D1 Minibus Licence Training

Start your journey with Learn2Pass, a Kent-based D1 minibus training provider. Whether you are aiming to work in education, care or community transport, we provide one-to-one tuition, support through every stage, and introductions to operators across Kent.

What does a D1 minibus licence cost?

Training price: £1,395 + VAT. If you would like us to handle the full licence process including test bookings, the total is £1,829 all in, covering five full days of one-to-one training, the Off-Road Exercises Test (£40) and the On-Road Driving Test (£115). DVSA fees are not VAT-rated, so they are added after VAT rather than before it.

What is a D1 licence?

Category D1 lets you drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats, with a trailer up to 750kg. If you passed your car test before 1 January 1997 you may already hold D1 for non-commercial use. If you passed after that date, or you want to drive for hire and reward, you need to take the test.

Our full guide covers this in detail, including what code 101 on your licence means: what is a D1 licence?

Do I need D1 to drive a school minibus?

In most cases yes, particularly if the vehicle carries more than eight passengers or the driving is part of your paid role. Volunteer and permit arrangements exist but they are narrow, and schools increasingly require a full D1 for insurance reasons.

How long does it take?

Five days of training at our Sittingbourne centre, once your medical, provisional entitlement and theory test are complete. You test at the Gillingham DVSA test centre.

Who is this course for?

School staff and teachers who drive pupils or colleagues, care providers and community transport drivers, volunteer and charity drivers who need full legal certification, and anyone expanding their qualifications to reach new roles.

Call 01795 667 008 and we will talk you through it.