Minibus (D1) Private Use Package

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. Our Private Use Package will give students all the skills and knowledge that they need to safely operate a D1 category vehicle and pass their 3a and 3b driving tests.

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.

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.

Our Private Use Package is available to complete at all of our training centres. Students can attend one of our fully equipped depots based in Portsmouth, Southampton, Worthing and Reading.