Bronze Course
Training + Tests Only
£876.00
inc. VAT · £730.00 exc. VAT
Course Includes:
- Three 4-hour practical sessions
- Up to three-day course
- Module 3A training and test
- DVSA Module 3B test fee
Bronze Course
Training + Tests Only
£876.00 inc. VAT£995.00 exc. VAT
- 3 x 4hr Sessions
- Up to 3 Day Course
- Includes 3A training + 3A Test
- Includes 3B DVSA Test Fee
Silver Course
Starter Pack + Training + Tests
£1,195.00 inc. VAT£1,028.00 exc. VAT
- Includes Everything From Bronze
- D4 Medical Included
- Includes 1A / 1B Theory Tests
Gold Course
Starter + Training + Tests + CPC
£1,595.00 inc. VAT£1,374.33 exc. VAT
- Includes Everything From Silver
- Comes with Driver CPC
- Module 2 & Mod 4 DVSA Tests
Platinum Course
Everything + Pass Protection & TAS
£1,945.00 inc. VAT£1,666.00 exc. VAT
- Includes Everything From Gold
- Pass Protection Included
- 2 x 3A & 3B Retests Included
- Vehicle Retest Hire Fee Included
PCV Minibus Driver Training
Category D1 Minibus Training
Professional Category D1 training in Kent for minibuses with up to 16 passenger seats, with complete package options covering medicals, theory tests, practical training, DVSA tests and Driver CPC where required.
Up to 16 passenger seats
DVSA 3A & 3B tests
DVSA-approved test centre
Choose Your Category D1 Minibus Course
Practical training or a complete route including medical, theory and Driver CPC.
Silver Course
Starter Pack + Training + Tests
£1195.00
inc. VAT · £1028.00 exc. VAT
Course Includes:
- Everything in Bronze
- D4 medical
- D2/D4 application support
- Module 1A and 1B theory tests
Gold Course
Starter + Training + Tests + CPC
£1595.00
inc. VAT · £1374.33 exc. VAT
Course Includes:
- Everything in Silver
- Driver CPC Module 2
- Module 4 practical training and test
Category D1 Minibus Licence
Train to Drive a Minibus Safely and Professionally
Category D1 covers minibuses with no more than 16 passenger seats in addition to the driver and a maximum length of 8 metres. Standard D1 entitlement also allows a trailer up to 750kg.
The licence is widely used across schools, colleges, charities, care organisations, community transport, private passenger transport and other roles involving smaller passenger-carrying vehicles.
Kent Training provides a complete D1 route at our Richborough training centre, from medical and theory support through to practical training and DVSA testing.
Some car-licence holders can drive certain minibuses
without full D1 entitlement when strict conditions are
met. The rules depend on factors including licence
entitlement, age, vehicle use and whether the journey is
for hire or reward.
Up to 16 Passenger Seats
D1 is the minibus category for vehicles with no more
than 16 passenger seats in addition to the driver.
Maximum 8m Length
The D1 category is limited to eligible minibuses with a
maximum vehicle length of 8 metres.
Trailer up to 750kg
Standard D1 permits an eligible trailer up to 750kg.
Heavier trailer combinations may require D1+E.
What Does the D1 Minibus Course Cover?
Practical training focuses on safe passenger transport, vehicle control and preparation for the DVSA practical test standard.
Vehicle Familiarisation
Controls, dimensions, mirrors, safety systems and the practical differences between driving a car and a minibus.
Passenger Safety
Smooth driving, safe stopping, passenger comfort, vulnerable passengers and responsibilities when carrying people.
Observation & Mirrors
Effective mirror routines, blind-spot awareness and observation before changes in speed, position or direction.
Road Positioning
Safe positioning through urban roads, rural routes, roundabouts, junctions and dual carriageways.
Module 3A Reversing
Structured preparation for the off-road reversing manoeuvre assessed as part of the practical test route.
Speed & Planning
Forward planning, speed selection, braking distance, vehicle stability and safe progress in a passenger vehicle.
Vehicle Safety Checks
Pre-use checks, vehicle condition, safety equipment and responsibilities before carrying passengers.
Passenger Comfort & Eco-Driving
Progressive acceleration, controlled braking and smooth driving techniques that improve comfort and efficiency.
Driver CPC Where Required
Gold includes Initial Driver CPC Modules 2 and 4 for candidates who need the professional driver qualification.
Your Category D1 Training Journey
Your exact route depends on the entitlement already shown on your licence and whether you have completed the medical, theory or Driver CPC stages.
Check Your Licence
Confirm your current categories and whether you already hold any D1 entitlement or require provisional D1.
Medical & Provisional
Where required, complete the D4 medical and the relevant provisional licence application before practical testing.
Theory Tests
Complete Module 1A multiple-choice and Module 1B hazard-perception tests where they are required for your licence route.
Practical D1 Training
Build confidence with vehicle control, observation, passenger comfort, road positioning and professional driving technique.
DVSA 3A & 3B Tests
Complete the off-road reversing exercise followed by the on-road practical driving test.
Driver CPC if Needed
Candidates using D1 professionally can complete the appropriate Initial Driver CPC components through the Gold package.
Who Is Category D1 Training For?
D1 is used across education, care, community transport and passenger operations where a smaller minibus is the right vehicle for the job.
Schools & Education
Drivers transporting pupils, students, staff and groups in eligible minibuses.
Care & Community Transport
Care providers, charities and community organisations transporting service users safely.
Clubs & Organisations
Youth groups, sports clubs, religious organisations and other bodies using minibuses for group transport.
Passenger Transport Operators
Drivers working within eligible private, contract, shuttle and passenger-transport operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Category D1 minibus licence?
D1 covers eligible minibuses with no more than 16 passenger seats in addition to the driver and a maximum length of 8 metres. Standard D1 also permits a trailer up to 750kg.
Can I drive a minibus on a normal car licence?
In some circumstances, yes. GOV.UK sets out conditions under which a car-licence holder may drive a minibus without full D1 entitlement, particularly where the driving is voluntary and the minibus is not being used for hire or reward. The exact rules depend on your licence and circumstances.
I passed my car test before 1997 — do I already have D1?
Many drivers who passed a car test before 1 January 1997 have D1 entitlement through acquired rights, often with restrictions. Check the categories and restriction codes on your current driving licence before booking.
How long is the practical course?
The currently published Bronze package includes three four-hour training sessions and is structured over up to three days. The overall licence journey can take longer where medical, theory or Driver CPC stages are also required.
Do I need Driver CPC for a D1 minibus?
Driver CPC requirements depend on the driving activity and whether an exemption applies. Gold include Initial Driver CPC Modules 2 and 4 for candidates who need the full professional-driver route.
What practical tests are included?
The packages include preparation for the Module 3A off-road reversing exercise and the Module 3B on-road driving test, together with the relevant test fees described in each package.
Can I tow a trailer on D1?
Standard D1 allows a trailer up to 750kg. Eligible heavier trailer combinations require the appropriate D1+E entitlement.
Can organisations book several drivers?
Yes. Kent Training supports schools, colleges, charities, care providers, councils and passenger transport organisations with individual and group training requirements.
Should I take D1 or full Category D?
D1 is designed for eligible minibuses up to 16 passenger seats. Category D is the full bus and coach licence used for larger passenger-carrying vehicles.
D1 Minibus Training Kent
Train and Test at Kent Training in Richborough
Complete your practical D1 minibus training from our Kent base near Sandwich, with DVSA practical testing arranged through our approved test-centre facilities.
Kent Training, Ramsgate Road, Richborough,
Sandwich, Kent CT13 9QN
Supporting Drivers and Organisations
Candidates travel to Kent Training from across:
Canterbury
Ashford
Dover
Folkestone
Thanet
Medway
Sittingbourne
Faversham
Herne Bay
Ramsgate
Need Help Choosing the Right D1 Package?
Tell us what minibus you need to drive, how it will be used and which parts of the licence process you have already completed. We can help identify the correct route.