Practical Training & Assessments – What You Need to Know

For all courses involving hands-on training and assessments, we’ll use your vehicles and equipment. This ensures a realistic evaluation of your team’s skills in their usual working environment.

Your Responsibilities:

  • Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and meets all legal requirements.

  • Confirm all drivers have the correct licence entitlements—not just for the course, but for everyday use.

  • Understand the weight and licensing rules that apply to your vehicles.

To help you prepare and stay compliant, please review the details below (click on each heading for more information). This will ensure a smooth training day and avoid any last-minute issues.

1. Vehicle & Equipment Requirements

For all courses involving practical training and assessments, we will use your equipment and vehicle(s). This offers a better, more realistic scenario for assessing your team.

You are responsible for ensuring:

  • Your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition.

  • All drivers are legally authorised to operate the vehicle (both for the course and day-to-day).

  • You understand the weight and license requirements for your vehicles.

Vehicle Requirements

Your vehicle(s) must:

  • Be taxed, tested, and insured for your drivers.

  • Only be driven by legally entitled and properly insured drivers.

  • Be well-maintained and road legal.

  • Have a valid MOT certificate (annually from the vehicle’s first birthday).

  • Display a valid permit disc (if operating under a Section 19 or Section 22 permit scheme).

Note: If our team arrives and your vehicle is not roadworthy or drivers lack the correct license entitlement, the course may be rescheduled, and you will still be charged in full.

2. Understanding Vehicle Classifications & License Restrictions

Vehicle Categories

 

  • Car/MPV (8 or fewer passenger seats) – Not classed as a minibus.

  • Minibus (9–16 passenger seats) – Requires appropriate licensing.

Important: MiDAS run different courses depending on whether the vehicle is a Car/MPV or Minibus. Please ensure you book the correct course. If you're not sure which course you need, get in touch.

You'll find official guidance and information directly from the .gov website - click here 

Driver Licence Restrictions

Drivers with a standard Car (B) licence are restricted to:

Vehicle Type Max Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) Max GVW (All Electric)
Standard 3,500kg 4,250kg
Accessible 4,250kg 5,000kg

For vehicles exceeding these weights, drivers require:

  • D1 (or D101) License – Increases max GVW to 7,500kg (Standard) or 8,250kg (Accessible).

    • Add 750kg for all-electric vehicles.

Where to find GVW: Check your vehicle’s VIN plate (under the bonnet or driver’s side door recess).

3. Section 19 & Section 22 Permits

These permits allow certain non-profit organisations (including schools) involved in education, religion, social welfare, recreation or other community-benefit activities to charge for minibus transportation without having to comply with full PSV licensing requirements. In some circumstances, drivers may operate without needing a PCV (category D1 or D) licence.

Anyone operating a minibus service - including charities and voluntary organisations - has a duty of care under health and safety law to take all reasonable precautions for safe operation. It is also an offence under road traffic law to allow a minibus to be driven when its condition or use could endanger passengers or other road users.

For more information on Section 19 permits, please visit www.gov.uk.

4. Operator & Driver Obligations

Operator Responsibilities

  • Comply with legal requirements and the Highway Code.

  • Conduct risk assessments for safe journeys.

  • Ensure:

    • Drivers have the correct licence entitlement.

    • Drivers are fit and competent.

    • The minibus is fit-for-purpose and safe.

  • Maintain monitoring systems and records.

Important Note for Drivers

  • For MiDAS courses with e-learning theory, if a driver has not completed their e-Learning before the in-vehicle assessment, the practical session cannot proceed. This will result in an incomplete assessment and we will need to re-attend to complete the course. Further charges will apply. 

If you work for an Education Provider or Local Authority, click here for the most recent, official Government guidance

5. How To Check Your Driver's Licences

How to Check UK Driving Licences for free

 

You can verify driving licences legally and for free via the GOV.UK website:

  • Step 1: Visit www.gov.uk/check-driving-licence

  • Step 2: Enter the driver’s licence number, National Insurance number, and postcode

  • Step 3: View the licence details, including:

    • Entitlements (vehicle categories)

    • Expiry dates

    • Penalty points/disqualifications

  • Limitations:

    • Requires the driver’s consent each time

    • Only shows current status (no historical data)

    • Manual checks are time-consuming for fleets


Why not let us handle the admin with our automated DVLA Licence Check Service?

 

Save time and ensure compliance with our electronic licence monitoring:


✅ Automatic alerts for expired licences or new penalty points
✅ 24/7 access to licence records for your entire fleet
✅ Audit-proof reporting with historical data
✅ No driver consent needed for repeat checks (with their agreement)
✅ Reduces risk of fines for non-compliant drivers

Protect your business – Contact us for more info