Driving a minibus opens the door to rewarding and practical career opportunities. Whether you’re looking to work in passenger transport, drive a school minibus, support a community group, or volunteer with a charity, obtaining a Category D1 minibus licence is the key.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting a D1 licence in the UK—covering eligibility, costs, training duration, and where you can train with 123HGV, the UK’s trusted driver training provider.
What is a D1 Minibus Licence?
The PCV Category D1 licence allows you to drive minibuses with:
- Up to 16 passenger seats
- Vehicles up to 8 metres long
- A trailer up to 750kg (if required)
With this licence, you’ll be legally qualified to drive:
- School minibuses
- Community transport vehicles
- Charity-run passenger vehicles
- Private hire and commercial minibuses
For those who need to tow larger trailers, there’s also the D1+E licence, which expands your entitlement.
Who Needs a D1 Licence?
A D1 licence is required if you want to drive a minibus professionally or for organisations such as:
- Schools – teachers, caretakers, or staff responsible for transporting pupils
- Local councils – community bus schemes and social transport services
- Charities – non-profits offering transport for vulnerable groups
- Private companies – airport transfers, shuttle buses, tour services
- NHS and care providers – patient transport services
Even if you’re volunteering, you may still need a D1 licence depending on the vehicle and passenger numbers.
Eligibility & Requirements
Before booking your course, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
Hold a full UK Category B (car) licence for at least 2 years
Be 21 years or older
Pass a driver medical examination
Apply for provisional D1 entitlement via the DVLA (using form D2 and medical form D4)
How Long Does It Take to Get a D1 Licence?
The full process typically takes 2 to 5 days of training, depending on your experience.
At 123HGV, our tailored courses range from fast-track 2-day packages for confident drivers, to 3-day courses with extra support and practice.
We also provide PCV Starter Packages covering medicals, theory materials, and DVLA form assistance—removing the stress from your application.
How Much Does D1 Minibus Training Cost?
Costs vary depending on course length and add-ons. At 123HGV, our packages include:
- 2-Day D1 Course: From £795 inc VAT
- 3-Day D1 Course: From £1115 inc VAT
- PCV Starter Package: £199 (includes medical & theory)
- CPC Module 4 Training & Test: £250
💡 You can also spread the cost with PayPal Pay in 3, paying in three easy instalments.
Where Can I Train for a D1 Licence?
123HGV offers nationwide D1 minibus training with convenient depots across the UK.
We provide local training options in major cities including:
- PCV D1 Minibus Driver Training in London
- PCV D1 Minibus Driver Training in Manchester
- PCV D1 Minibus Driver Training in Liverpool
- PCV D1 Minibus Driver Training in Birmingham
- PCV D1 Minibus Driver Training in Wigan
- See all training locations here
Wherever you’re based, we can arrange training at a nearby centre with short-notice availability.
What’s Included in the Course?
When you book with 123HGV, your D1 training package covers everything you need to succeed:
- Medical test guidance & booking
- Theory revision materials and support
- DVSA theory test booking (multiple-choice & hazard perception)
- Practical training in modern vehicles
- Personalised lessons tailored to your confidence level
- Practical driving test with DVSA
- Optional CPC Module 4 training & test
Career Opportunities with a D1 Licence
A D1 licence opens up exciting career paths, with growing demand for safe, reliable passenger transport. Common roles include:
- School minibus driver
- Community bus operator
- Tour and shuttle driver
- NHS patient transport driver
- Charity & non-profit driver
Plus, at 123HGV, every successful trainee receives a guaranteed interview to help kick-start their career.
Why Choose 123HGV for Your D1 Training?
- Over 12 years of industry experience
- Nationwide training centres with expert instructors
- Flexible finance options to spread costs
- Modern training vehicles for a real-world experience
- Short-notice course availability
- Guaranteed job interview on completion
With a proven track record and thousands of drivers trained, we’re the UK’s trusted choice for professional driver training.
Start Your D1 Minibus Training Today
Getting your PCV Category D1 licence doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right training provider, you can go from application to qualified driver in just a few weeks.
At 123HGV, we support you at every stage—medical, theory, training, and testing—so you can step into passenger transport with confidence.
Ready to start? Book your D1 Minibus Driver Training today and take the first step towards a rewarding new role.