MiDAS
MiDAS, the Minibus
Driver Awareness Scheme is a scheme developed after long and
detailed study of minibus driving and consultation with statutory
and voluntary organisations that operate minibuses to develop and
enhance the driving and passenger care skills of individuals that
drive a minibus voluntarily or as part of their job.
No one can drive a Bedford Borough Council minibus with
passengers on board unless they have a current MiDAS
certificate.The certificate which is valid for four years is
awarded after a theory session and exam and a practical driving
assessment
The likely hood of death or serious injury whilst travelling as
a passenger on one of the 125,000 + minibuses in the United
Kingdom is between 2 and 3 times less than travelling as a
passenger in a car. Therefore minibuses are a relatively safe
form of passenger transport no one can dispute the driver needs
skills over than above that required to drive a car. Drivers of a
minibus also have specific responsibilities to vulnerable
passengers such as children and people with disabilities as well as
a duty of care to take responsible safety precautions when
arranging and providing transport for all passengers.
Objectives of MiDAS
The objectives of MiDAS are that minibus drivers will:
- Be assessed to ensure their driving skills are of an acceptable
standard
- Be given help where necessary to improve their minibus driving
skills
- Be aware of the practical,legal and safety issues surrounding
minibus driving
- Be trained in the safe use of accessible minibuses where
necessary
- Receive a certificate which is accepted by other MiDAS
registered organisations
The Road Safety team organise MiDAS training and usually run at
least four courses a year in January, April, July and October. If
there is sufficient demand additional courses can be arranged
Bedford Borough Road Safety
Team
(01234) 228336
Email road.safety@bedford.gov.uk