Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme
Encyclopedia
The Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme, usually abbreviated to MiDAS, is a training and registration scheme for drivers of minibus
es in the UK
.
Following a number of serious accidents where drivers and passengers using minibuses were killed or serious injured in the 1990s the government, with the involvement of RoSPA
and the Community Transport Association, created a programme to train and assess the competence of drivers. It may optionally include certification to use tail lifts and adaptations for wheelchair
s that permit the passenger to travel safely whilst remaining in the chair.
Most volunteer drivers driving for community organisations and schools are now required to have and maintain their MiDAS qualification in order to carry out their duties, no matter that their normal driving licence may already entitle them to drive a minibus.
Minibus
A minibus or minicoach is a passenger carrying motor vehicle that is designed to carry more people than a multi-purpose vehicle or minivan, but fewer people than a full-size bus. In the United Kingdom, the word "minibus" is used to describe any full-sized passenger carrying van. Minibuses have a...
es in the UK
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
.
Following a number of serious accidents where drivers and passengers using minibuses were killed or serious injured in the 1990s the government, with the involvement of RoSPA
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is a British charity which aims to promote safety. It is particularly known for its vocal campaigns on issues of road safety, including Tufty the road crossing squirrel, the Cycling Proficiency Test and the Green Cross Code, as well as on issues of...
and the Community Transport Association, created a programme to train and assess the competence of drivers. It may optionally include certification to use tail lifts and adaptations for wheelchair
Wheelchair
A wheelchair is a chair with wheels, designed to be a replacement for walking. The device comes in variations where it is propelled by motors or by the seated occupant turning the rear wheels by hand. Often there are handles behind the seat for someone else to do the pushing...
s that permit the passenger to travel safely whilst remaining in the chair.
Most volunteer drivers driving for community organisations and schools are now required to have and maintain their MiDAS qualification in order to carry out their duties, no matter that their normal driving licence may already entitle them to drive a minibus.