Pass your Bus and Coach Driving Test!

Bus and Coach Driver Training – Driving Licence Category D

Q: Minibus Category D explained

Category D1 You can drive vehicles with: no more than 16 passenger seats a maximum length of 8 metres a trailer up to 750kg Category D1E You can drive D1 category vehicles with a trailer over 750kg maximum authorised mass (MAM). The combined MAM of both cannot exceed 12,000kg. Category D (Buses and Coaches) You can drive any bus with more than 8 passenger seats with a trailer up to 750kg maximum authorised mass (MAM). Category DE You can drive D category vehicles with a trailer over 750kg.

We will ensure that you pass your PCV Category D bus and coach driving test. Whether you’re upgrading from a minibus licence or starting a new career as a bus or coach driver our experienced instructors will give you the skills, knowledge and behaviours to operate a bus or coach to DVSA test standards.

Provide full support as you progress through your learning journey, this includes:

Driver medical
PCV Theory Tests
Theory Test revision online eLearning
Practical driver training
PCV Driving Test
Initial CPC to gain DQC

Because everyone is different and sometimes things don’t go to plan we are always on hand to help during office hours with anything relating to your bus and coach driver training course, both prior to your training dates with regard to medical and theories and then during the practical training sessions with your instructors.

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Bus Driver Trainee Starter Information

Our step-by-step guide explains what’s required to get qualified as a professional bus driver. Start your journey with Wetherby Training today!

Bus Driver Trainee Starter Information

To become qualified to drive a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV), you must have a valid Provisional licence Category D. To get this, you need to:

Be 18 years old or over.
Be competent in English and maths (to take the PCV theory tests).
Hold a full car licence.
Pass a doctor medical to DVLA Group 2 standards
Apply for a Provisional Bus Licence (Category D)
If you are under 21 with penalty points you may not be granted a PCV entitlement.

Apply for Provisional Category D Entitlement

To learn to drive a PCV with more than 16 passengers you must first gain the correct provisional driving entitlement on your driving licence with DVLA.

To gain the correct provisional entitlement for a PCV the following process must be followed:

Book a D4 Driver Medical with www.just-health.co.uk. GP completes a DVLA form D4, available online to print, search DVLA D4 form.
Complete an application to DVLA using DVLA form D2 to add additional Provisional Entitlement. D2 form not available for online download but can be ordered at www.gov.uk/dvlaforms – takes 7-10 days to arrive
Post both completed forms (D4 + D2) and your current licence to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BR.
Licence should return with 28 days from DVLA and Provisional entitlements will have been updated at DVLA.

Category D Training Notes

You must have received your driving licence back after step 2 before booking your Theory Tests Steps 3 and 4.

The Theory Test Module 2 doesn’t need to be taken/passed to learn to drive a minibus or coach and take the Driving Test, this element can be postponed until after the driving test has been completed, if preferred.

PCV Theory Tests Module 1a and 1b

To be eligible to take your minibus or coach Driving Test you must have passed the PCV Theory Tests:

PCV Multiple Choice (1a).
PCV Hazard Perception (1b).

These can be booked online at: www.gov.uk/book-theory-test

Theory Test Revision:

Wetherby Training can arrange a Theory Test Revision package for you using www.drivingtheory4all.co.uk

Complete your revision online with mentoring support from Driving Theory 4 All by using the website/eLearning and purchasing PCV Package.

PCV Theory Test Module 2

To be eligible to take your minibus or coach Practical Demonstration Test – Module 4 you must have passed the Theory Test:

PCV Case Studies.

These can be booked online at: www.gov.uk/book-theory-test

Theory Test Revision:

Revise for the theory tests using a website service such as www.drivingtheory4all.co.uk – purchase the PCV CPC Package.

Practical Demonstration Test Module 4

To be a professional PCV Driver you must pass the Practical Demonstration Test. This is a practical demonstration of your ability to:

Daily walk-around checks.
Ability to prevent physical risk.
Loading and security of loads.
Emergency procedures.
Loaded vehicle dynamics.
Border crossings.
Security procedures.

This practical test is carried out by our DVSA Delegated Assessor while you are on your training course with us. It involves no on-road driving, the minimum pass mark is 80% and you will be expected to demonstrate safe competent ability.

Practical Off Road Driving Exercises Module 3a

To be eligible to take your practical driving test you must complete the off road exercises:

Reverse Manoeuvre.
Un-coupling and re-coupling the trailer (only vehicles towing trailers).

Your reversing test is carried out before your driving test by our DVSA approved delegated assessor. This will be carried out while on your practical driver training lessons.

This element is either pass/fail and to resit this test there must be 24 hours between tests. We ensure that your instructor will give you plenty of practice on these skills before the assessment test.

You will be given a pass certificate upon passing this test and must bring it with you to your driving test.

Practical On Road Driving Test Module 3b

We will pre-book your driving test with the DVSA at the point of booking your training course, normally taking place in the afternoon of your final day training and supply the vehicle you have been learning in, along with taking you to the DVSA Test Centre. To be eligible to take your driving test you must bring with you:

Your current Driving Licence.
Your Off Road Module 3a pass certificate.
Wear your glasses or lenses if needed for driving.
Wear suitable clothing.

The driving test will consist of different road and traffic conditions during 60 minutes and be carried out in a very similar way to your car driving test. You are permitted up to 12 driving faults, above 12 faults or a serious/ dangerous fault will most likely result in a failure.

Completion of all Modules

Upon passing all Modules you have the option at the end of Module 3b, the Driving Test to surrender your driving licence.

You will receive your new driving licence showing PCV entitlement for the vehicle type you took your driving test with.

This should arrive within 7 days from DVLA. Your Driver Qualification Card (DQC) should also arrive within 7 days from the DVSA, this is evidence you have passed your CPC, Modules 2 and 4.

D1 license Notes

If you don’t pass your driving test you won’t get your DQC CPC card until you have passed your PCV driving test parts 3a and 3b.

If you are a pre-1997 car driver you may have difficulty booking your Module 2 – phone 0300 200 1122 to book it manually as an ‘acquired rights’ driver.

Module 4 along with Module 2 – the CPC elements can be postponed until after the driving test, if preferred.

Which course is right for me?

Course durations are based upon driver ability which means less capable drivers may require more training. We typically recommend that drivers initially take our 1 hour Driver Ability Test on our private airfield to help define the level of training required. This helps avoid unnecessary training and reduces the cost for more experienced drivers.

Course Type	Description	Min Duration	Max Duration
Driver Ability Test	Help define the level of training required.	1 hour	n/a
Minibus/Coach Conversion	If you already drive large vans or trucks (HGV’s).	14 hours	21 hours
Minibus/Coach Novice	No experience driving anything other than a car,	n/a	35 hours

Frequently Asked Questions.

Common questions we are asked about Minibus and Category D1 Training.

Are you part of Tockwith Training Services?phil@thebarndigital.co.uk2023-10-12T16:43:12+01:00

Are you part of Tockwith Training Services?

All of our instructors worked previously at Tockwith Training Services in York (driving school with yellow trucks) and since the owners retired we have formed Wetherby Training.

Minibus Category D explainedphil@thebarndigital.co.uk2023-07-13T11:43:27+01:00

Minibus Category D explained

Category D1

You can drive vehicles with:

no more than 16 passenger seats
a maximum length of 8 metres
a trailer up to 750kg

Category D1E

You can drive D1 category vehicles with a trailer over 750kg maximum authorised mass (MAM).
The combined MAM of both cannot exceed 12,000kg.

Category D (Buses and Coaches)

You can drive any bus with more than 8 passenger seats with a trailer up to 750kg maximum authorised mass (MAM).

Category DE

You can drive D category vehicles with a trailer over 750kg.

Do I need training to drive a minibus?phil@thebarndigital.co.uk2023-07-13T11:20:38+01:00

Do I need training to drive a minibus?

Drivers of minibuses having 9 to 16 passenger seats will need to hold a PCV licence category D1 or a category D licence to drive larger buses.

What is a D1E Licence?phil@thebarndigital.co.uk2023-07-13T11:18:46+01:00

What is a D1E Licence?

The minibus PCV Category D1+E training courses are aimed at those people who already have their Category D1 Minibus Licence, but would like to drive a minibus and tow a trailer over 750kg. The combined MAM of both however cannot exceed 12,000kg.

Can You Tow a Trailer with a D1 Licence?phil@thebarndigital.co.uk2023-07-13T12:29:52+01:00

Can You Tow a Trailer with a D1 Licence?

Yes, but only a small trailer; with a D1 licence you are allowed to tow a trailer as long as the total weight of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 750kg maximum authorised mass (MAM). This will usually be an un-braked single axle trailer.

What is D1 minibus training?phil@thebarndigital.co.uk2023-07-13T12:37:54+01:00

What is D1 minibus training?

D1 minibus training is a type of driver training that allows individuals to obtain a D1 category on their driving license, which permits them to drive minibuses. This training typically includes both theoretical and practical components, covering topics such as vehicle safety, passenger management, and driving techniques specific to minibuses.

What does PCV mean?phil@thebarndigital.co.uk2023-07-13T11:44:25+01:00

What does PCV mean?

PCV stands for Passenger Carrying Vehicle. It refers to a type of vehicle that is designed and used for transporting passengers, such as buses, coaches, and minibuses. If you would wish to drive a PCV you need a category D or D1 licence.

What is a D1 licence?phil@thebarndigital.co.uk2023-07-13T11:00:39+01:00

What is a D1 licence?

A D1 license is a type of driving license that allows the holder to drive a minibus or bus with a maximum of 16 passenger seats. It is required for individuals who want to drive a minibus or bus for hire or reward, such as for public transportation or as part of a business.

What is a DVSA Approved Delegated Test Site?phil@thebarndigital.co.uk2023-07-13T10:58:03+01:00

What is a DVSA Approved Delegated Test Site?

A DVSA Approved Delegated Test Site (ADTS) is a location where driving tests can be conducted by private companies that have been approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). These private companies must meet certain standards and requirements set by the DVSA in order to be approved as an ADTS. This allows for more flexibility and availability in scheduling driving tests, as well as potentially reducing wait times for test appointments.