Who needs D1 Driver Training?
The legislation for driving minibuses is some of the most complicated for any vehicle category.
If you passed your car test before 1st January 1997 you will have D1 entitlement on your licence with the code (101) next to it. This means you can drive a minibus but not for hire and reward. If you need to work for hire and reward you would need to undertake minibus training and take a minibus test.
If you passed your car test after 1st January 1997 you can drive a smaller minibus under 3500 kg MAM (maximum authorised mass) under certain conditions (a section 19 permit which some schools and charities can apply for). It would be illegal to drive a minibus in any other EU country in these circumstances.
To drive a larger minibus over 3500 kg you would need to undertake additional minibus training and take a D1 test.
If you are intending to work as a minibus driver and need a vocational licence then you will have to obtain a driver CPC as well as a D1 licence before you can drive professionally. If you just need the licence as part of your normal occupation, ie. as a school teacher using the minibus in the normal course of the day, you will not need a driver CPC but the process will be as follows:
Take a medical check using form D4
Physical health check to assess any issues for conditions such as blood pressure, heart, vision and testing for diabetes.
Apply for a provisional licence for D1 category
D1 is a category on your driving licence that permits you to legally drive vehicles of between 9 and 16 seats.
Take and pass a theory test which includes a hazard perception element
We will take the stress out of booking the 2 theory tests you need to pass.
I can manage the whole process for you and provide high quality minibus training throughout London, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Hertfordshire tailored to suit your experience.
As an Approved Driving Instructor with nearly 20 years experience in the Driver Training Industry and a Fleet Trainer, I have my own test compatible minibus so you know you won’t have any insurance issues and will have the confidence in knowing you will be getting some of the best minibus training in London.
HOW TO GET THE D1 LICENSE IN 3 EASY STEPS:
- Medical required before you can attain the provisional entitlement on your licence. Start to study material for your multiple choice and Hazard Perception Theory Tests.
- Complete our minibus driver training course. We will arrange your DVSA official driving test.
If you have any queries regarding our minibus driver training please contact us.
