Cheaper Minibus Insurance with a Driver Training Course
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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.
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.
The Minibus Club is a specialist minibus insurance provider and has offered UK minibus insurance quotes since 1997. Visit their website for minibus driving advice and to receive a free online quote for minibus insurance or telephone 0845 609 0323.
