Name: Course
Author: 2 Start Ltd

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What can I drive with the D1 category on my licence?

By obtaining a D1 category on your licence you will be able to drive a minibus. The DVSA define this as vehicles with:

no more than 16 passenger seats

a maximum length of 8 metres

a trailer up to 750kg

Once you have applied for a provisional licence, completed a medical, sat and passed your theory tests and completed your practical driver training and test, you will be legally able to drive a minibus.

D1 Removal of restriction

If you passed your category B car licence before 1^st January 1997 you would benefit from acquired rights (also known as grandfather rights). This means that you will already have the D1 entitlement added to your licence. However, there is a restriction to this, called a 101 placed on the licence which means that you are not able to drive a D1 vehicle (minibus) for hire and reward (meaning for profit). You can drive a minibus of up to 17 seats for private use but if you wish to drive a minibus for hire and reward, meaning you will be paid to drive the vehicle you will need to sit and pass the D1 minibus tests.

If you passed your car (B+E) test after January 1997 you will need to take the relevant tests to obtain the category D1 on your licence.

How do I obtain my D1 Licence?

If you passed your category B licence after January 1997 you would need to follow the steps below to obtain your category D1 licence:

Apply for the provisional entitlement using form D2, we can supply this to you or you can get one online from the DVSA here: Order DVLA forms – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Apply for and attend a medical using the form D4, again we can help you to book this part of the process and help you with the forms.

Attend and pass the theory tests required. There are 2 if you wish to drive a D1 vehicle privately. If you want to drive a D1 vehicle (minibus) for hire and reward you will need to complete the third theory test which is the CPC Module 2 case study theory test.

Once you have passed your theory you are ready for your practical driver training. You will be taught by one of our highly skilled instructors. You will learn how to drive the vehicle safely on the road and practice the manoeuvres required to pass the D1 DVSA practical test.

When you are ready you will then sit your 3a and 3b driving tests.

If you pass your D1 practical test and you wish you drive a minibus for hire and reward then you will need to take a further practical test which is the Module 4 CPC. This is a show me tell me practical where you are required to demonstrate your knowledge and ability in areas such as vehicle safety, securing loads and your ability to manage emergency situations.

Module 2 & Module 4 CPC

If you intend to drive a D1 vehicle (minibus) for hire and reward, for instance a private taxi you will need to ensure that you sit both module 2 and module 4 CPC.

Where can I complete my training?

You can attend one of our fully equipped depots to complete our D1 Bronze Package. Our training depots are based in Portsmouth, Southampton, Worthing and Reading.

Our D1 Bronze Package training courses will give you the skills and knowledge that you need to safely operate a D1 category vehicle and pass your driving test. All of our driver training instructors are dedicated to ensuring you have the best chance possible at passing your test!