D1 Minibus Licence Training
Practical, professional driver training to help eligible drivers prepare with confidence for their DVSA D1 practical driving test across Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire & London.
What is a D1 Minibus Licence?
A Category D1 driving licence entitlement permits you to drive passenger vehicles with between 9 and 16 passenger seats (in addition to the driver) and up to 8 metres in length, with a trailer up to 750kg MAM.
Do you need to take a D1 test?
Under UK driving regulations, licence entitlement depends on when you passed your standard Category B (car) driving test:
- Passed car test after 1st January 1997: You only hold a Category B licence (up to 8 passenger seats). To drive a minibus with 9–16 passenger seats, you must take and pass the DVSA D1 theory and practical tests.
- Passed car test before 1st January 1997: You usually hold grandfather rights (Category D1 with code 101 restriction: 'not for hire or reward'). If you wish to drive commercially or need to renew without restrictions, full D1 qualification is required.
How the D1 Training Journey Works
Here is what you need to do from start to finish to gain your D1 licence.
Medical & Provisional
Complete a D4 medical assessment with a registered doctor and submit the D2/D4 forms to the DVLA to add provisional D1 entitlement to your licence.
Theory Tests
Pass the official DVSA D1 multiple-choice theory test and hazard perception test at a local DVSA test centre.
Practical Training
Conduct structured 1-to-1 driving lessons (Gold, Silver, or Bronze tier) covering test routes, precision vehicle control, reversing manoeuvres, and safety questions.
Practical DVSA Test
Take your DVSA practical driving test in our training minibus. Upon passing, your full D1 entitlement is officially issued.
Choose the Right Course for Your Experience
Our courses are structured into 8, 12, and 16-hour options based on your background. All packages include test time and the DVSA practical test fee.
1.5–2 hours practical driving assessment (£85.00) to evaluate your standard and recommend either the Bronze, Silver, or Gold course.
Gold Course (Cat D1)
16-Hour Course delivered over 2–3 days with test on the final day.
- 16 hours of 1-to-1 training
- Dual-control training minibus & fuel
- DVSA Practical Test Fee Included
- Training vehicle provided for test day
Silver Course (Cat D1)
12-Hour Course delivered over 2–3 days with test on the final day.
- 12 hours of 1-to-1 training
- Dual-control training minibus & fuel
- DVSA Practical Test Fee Included
- Training vehicle provided for test day
Bronze Course (Cat D1)
8-Hour Course delivered over 1–2 days with test on the final day.
- 8 hours of targeted test training
- Dual-control training minibus & fuel
- DVSA Practical Test Fee Included
- Training vehicle provided for test day
What is Included and Excluded?
- 1-to-1 professional driving tuition
- Fully insured dual-control vehicle & fuel
- Official DVSA practical test booking fee
- Use of training vehicle on test day
- D4 Driver Medical (£75.00)
- Theory & Hazard Test Fee (£85.00)
- Driver CPC Module 4 Training & Test (£240.00)
- Optional Pass Protection re-test cover (£399.00)