D1 Minibus Training
Here at 2 Start Training, we have a catalogue of D1 Minibus and D1+E driver training courses that are available for you to book online now. All of our Minibus courses are taught by highly qualified and competent driving instructors, all of whom are dedicated to giving you the skills and techniques that you need to safely drive a minibus/D1 category vehicle on the road.
Minibus FAQ's
There are many factors that determine which licence you need and which vehicles you can drive when it comes to operating a minibus. You may be able to drive a minibus on your normal Category B car licence in the UK if:
- You’re older than 21 or 18 if you have completed the initial driver CPC.
- You’ve held your licence for at least 2 years.
- You’re driving on a voluntary basis.
- The max weight of the minibus is below 3.5-tonnes or 4.25-tonnes, including special equipment for disabled passengers.
- You’re not towing a trailer.
- You meet medical standards if you’re over 70 years of age.
How many passengers can I carry in my minibus?
If you are driving a minibus with between 9 seats up to 16 seats, you will be required to complete D1 minibus training in order to gain a D1 licence (not including driver’s seat).
If the vehicle has more than 16 passenger seats, you will need a CAT D licence for bus & coach.
Do I need Driver’s CPC to drive a minibus?
You won’t need Driver’s CPC if you aren’t driving professionally or as part of a hire & reward service.
However, if you are charging passengers specifically for profit, then you will be required to complete Driver’s CPC training. This includes completing the CPC Module 2 theory tests and Module 4 test.
Medical
You will need to attend and pass a driver medical before you are able to begin your D1 minibus training. You can apply for your medical by using the D4 form which we can assist you with, as we will book the medical for you locally and at a convenient time.
Provisional Licence
After you have passed your driver's medical, you will then be required to apply for provisional entitlement which is done by using the D2 form. Both the D2 and D4 application forms will need to be sent to the DVLA, along with your current driver’s licence. Once your application has been processed, they will return your licence with the provisional D1 entitlement that you applied for.
What vehicle can you drive with a D1 licence?
Anyone who has the D1 category on their licence will be able to drive a minibus. The DVSA has outlined this as being a vehicle with no more than 16 passenger seats, a maximum length of 8 metres and a trailer up to 750kgs.
The first step to gaining your minibus licence is to complete your driver medical, you will then be required to apply for your provisional D1 licence, and complete your theory tests. Once all of these steps have been completed, you will be eligible to start your driver training!
D1 Removal of Restriction
If you gained your Category B (car) licence before 1st January 1997, you will have acquired rights which will already enable you to drive a D1 category vehicle. However, there will be a 101 restriction on your licence, meaning you will not be able to drive a D1 vehicle for hire and reward purposes.
We have an article that explains Minibus Restriction 101 in more detail. Click the link below for more information.
Why Train with 2 Start?
Call our advisors 02392 123 555
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