Anyone who passed a car driving test on or after 1 January 1997 may not have the necessary category on their licence to legally drive a minibus on the public roads and will have to pass further tests.
Prior to gaining a D1 Category the driver will have to undertake a medical and apply for a provisional licence, and will then have to pass a theory and hazard perception test. Once completed the driver is then ready to take the D1 Minibus Course and DSA D1 Test.
As part of the PSP Glenkens Transport Initiative and Annandale Community Transport Services can provide D1 training. D1 training is taking place as part of the PSP, this is paid for by the PSP for volunteers/employees of the community transport operators. If you are not a volunteer or employee of the community transport operators the cost will not be covered.
There are many steps to gaining a D1 license. Below is an outline of the steps that have to be taken to gain your D1 license.
Ordering your application form:
Order your application form from https://forms.dft.gov.uk/order-dvla-forms/
Order the D2/D4 pack – application for a lorry, minibus or bus:
- D2 – provisional D1 entitlement
- D4 – Medical examination report
(These forms can take 7-10 days to arrive)
D2 application for provisional D1 entitlement
- There is no charge for the provisional D1 entitlement
- This is the form that allows you to apply for provisional D1 entitlement on your driving license
Medical Examination
In order to prove that you are fit to drive a minibus, candidates must pass a medical examination which includes an eyesight assessment.
The D4 form has a section for the candidates to fill in and a section for the eye examination results to be recorded.
The completed D2 and D4 forms should be sent to the DVLA
(There may be a charge from your GP for carrying out the medical examination and charges vary – DVLA does not charge for processing the medical information)
Studying for the tests
There is a theory and hazard perception test you must pass before taking the practical test.
There are 100 multiple choice questions with an 85% pass mark
There are 19 computer generated videos to show developing hazards with a 67% pass mark
If you intend to drive professionally you will also need to pass Driver CPC module 2.
The theory and hazard perception tests can be taken in any order and at separate times, however, both parts must be fully passed to move forward with the practical.
You can find DVSA study material in bookshops or online, the recommended study materials are:
- The Official Highway Code
- Know your Traffic Signs
- The Official DVSA Theory Test for Drivers of Large Vehicles
- The Official DVSA Guide to Hazard Perception
- The Official DVSA Guide to Driving Buses and Coaches
- The Official DVSA Guide for Professional Bus and Coach Drivers
There is also a ‘Driver CPC for Buses’ video available on YouTube: www.youtube.com/dvsagovuk
Book and Sit your Theory Test
To book your theory test visit https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test
If you have special needs for the theory test phone: 0300 200 1122
If you have hearing or speech difficulties and use a minicom machine phone 0300 200 1166
To book your test you will need:
- Your DVLA driving license number
- An Email address
- Credit or debit card details
By booking online, you will be given a booking number and will receive an appointment email the same day.
If you book by telephone without providing an email address, you will receive an appointment letter within 10 days.
Test Charges
Multiple choice theory test: £26
Hazard Perception: £11
If you intend to drive professionally (Driver CPC module 2): £13
Practical Training and Test
Use the ‘Contact Us’ tab to find out more or Contact Glenkens Transport Initiative or Annandale Community Transport Services to find out more and book your D1 training.