Minibus driver training - who, what, where, why?

Who?

In essence, everyone who drives your minibus should be assessed and where necessary trained. Generally, incidental drivers pose a greater risk, someone who drives the minibus perhaps only once a month will be less used to how the vehicle handles particularly with regard to braking, cornering and accelerating and is more likely to try to drive it like their car.

Even regular drivers will benefit from periodic refresher training to ensure their skills and knowledge are still current. How often this training is undertaken is something you will need to consider and may depend upon the type of training, the driver’s record, and how often they drive. There are no hard and fast rules as to how often training should be provided so this needs to be part of your risk assessment.

Driving Test

What?

The most popular type of training for minibus drivers is MiDAS, this is a nationally recognised course operated by the Community Transport Association (CTA).

D1 licence acquisition is the training required to pass the minibus driving test and will add the category D1 to the driving licence.

Where?

In most cases, the training can be carried out at your premises. In the case of MiDAS and Assessments, normally the on-road training will be carried out in your vehicle. In the case of D1 training, a vehicle will normally be provided.

Why?

Driver training is an integral part of safe minibus operation. Ensuring your drivers are competent and confident to drive a vehicle that is likely to be more than twice as heavy as a car and obviously much longer, higher and wider not to mention the increase in passenger numbers. Therefore initial and ongoing assessment and training are essential.

Ask an expert

Need expert advise regarding leasing? Submit your question now

Send a Question

eNews Signup

Our best vehicle leasing deals delivered direct to your inbox

Signup now

Callback Request

Request a callback from an experienced vehicle leasing advisor

Request callback

More from our blog…

Trustpilot LogoExcellent - 4.9 out of 53684 Verified Reviews

Phil. C TrustPilot 5 Star

We were a bit apprehensive about leasing but after speaking to Jake he reassured us that we hadn’t anything to worry about! 1st class service...

Added 15 hours ago

Emma Marchant TrustPilot 5 Star

Great service. Smooth change over of contracts and vehicles. Jim Mercer is always professional and communication is perfect

Added 2 days ago

Reinhold Micabalo TrustPilot 5 Star

Very reliable and trustworthy.said car will be delivered january and they delivered.arrived on time.staff are polite and accommodating.highly...

Added 3 days ago

Steve A TrustPilot 5 Star

I cannot fault the team at Rivervale, they were attentive , managed expectations and communicated effectively to the deals conclusion.

Added 3 days ago

Joseph McCarthy TrustPilot 5 Star

Really helpful and friendly.

Added 4 days ago

Sam TrustPilot 5 Star

Daniel from Rivervale was excellent - a clear understanding of cars available, monthly costs etc. he was very polite and knowledgeable and kept...

Added 5 days ago

Customer TrustPilot 5 Star

Great service from Matt and Theresa with good flexibility allowing us to look at 3 different manufacturers before we got a new EV that met our...

Added 9 days ago

Mr Niall McMahon TrustPilot 5 Star

Kept updated every step of the way. Quick and easy process, well managed.

Added 9 days ago

Marc Sargeant TrustPilot 5 Star

Matt really went above and beyond in assisting us to get a great deal sorted for a van.

Added 12 days ago

Joanne B TrustPilot 5 Star

This is the second time I have used Rivervale. Great communication, great price and loved both cars. Particular thanks to Matt and Teresa who...

Added 16 days ago

Arval Lex Autolease Alphabet BVRLA Seagulls Leaseplan Leasys Novuna Vehicle Solutions Santander Millbrook Technology ALD Nissan