PCV Mini Bus and Coach

D1 & D

History
Prior to 1st January 1997, holders of a full group B car licence had the category D1 placed on their licence. This allowed the driver over the age of 21 to drive a minibus up to a maximum seating capacity of 17 seats including the driver, which was not being used for ‘hire or reward’.

To drive a minibus with 9 or more passenger seats for ‘hire or reward’ would normally require the driver to hold a (PCV) passenger carrying vehicle entitlement. Minibuses being operated under the minibus or the community bus permit scheme are exempt from the higher PCV entitlements.

After 1st january1998 a ruling was introduced which would only, allow your minibus entitlement to remain valid, until its renewal date. To retain the entitlement you would be required to meet higher medical standards, when the licence would normally only be granted for a further three years.

The government website at www.direct.gov.uk provides full detailed explanatory information with regard to your legal use of class D1 minibuses and class D bus/coach.

Present Requirement
From August 2008, candidates who have completed their medical examination, applied for and been issued with a provisional licence for category D1 or D must now complete the theory and hazard perception tests separately, on different dates, prior to taking their practical driving test. Commencing 10th September 2008, they must also complete an additional case studies examination, and an extended practical driving test of 2 hours to include, a verbal 30 minute safety question examination, which will be comprehensive, requiring considerable study.

All full licence holders for Category D1 or D, newly qualified or existing drivers with experience, will be required to complete 35 hours additional training, which is classroom based, following an approved syllabus to complete the Driver CPC course prior to September 2013. After the full implementation of the Driver CPC, we will be providing the course work required to complete the Drivers CPC.