MiDAS, D1 Licence and Driver CPC Qualification Courses
We offer all Red Kite customers access to cost effective driver training courses for MiDAS Certified Driver Awareness, D1 Licence including profit making organisations and Driver CPC qualification from fully qualified DVSA and CTA driving instructors. For your convenience training can be arranged either at your premises or at dedicated centres. Simply check which course applies to you below and click on MAKE AN ENQUIRY to arrange a course. To check if you have the right kind of driving licence to drive a minibus click here.
Once we receive your details you will be contacted by a qualified driving licence advisor/instructor who will provide a quotation, course details and requirements. Instructors can teach several candidates at one time. This reduces your costs and allows you to have several licensed drivers. Some schools in your local area may wish to collaborate to train drivers together and save money.
MiDAS Training
MiDAS is the award winning Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme, organised by the Community Transport Association. MiDAS is a nationally recognised standard for the assessment and training of minibus drivers. Helping schools conform to the Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA 1974) by ensuring drivers have received the relevant training which is a necessity if they do not hold a D1 licence or have the D1 licence with the 101 restriction. The scheme is designed to enhance driving standards and promote the safe operation of minibuses. All attending a MiDAS course must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Category B (Car), licence for at least 2 years.
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- The vehicle they are driving must be under 3500kg or 4250kg if fitted with a passenger lift or ramp and tachograph
- They must be driving for a not for profit organisation.
D1 Licence
If you first passed your car driving test before 1st January 1997, you will normally have entitlement to drive a minibus on a not-for-profit basis. If you passed your car driving test after this date, you can only drive a minibus under certain restricted situations:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Held a full licence for a minimum of 2 years
- Not tow a trailer
- Must drive on a voluntary basis
- The vehicle they are driving must be under 3500kg or 4250kg if fitted with a passenger lift or ramp and tachograph
If you passed your driving test after 1st January 1997 and do not meet all the terms of the exemption, you must obtain full D1 licence entitlement
Driver CPC Licence
If your organisation is profit making, then your minibus drivers are now required to hold a Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) licence in addition to a vocational driving licence. So whether you’re a new, an existing driver or are responsible for a fleet of drivers, it is imperative that you are aware of how to comply with Driver CPC legislation and the correct licensing of drivers.
Initial qualification consists of 4 parts, all of which drivers must pass to qualify.
Part 1 – Theory test (this includes a multiple-choice and hazard perception test)
Part 2 – Driver CPC case studies test
Part 3 – Driving ability test
Part 4 – Driver CPC practical demonstration test
If successful, you will be issued with a Blue driver qualification card which must be kept with you at all times when driving professionally, and which will be valid for five years.
