Odyssey Outdoors has been delivering Minibus Drivers Awareness Scheme (MiDAS) training to dozens of Local Authority and Academy school staff as well as for people involved in driving for voluntary organisations. .

We are members of the Community Transport Association (CTA) and deliver both standard and accessible minibus courses.


This is what people have said about our courses:

"Very informative and relevant pace with thorough coverage where appropriate. Controlled use of participation, very good overall relaxed atmosphere"

"Great that Frank could come to to school to do the training, meant that no time was lost"

"Well led and Very informative about a range of aspects"

"Really useful training - good opportunities to ask questions"

"Good pace to course, everything was explained clearly"

All our driver assessor trainers (DAT's) are experienced

qualified trainers and assessors who retrain every two years.

We come to you to deliver courses using your vehicles, however on request we can supply vehicles.

We deliver the following courses:

  • Induction Training for Drivers of Standard Minibuses
  • Refresher Training for Drivers of Standard Minibuses
  • Induction Training for Drivers of Accessible Minibuses
  • Refresher Training for Drivers of Accessible Minibuses

What you need to know before booking a DAT

All drivers must have a valid licence for the vehicle being used for the training. Anyone who has D1 on their licence can drive a minibus. People who passed their driving test after 1st January 1997 will not have D1 on their licence and must take a full minibus driving test to drive a minibus.

However, some school staff may be able to drive a minibus as long as they have a valid car driving licence and meet certain conditions:

The information below has been obtained from: www.gov.uk/driving-a-minibus

View your driving licence information to see what vehicles you can drive.

You may be able to drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats using your current car driving licence as long as there’s no payment from or on behalf of the passengers (not for ‘hire or reward’).

  • You can drive a minibus within the UK as long as the following conditions apply:
  • you’re 21 or older
  • you’ve had your driving licence for at least 2 years
  • you meet the ‘Group 2’ medical standards if you’re over 70 - check with your GP if you’re not sure you meet the standards
  • you’re driving on a voluntary basis and the minibus is used for social purposes by a non-commercial body
  • you’re not towing a trailer
  • the maximum weight of the minibus is not more than 3.5 tonnes - or 4.25 tonnes including specialist

    • equipment for disabled passengers, eg a wheelchair ramp