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 - 5.0 out of 53646 Verified Reviews

Barry Loynes TrustPilot 5 Star

My first experience of car leasing has been made a pleasure because of the staff at Rivervale. Matt first contacted me to find out exactly what...

Added 2 hours ago

Milorad Vasic TrustPilot 5 Star

Purposeful communications and curtesy follow up calls, as well as securing an excellent deal, make them a good company to work with.

Added 2 days ago

J.Harrison TrustPilot 5 Star

Fantastic customer service, I was kept informed throughout the process and although the delivery of my car was delayed a couple of weeks, Matt...

Added 2 days ago

Shiju Joseph TrustPilot 5 Star

Fast and easy

Added 6 days ago

Christine Hampshire TrustPilot 5 Star

Cannot praise this company enough. Jake has been amazing from start to finish. From equiry to delivery of vehicle was 14 days, completely stress...

Added 6 days ago

Jon Dougherty TrustPilot 5 Star

Very impressed by Rivervale . Jake and the admin team ,especially Pauline , made acquiring my new car really straightforward.Thank you

Added 6 days ago

Harry Davies TrustPilot 5 Star

Great service from everyone at Rivervale - market-beating terms for a new Hyundai Tucson, quick delivery times and walking me through the application...

Added 12 days ago

Alvin TrustPilot 5 Star

I was very happy with the service received after enquiring about an Audi - friendly, professional and efficient work from Jake and the support...

Added 12 days ago

DAVID M TrustPilot 5 Star

I first knew of Rivervale around 4 years ago when I was looking to lease a car personally and for various reasons I did not proceed. They were...

Added 13 days ago

M Whelan TrustPilot 5 Star

Good communication throughout the process. I had one phone call to tell me that the manufacturer had changed the pricing on the car. I was bracing...

Added 13 days ago

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