D1 minibus driver training
Drive a minibus for a school, college, charity or business? Find out in two minutes whether your licence already covers you, and what training will get you driving safely and legally.
- Category
- D1 minibus, up to 16 passenger seats
- Trainer
- Former DVSA Vocational Examiner
- For
- Schools, colleges, charities, community groups & drivers
- Coverage
- Devon & Cornwall
Can you drive a minibus, and what do you need?
Answer four quick questions to get a recommended route based on when you passed your test, your paperwork and your experience.
D1 Minibus Licence & Readiness Check
Four quick questions. Find out exactly what you need to drive a minibus legally and confidently.
When did you pass your UK car driving test?
Where are you with your D4 medical and D2 provisional application?
How much experience do you have driving larger vehicles (vans, minibuses, lorries or buses)?
Nearly there. Where should we send your results?
An examiner's eye, on your side
Trained by a former examiner
Three years as a DVSA Vocational Examiner means I know exactly what the D1 test assesses and where drivers lose marks.
Safer passenger journeys
A minibus is longer, taller and heavier than a car. Training covers reversing, judging width and height, and giving passengers a smooth ride.
Help with the paperwork
From the D4 medical and D2 application to the theory tests, I'll explain each step so nothing holds up your training.
Common questions
Can I drive a minibus on my car licence?
It depends when you passed your car test. If it was before 1 January 1997, your licence will normally show D1 with code 101, which lets you drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats as long as it's not for hire or reward. If you passed on or after that date, you can only drive one on a car licence in limited volunteer situations; otherwise you need to pass the D1 test. The 2-minute check will tell you which applies to you. There's also a guide to checking your licence for C1 and D1.
What does code 101 on my licence mean?
Code 101 means "not for hire or reward". You can drive a minibus, but not where passengers pay to be carried or where you're paid to drive them commercially. To remove the restriction you need to pass the full D1 test.
What's involved in getting a full D1 licence?
You'll need a D4 medical completed by a doctor, then send it to DVLA with a D2 application to get provisional D1 entitlement. After that come the theory and hazard perception tests, practical training in a minibus, and the D1 driving test. You usually need to be 21 or over. I'll explain each step so nothing holds you up.
Do I need Driver CPC as well?
If you'll be driving a minibus as part of a paid job, you'll usually need Driver CPC too. Some types of driving are exempt, so tell me what the driving involves and I'll help you check.
How do I book?
Take the 2-minute check, use the contact form or call 07807 395913, and I'll come back to you with availability.
Need minibus drivers trained for your organisation?
Tell me how many drivers and where you're based, and I'll let you know availability. I cover Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay, Newton Abbot and the rest of Devon and Cornwall.