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Most minibus drivers are justifiably proud of the their driving skills. However, training schemes exist that can not only let drivers hone and subsequently prove their minibus skills but also let them benefit from reduced insurance premiums. In practice, the majority of minibus insurance companies recognise the two training schemes concerned and substantial savings may be made from the lesser premiums offered.

The CTA (Community Transport Association) is the UK’s leading organisation concerned with community and voluntary transport. It administers two driver training schemes that the majority of insurance companies recognise.

Drivers who passed their test before the 1st of January 1997 automatically received a D1 classification, allowing them to drive a minibus. However, those who passed their test on or after this date received a Category B, or car, licence. This restricts their driving of a minibus to an extent because they have to meet the following conditions.

The minibus may not be used for hire or reward.

The driver must be 21 or over.

The driver must have held a Category B licence for over 2 years.

If over 70, the driver must meet Category D1 health standards.

The driver may not be paid for driving the minibus.

The minibus may not weigh over 3.5 tonnes, unless specialised equipment for the carrying of disabled passengers is fitted. In such an instance, the weight limit rises to 4.25 tonnes.

A trailer may not be towed.

The minibus may only be used in the UK.

The CTA’s CommunityDriver scheme provides everything a minibus driver needs to obtain a Category D1 licence, including training by locally based tutors, the use of special learning materials and the arranging of a test at an appropriate time in a location convenient to the pupil.

The second CTA scheme is called MiDAS, which is the acronym of the Minibus Driver Training Scheme. CTA-appointed training agents, who visit organisations to assess and train minibus drivers, run this nationally-recognised scheme. It is also possible for representatives of larger organisations to take the CTA’s Driver Assessor/Trainer Assessment, or DAT for short. Passing this allows a representative to assess and train drivers.

The MiDas test is a separate exercise and is particularly comprehensive. As such, it covers a number of areas including passenger and disability awareness, the use of passenger safety and access equipment, storage equipment, and drivers’ legal requirements. Minibus driving skills to an acceptable standard are tested, and attention is paid to general defensive driving, the driver’s personal safety and, of course, passenger safety. Lastly, roadside inspections and breakdown and accident procedures are examined.

The CTA’s schemes don’t just reduce insurance premiums. A MiDAS certificate is good for the image of the organisation or person possessing one, and passenger comfort and safety are improved. Last but not least, the certificate holder’s confidence increases, with a consequent reduction in stress at the wheel of a minibus.

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A minibus driver that passes a driver training course may be entitled to greater discounts on their minibus insurance.

The Community Transport Association (CTA) is the lead UK body for voluntary and community transport. They oversee two minibus driver training schemes which are recognised by most insurance companies, MiDAS and CommunityDriver.

MiDAS

MiDAS (Minibus Driver Training Scheme) is a nationally recognised scheme organised by CTA for the assessment and training of minibus drivers. It was originally developed by Hampshire County Council and provides organisations with a standard to train their drivers to.

MiDAS is suitable not only for small organisations that operate one minibus but for larger companies operating a fleet of vehicles. CTA have appointed a number of training agents who can visit an organisation to assess and train the drivers. Or the training can be undertaken in house once a company representative has passed CAT’s Driver Assessor/Trainers (DAT) assessment.

Areas that are covered in the MiDAS test include:

1. Minibus driving skills to an acceptable standard.
2. General defensive driving.
3. Driver’s personal safety.
4. Passenger safety.
5. Roadside inspections.
6. Breakdown and accident procedures.
7. Legal requirements for drivers.
8. Disability awareness.
9. Use of passenger safety, access and storage equipment.
10. Passenger assistance.

As well as possible reductions on minibus insurance, the MiDAS test increases a driver’s confidence, reducing their levels of stress. Passenger safety and comfort is improved. And the MiDAS certificate enhances a minibus organisation’s image.

CommunityDriver

Changes to driving licence legislation on 1st January 1997 require all licences issued after this date to have D1 classification for driving a minibus.

To obtain a D1 licence a driver must pass a theory test, a hazard perception test and then undertake a full medical. The CommunityDriver scheme provides all that is needed to obtain the licence, including locally based trainers and learning materials. Tests are arranged at convenient locations for the driver.

A minibus can be driven on a category B (car) licence, without a D1 classification, but only if the following conditions are met:

1. The minibus is not being used for hire and reward.

2. The driving licence has been held for more than 2 years and the driver is over 21. Drivers over 70 must meet the health standards required for a D1 licence.

3. Payment cannot be accepted for driving the minibus.

4. The weight of the minibus must not exceed 3.5 tonnes. This limit is raised to 4.25 tonnes when special equipment for disabled passengers is being carried.

5. Trailers cannot be towed.

6. The minibus can only be driven in the UK.

The Minibus Club is an excellent resource for finding more about minibus driver training. Evidence of training such as the MiDAS certificate will not guarantee a discount on your minibus insurance but it is looked on favourably by many insurance providers.