Learn to drive a minibus
MiDAS minibus driver training
Islington Community Transport has extensive experience in training people to drive minibuses. We deliver regular training Minibus Driver Awareness Training (MiDAS) programmes from facilities in Hackney. This programme is also open to community groups from other boroughs - particularly those from Camden and Newham.
If you are a Group Transport member and you would like to self drive one of our minibuses, then, subject to these conditions, you will need a current MiDAS certificate to be able to do this. MiDAS is the national standard for minibus drivers in the voluntary and public sector.
Our MiDAS training is delivered by instructors who bring years of practical experience that will help you get the most out of your course. The course consists of a one day classroom session and a separate individual one hour on-road driving assessment. The programme includes:
- Legal responsibilities of driving a minibus
- Safe and environmentally friendly driving techniques
- Vehicle familiarisation and checking
- The correct use of passenger lifts and wheelchair restraints
- A certificate valid for 4 years upon successful completion
What does the course consist of?
Are there any course restrictions?
What does the course consist of?
Each training course starts promptly at 9.30am and finishes at about 4.30pm. You will need to bring the training fee, yourUKdriving licence (both photo card and paper parts), and a passport-size photo along with you on the day.
The morning session: The first session is classroom-based, which consists of course registration, minibus driving and the law, defensive and environmental driving technique theories and a multiple choice test. This should last about 3.5 hours.
The afternoon session: After lunch, the second session consists of some classroom and some ‘hands on’ practical tuition regarding accessible equipment – i.e. the correct way to clamp wheelchairs onto a minibus and the passenger lift operation. This should last about 2.5 hours.
The practical assessment: The trainer will make individual arrangements on the day with you for a suitable date and time for you to return to undertake the third part of the course, the on-road driving assessment. This is usually carried out on the following day. Please allow up to 90 minutes for your on-road assessment. The full course must be completed in order to obtain a MiDAS certificate.
How much does it cost?
MiDAS Driver Training £60.00 per driver
MiDAS Minibus Driver’s Handbook £5.00 each
Hi-Viz Vest (mandatory for those not providing own) £5.00 each
Where is the course held?
HCT Group
Ash Grove Bus Depot
Mare Street
Hackney
London
E8 4RH
When is the next course?
Our next courses in Hackney are
Monday 16th January
Monday 30th January
Monday 13th February
Monday 27th February
Monday 12th March
Monday 26th March
Monday 2nd April
Monday 23rd April
Tuesday 8th May
Monday 21st May
Monday 28th May
Monday 11th June
Monday 25th June
Monday 2nd July
Monday 16th July
Further dates may be arranged according to demand, prior to school summer holidays: please enquire.
Monday 6th August
Monday 20th August
Monday 10th September
Monday 24th September
Monday 8th October
More dates to follow later in the year.
You need to be over 21 and have held a fullUKcar licence for at least 2 years. If you have 6 points or more, or recent driving bans, please speak to us in advance or be prepared to wait for insurance company clearance before you drive. Some foreign (non-UK) licences are acceptable – please ask in advance
If I have questions?
For all enquiries regarding MiDAS training, please contact us on 020 7275 2414 or by email to grouptransport@hctgroup.org
Book your place now
You can book you place for the course online here or by calling 020 7275 2414
