D1 Driving Training

If you wish to drive a minibus and had gained your driving licence before 1st January 1997, you will be able to drive a D1 category vehicle. However, if you have obtained your licence after 1st January 1997, you will not have the relevant category licence and will be required to undergo professional D1 training to drive a minibus legally.

Although driving licences obtained before 1st January 1997 already hold the D1 category, they do have the 101 restrictions in place. This means that while you can drive a minibus, you cannot drive it for hire or reward, so additional training will be necessary should you be planning to do either of these.

Once you have gained your D1 licence, you will be able to drive a minibus providing that you meet the following requirements:

1. You are over the age of 21.
2. You have had your car driving licence for over 2 years.
3. You meet “Group 2” medical standards if you are over 70.
4. You are driving on a voluntary basis, and the minibus is used for social purposes by a non-commercial body.
5. The maximum weight of the minibus is no more than 3.5 tonnes or 4.25 tonnes if it includes specialist equipment.
6. You are not towing a trailer.