Refresher Training for Minibus Drivers

This information is for distribution to minibus drivers from organisations that have joined MiDAS and who are due for Refresher Training. It outlines what is involved in Refresher Training and how this will affect existing drivers.

MiDAS

MiDAS has now been recognised nationally as a scheme that can enhance the driving and passenger awareness skills of the many thousands of individuals who drive minibuses in the course of their work or as volunteers.

Together, Drivers, Driver Assessor/Trainers and MiDAS members have a responsibility to ensure that, by their actions, MiDAS continues to be seen as the leading minibus driver training scheme in the UK:

Organisations that are members of MiDAS have a responsibility to follow the MiDAS committent that they have signed up to. This involves ensuring that their Driver ASsessor/Trainers and drivers have the time and resources to meet their own responsibilities under the scheme

Driver Assessor/Trainers have a responsibility to pass on their knowledge and enthusiasm for improving driving skills and for delivering competent training to drivers

Drivers have the ultimate responsibility for driving and caring for their passengers. At the end of the day, it is the safety record of drivers alone that will have the most lasting influence on how successful MiDAS is.

The success of MiDAS can be demonstrated by the number of drivers who have so far received certificates. Over 150,000 drivers across the country had obtained MiDAS certificates by the end of 2006 and this figure looks set to rise to some 180,000 drivers by the end of 2008.

Why Refresher Training?

Refresher Training is designed to maintain and improve the overall standard of MiDAS. The initial assessment and training that you receive is seen as the first, although very important, step in your minibus driving career. That's why under MiDAS you are required to attend a Refresher Training session every four years.

Driver Assessor/Trainers also attend Refresher Training, every two years. They receive new information and training resources and learn how to run Refresher Training sessions for drivers.

How Refresher Training will affect you:

You will be required to attend a classroom-based Refresher Training session. This will generally be as part of a group, although there may be some occasions when this takes place on an individual basis. Your Driver Assessor/Trainer will provide you with details of the practical arrangements for your session.

During Refresher Training you will:

• Meet and share experiences with other drivers
  
• Offer feedback on the scheme, which will influence the future development of MiDAS and Refresher Training sessions
  
• Receive information on changes to legislation and good practice which have emerged since you attended your initial training
  
• Receive Refresher Training on key MiDAS training topics, using new training techniques
  
• Have the opportunity to ask any questions about MiDAS.
  
• Undergo a Re-assessment of your driving
• For Accessible Drivers undergo a Practical Skills Assessment