for becoming a member of the MiDAS organisation, but you will be required to make the following commitment:

• To assess and train all new drivers to the MiDAS standard from the date of joining,
• To assess and train all existing drivers within a period of 12 months from that date (this may be extended in exceptional circumstances),
• To allow drivers holding MiDAS certificates issued by other organisations, to drive your minibuses without the need for re-assessment - although local insurance conditions will always have to be fulfilled, and vehicle familiarisations undertaken.