How to Get a Category D Driving Licence – A Step‑by‑Step Guide for You
If you’ve ever imagined yourself behind the wheel of a coach, a school bus, or any large passenger vehicle, you’ll need a Category D licence. In the UK this licence authorises you to drive vehicles with more than eight passenger seats (including the driver) and a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 7.5 t.
Getting there can feel like a maze of medical checks, theory exams, practical tests, and paperwork. This post walks you through every stage, from checking your eligibility to holding that coveted licence in your hand.
1. Quick‑look Summary Table
| Stage | What You Do | Approx. Time Needed | Key Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Check | Confirm age, residency, and driving record | 1 day | ‑ |
| Medical Examination | Full health assessment (Vision, Cardiovascular, etc.) | 1‑2 weeks (appointment) | Medical certificate (D1) |
| Apply for Provisional D | Submit D1 form + fee | 1 day (online) | Passport, Photo, UK address proof |
| Theory Test | 100‑question MC + Hazard Perception | 1‑2 weeks (booking) | Provisional D licence |
| Pass the Theory | Score ≥ 80 % (MC) & ≥ 44 % (HP) | Same day | – |
| Practical Training | 45 hrs minimum with approved instructor | 4‑8 weeks (varies) | Training log |
| Practical Test | Off‑road manoeuvres + road drive (≈ 1 h) | 1‑2 months (booking) | Completed training log |
| Full Category D Licence | Receive licence by post (≈ 4 weeks) | – | – |
(Times are averages; your experience may differ.)
2. What Exactly Is a Category D Licence?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Buses, coaches, minibuses, and other passenger‑carrying vehicles with > 8 seats. |
| Maximum Weight | Up to 7.5 t MAM (Category D1 covers 3.5‑7.5 t with ≤ 16 seats). |
| Driving Privileges | You may also drive any lower category (e.g., Category B) without additional testing. |
| Typical Jobs | School transport, public bus services, private tour coaches, corporate shuttles. |
3. Are You Eligible?
Before you start the paperwork, verify that you meet the basic requirements:
- Age – Minimum 21 years (or 18 years if you hold a Category C licence and have at least two years of experience).
- Residency – You must be a UK resident (or hold a valid EU/EEA licence that can be exchanged).
- Driving Record – No disqualifications, points, or endorsements that would prevent a Category D licence.
- Health – Must satisfy DVLA medical standards for bus drivers (see Section 4).
If any of these items raise a red flag, you may need to address them first (e.g., wait until you’re 21 or clear a medical condition).
4. Step‑by‑Step Journey to Your Category D Licence
Step 1 – Gather Your Documents
| Document | Why You Need It | How to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport or UK Driving Licence (Category B) | Proof of identity & residency | Already in your wallet |
| Proof of Address (e.g., utility bill, council tax statement) | DVLA address verification | Recent bill (≤ 3 months) |
| Passport‑size Photo | For provisional licence | Professional photo shop or online service |
| Medical Certificate (Form D1) | Confirms fitness to drive large vehicles | Book an appointment with a DVLA‑approved doctor |
| Driving History (if any) | Checks for disqualifications | Access via “View your driving licence” on GOV.UK |
Step 2 – Book Your Medical Examination
- Who to see? Any doctor listed on the DVLA’s “Approved Medical Examiners” page.
- What’s checked? Vision (including peripheral), hearing, cardiovascular health, neurological function, and any medication that could impair driving.
- Result? The doctor will send a Form D1 directly to the DVLA, confirming you meet the medical standards.
Tip: Bring a copy of your current Category B licence and any relevant medication information to the appointment.
Step 3 – Apply for a Provisional Category D Licence
- Online: Go to the GOV.UK “Apply for a bus or coach licence” page.
- Fill in the D1 form: Include your personal details, medical certificate reference, and pay the £43 provisional fee.
- Print & Post (if you prefer): Download the D1 form, complete it, and send it with a cheque/post‑pay.
You’ll receive a provisional Category D licence within a few days – this allows you to start theory test bookings and practical training.
Step 4 – Pass the Theory Test
- Components:
- Multiple‑Choice (100 questions) – you need ≥ 80 %.
- Hazard Perception (13 clips) – you need ≥ 44 %.
- Study Resources:
- DVLA’s official “Theory Test Kit” (PDF).
- Mobile apps (e.g., “Gov.uk Theory Test”).
- Practice hazard perception videos on YouTube.
- Booking: Use the GOV.UK booking tool – you can book up to 6 weeks in advance.
Step 5 – Enrol in Practical Training
| Requirement | Minimum Hours |
|---|---|
| Off‑road manoeuvres (e.g., reversing with a trailer, “shuttle” test) | 10 hrs |
| Road Driving (urban & rural) | 35 hrs |
| Specialist Training (e.g., passenger safety, wheelchair access) | 0 hrs (often included) |
- Choose an Approved Training Provider: Look for schools with “Driving Licence Instructor (DLI) – Category D” accreditation.
- Maintain a Training Log: Your instructor will log each session; you’ll need this for the practical test.
Pro Tip: Some providers bundle the theory preparation, practical lessons, and test fees into one package – often cheaper than paying for each separately.
Step 6 – Book & Pass the Practical Test
- Test Structure (≈ 1 hour):
- Vehicle Safety Questions (5 min).
- Off‑road Manoeuvres – e.g., “reverse around a corner”, “parallel park a bus”.
- Road Drive – includes urban traffic, motorway, and stopping at passenger pick‑up points.
- Booking: Use the same GOV.UK portal as the theory test. Slots for Category D can be limited, so book as soon as you’re ready.
- What to Bring: Provisional licence, valid theory test pass certificate, training log, and a valid medical certificate (if requested).
Step 7 – Receive Your Full Category D Licence
After a successful practical test, the examiner will send a confirmation slip. Your full licence will be mailed to your registered address within 4 weeks.
5. Fees at a Glance
| Item | Cost (GBP) | How to Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Provisional Category D Licence | £43 | Online (card) or by cheque |
| Theory Test (single attempt) | £23 | Online (card) |
| Practical Test (standard) | £115 (weekday) / £131 (weekend) | Online (card) |
| Medical Examination (doctor’s fee) | £50‑£150* | Cash/clinic card |
| Training (average) | £1,200‑£2,000* | Direct to school |
| Total Approximate | £1,431‑£2,342 | – |
* Fees vary by provider and location.
6. Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
| Pitfall | Why It Happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Booking the practical test before completing the required training hours | Misunderstanding DVLA’s minimum hour rule. | Keep a real‑time training log and verify with your instructor. |
| Medical certificate expired | DVLA requires a recent (usually within 12 months) medical clearance. | Schedule a reminder 2 weeks before your test date. |
| Skipping the hazard‑perception practice | Overconfidence in theory knowledge only. | Use online hazard‑perception clips daily for at least 30 minutes. |
| Choosing an unapproved driving school | Some schools aren’t DVLA‑recognised, causing delays. | Check the DVLA’s official list of approved Category D instructors. |
| Incorrect documentation on test day | Forgetting the training log or medical certificate. | Create a checklist and run through it the night before. |
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I apply for a Category D licence if I already have a Category C licence?
A: Yes. If you hold a valid Category C (truck) licence and have at least 2 years of experience, you may apply for Category D at 18 years old (instead of 21).
Q2: Do I need a separate medical certificate for the practical test?
A: No, the same DVLA‑approved medical certificate used for the provisional licence is sufficient, provided it’s still within its validity period.
Q3: How many attempts am I allowed for the theory and practical tests?
A: Unlimited attempts, but each re‑take incurs the full test fee. It’s advisable to re‑study after a failed attempt rather than immediately retake.
Q4: What if I have a disability?
A: The DVLA offers specialist assessments and may grant conditional licences with adaptations (e.g., hand‑controls). Contact the DVLA’s Disability Services for guidance.
Q5: Is there a “fast‑track” route to a Category D licence?
A: Some training schools advertise intensive courses (e.g., 3‑week “boot‑camp”). While you can compress the training timeline, you still must meet the minimum hour requirement and pass all tests.
Q6: How long is a Category D licence valid?
A: The licence is valid for 10 years. After that, you must renew it, providing an updated medical certificate.
Q7: Can I drive a vehicle with a higher MAM (over 7.5 t) with a Category D licence?
A: No. For vehicles over 7.5 t you’ll need a Category C licence (or C+E for articulated vehicles).
8. Final Checklist – Are You Ready?
- Age & residency verified
- Medical examination booked & certificate received
- Provisional Category D licence obtained
- Theory test passed
- Training log ≥ 45 hrs (off‑road + road)
- Practical test booked
- All documents ready for test day (photo ID, provisional licence, medical certificate, training log)
- Full licence received
Wrap‑Up
Getting a Category D licence is a significant commitment, but with a systematic approach you can navigate the process smoothly. By checking your eligibility early, staying on top of medical requirements, and following the step‑by‑step plan above, you’ll be steering a bus or coach in no time.
Remember, the journey is as important as the destination – the training you receive not only helps you pass the tests but also equips you with the skills to operate large passenger vehicles safely every day.
Good luck, and welcome to the world of professional passenger transport! 🚍✨