PCV D1 Minibus Training

If you obtained your UK car Licence before January 1997, you may hold restricted D1 entitlement to drive a minibus for Social and Pleasure but not for paid work (Hire and Reward). However, for starting a job driving a Minibus (or a Limousine with more than 8 passengers) you’ll need to pass a PCV D1 driving test.

Schools and places of education and training may also find that their teachers and support workers are lacking their D1 entitlement.
Drivers of Patient Transfer vehicles, care workers and some ancillary service drivers are now falling into the category of needing D1 entitlement.
Charity organisation workers, youth programme assistants and young adult helpers of cadets, scouts & guides now also need to acquire D1 entitlement.
Companies or employment agencies that require workers to drive themselves and fellow workers in a firms' minibus to a worksite will also need to ensure the driver/worker holds D1 entitlement for Hire and Reward. A D1 entitlement with a 101 restriction is not sufficient as the driver is being paid by the employer as a worker (whether they are paid to drive the minibus or not).

Although there are some exceptions, e.g. for volunteers age 21 or over driving small minibuses for Not for Profit organisations, but in most instances DVLA consider that if a minibus is used for public transportation, drivers of these vehicles must conform to the same legislation as a driver seeking employment with the licence.

Our D1 minibus training vehicle is a Ford Transit:

All our PCV Training Vehicles are current production models and specially chosen for training purposes to meet the DSA Test Vehicle requirements.

17 seats
6.5 meters long
easy to use car like controls giving a smooth ride
highly manoeuvrable with power assisted steering car like hydraulic ABS brakes
simple 5 speed gear box
fitted with tachographs
regularly maintained to high standard
low noise levels
excellent all round visibility providing a comfortable driving position

Need to apply for your Provisional PCV licence?

Go to our guidance notes on how to apply for your provisional and to request an application form.

Need to help to pass your theory tests?

We can supply a choice of books, DVDs, CD-Roms and On-Line Learning. See our PCV Theory Test Help page.

Ready to arrange your theory tests?

Click here to book your theory tests. You'll need to go on the website twice, once to arrange the Multiple Choice (MC) appointment and again to arrange the Hazard Perception (HP). If you want to take both tests on the same day book the MC test first, then allow time either side of that appointment to sit the HP test. The MC test lasts 1 hour 10 minutes and the HP lasts 40 minutes.

Ready to Start Driver Training?

So you've now got your Provisional and passed your theory tests and you're all set to start, but before you get cracking you'll want to know a bit more.

How much training do I need? How much will it cost?

We recommend a DRIVING ASSESSMENT, when an instructor can see your driving skills and relevant driving experience. Your instructor can then advise what training you'll need to pass so we can quote you. And don't forget to ask about our PASS PROTECTION.

To arrange your Assessment Lesson simply phone us or complete the booking form on the Contact Us Page.

And we'll get in touch with you straight back to confirm your booking.

Looking for driving work?

You also need to pass two more tests before you can start work: Driver CPC Case Study Theory Test and Practical Demonstration test to get a Driver Qualification Card - essential to work as a paid driver. Click on our Driver CPC Initial Qualification for more details.

And when you're in work, you will also need 35 hours Driver CPC Periodic Training.

(For information about driving work also see our Your Future Career and Jobs page)