SC Driver Services involvement with MiDAS

This statement outlines our involvement with the MiDAS Scheme. We would like to make it clear that in theory we fully support any efforts or initiatives which promote Minibus road safety and driver responsibilities to those who drive minibuses in either a voluntary or professional capacity.

However, In order to sustain a high level of professional approach to training, support, legislation and concerns SC Driver Services has decided that it can no longer sustain or support MiDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme). Therefore from the 31st July 2009 SC Driver Services will cease to offer, support or promote MiDAS training or issue certificates to drivers.

What is MiDAS?

MiDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme) was originally contrived by Hampshire County Council as a means of training and assessing minibus drivers within the county council. In later years the scheme was adopted by the CTA (Community Transport Association) and is now promoted to charities, schools and other local authorities throughout the UK.

However, this scheme is only a voluntary one primarily for the assessment of minibus drivers. Despite popular belief, the MiDAS scheme is not a professional driving course or a licence to drive a minibus.

SC Driver Services would like to make it clear that any MiDAS certificates issued are not licences nor are they recognised or warranted as a professional standard qualification.

How it works ...the cascade approach

The MiDAS scheme uses a cascade approach for its minibus training regime. "Training Agents" are appointed by the scheme to train "Driver Assessor Trainers" otherwise known as DAT's every 2 years and then these DAT's train and assess individual minibus drivers every 4 years. However, because of this cascade regime, any vital changes in information, practice, laws or regulations pertaining to driving a minibus could take as long as 6 years to eventually reach individual drivers!

SC Driver Services feels that drivers should be notified of any changes as soon as possible and in any case before any laws become statute. Waiting up to 6 years could mean that drivers receive vital and updated information "too late" which could lead to complications with insurance claims, penalty points on a driving licence, court fines or litigation through any ignorance.

Qualifications of MiDAS DAT's (Driver Assessor Trainers)

The MiDAS scheme allows almost anyone, regardless of experience or lack of professional qualifications to become a MiDAS DAT (Driver Assessor trainer). To become a MIDAS DAT all you need is a valid licence with only a “car” entitlement, attend a simple three day course concluding with a short theory test, class presentation and a driving assessment.

Upon successful completion candidates can teach and assess other minibus drivers under the MIDAS scheme, including, oddly enough drivers who hold PCV licences or PCV Operator CPC’s (Certificate of professional competence in Road Passenger transport operations) which are “professional” qualifications and of a higher standard from that of a MiDAS DAT.

DSA & DVLA response to non-PCV licence holders instructing/supervising minibus drivers

SC Driver Services have received correspondence from both the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) and DVLA (Driver & Vehicle Licencing Agency) stating that drivers who just hold the standard car licence entitlements cannot act as instructors/supervisors for drivers of minibuses.

Therefore, if you are currently a MiDAS DAT who is not a holder of a D or D1 PCV licence (i.e. obtained by separate test) for 3 years or more, you are advised to follow this link for more advice , as you may be committing an offence and liable to prosecution.

SC Driver Services standards policy

SC Driver services believe that drivers who hold professional qualifications such as PCV licence, Operator CPC and DSA ADI’s (Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructors) should not be trained or assessed by a MIDAS DAT who is only in possession of a “car” driving licence and no other professional qualifications.

The responsibility for driving a minibus is far greater from that of driving a car. Therefore, as MiDAS DAT certificates are not professional qualifications, those who teach and train other drivers these skills and responsibilities should be themselves in possession of more than a mere “car” licence and a MiDAS DAT certificate.

Questionable endorsements

Hampshire County Council the founders and owners of MiDAS have claimed that a number of organisations endorse the MiDAS scheme PDF file (opens new window 56kb). However, recent enquires reveal a shocking discovery that suggests the following organisations either do not endorse or no longer associate themselves with the MiDAS scheme.

• DSA (Driving Standards Agency) PDF file (opens new window 92kb).
• British Red Cross PDF file (opens new window 53kb).
• RoSPA PDF file (opens new window 61kb)

Therefore, whilst endorsements claimed by Hampshire County Council remain questionable or cannot be substantiated SC Driver Services cannot and will not promote that MiDAS is endorsed by any third party organisation unless official notification is directly received from these organisations.

The quality of training will affect your organisation and drivers,
therefore insist on a higher standard.

Understanding the laws and responsibilities which surround minibus driving is essential for all drivers who take the wheel. Therefore by allowing almost anyone to provide this type of training offers no firm guarantees that individual drivers will receive the full and professional level of training that is required.

As a result drivers may receive penalty points and fines because of their trainer's lack of professional knowledge and in extreme cases your organisation may be faced with insurance complications or litigation through any negligence. It would be a shame to fall victim just because important facts were overlooked by your volunteer trainer.

Therefore if you value the lives of your passengers, the licences of your drivers and the reputation of your organisation it's best to seek "professional" appose to "volunteer" training.

If you are looking for MiDAS or any other non-professional training...
You are strongly advised to read the following:

• The DSA clarify minibus instructor qualifcation rules
• A new professional approach to Minibus Road Safety
• Youngsters survive minibus crash on M5 motorway

If your current minibus assessor trainer cannot answer the above or they only hold a car licence and no other professional qualifications, then they are unlikely to be able to offer you the necessary professional training and information that is required to satisfy your Health & Safety and Managing Occupational Road Risk (MORR) obligations.