Upgrade an existing Category D entitlement so you can drive buses and coaches towing trailers over 750kg, with practical reversing, coupling, uncoupling and on-road training for the DVSA Part 3A and Part 3B tests.
Choose the amount of on-road training that best matches your current bus or coach driving and trailer-handling experience.
Shorter D+E training route for experienced candidates
Additional on-road time for candidates who need more trailer-driving development
Extended D+E training for candidates with limited trailer experience
For business, coach operator or group bookings, please contact us.
A standard Category D licence allows you to drive a bus or coach towing a trailer up to 750kg maximum authorised mass. Category D+E extends that entitlement so the Category D vehicle can tow a trailer over 750kg.
For candidates who already hold Category D and are simply upgrading within the same category to tow heavier trailers, the current GOV.UK route is training followed by the Part 3A off-road exercises test and Part 3B on-road driving test.
You do not need to apply for a new provisional licence or retake Driver CPC Part 1 theory solely to upgrade from Category D to D+E.
Practical coaching focuses on the additional skills required when a bus or coach is towing a heavy trailer.
Safe connection and disconnection procedures, checks and preparation before moving the vehicle combination.
Controlled reversing technique and positioning for the Part 3A off-road exercises requirement.
Real-road preparation for Part 3B, including observation, planning and safe progress with the trailer attached.
Allowing for the extra length, trailer cut-in and the different road position required by the combination.
Planning turns and managing space safely through junctions, roundabouts and restricted road layouts.
Adjusting speed, following distance and braking technique for the additional weight and length of the trailer.
Effective mirror routines and awareness of the trailer throughout manoeuvres and normal road driving.
Vehicle and trailer checks, connection security and preparation for safe operation and the driving test.
Understanding the effect of trailer loading, balance and secure carriage on stability and vehicle handling.
The D+E route is an upgrade to your existing bus or coach entitlement rather than a complete repeat of the Category D qualification process.
Confirm that you hold the Category D entitlement needed for the D to D+E trailer upgrade route.
The vehicle and trailer are not supplied by Kent Training, so a compliant test combination must be available.
Develop coupling, uncoupling, reversing, positioning and controlled manoeuvring skills.
Complete the required off-road exercises in the correct D+E vehicle category.
After passing Part 3A, complete the on-road driving test in the same licence category.
Once the required tests are passed, your licence can show the additional bus and coach trailer entitlement.
Because Kent Training does not provide the D+E vehicle, it is especially important that the combination used for training and test meets current DVSA requirements.
For the practical driving test, the Category D vehicle must meet the current DVSA test-vehicle rules.
The DE test uses a Category D vehicle towing a qualifying closed-box trailer.
D+E is relevant where an existing bus or coach driver needs to tow a trailer above the normal Category D trailer limit.
Operators using luggage, equipment or specialist trailers behind full-size coaches.
Passenger transport operations that need extra trailer capacity for baggage, equipment or touring requirements.
Existing Category D drivers expanding the combinations they can legally operate.
Bus and coach fleets towing heavy equipment, support or enclosed trailers over 750kg MAM.
Category D+E allows you to drive Category D buses and coaches while towing a trailer over 750kg MAM.
Under the current GOV.UK upgrade route, you do not need to apply for a new provisional licence or take Driver CPC Part 1 theory again when upgrading within the same category from D to D+E.
Yes. The Part 3A off-road exercises test must be passed before you can take Part 3B on-road driving.
No. The current Kent Training course states that the training service is provided, but the vehicle is not supplied for D+E training.
The current Advanced package is £945 including VAT and includes 12 hours of on-road training, 3A and 3B preparation and DVSA test fees.
The current Intermediate package is £1,195 including VAT and includes 16 hours of on-road training, 3A training and DVSA test fees.
The current Novice package is £1,445 including VAT and includes 20 hours of on-road training, 3A and 3B preparation and DVSA test fees.
Yes. The current published add-ons are £375 for Advanced, £300 for Intermediate and £250 for Novice. The exact pass-protection terms should be checked before booking.
D1+E is the separate minibus-and-trailer category. It covers eligible D1 minibuses towing a trailer over 750kg, with a combined MAM limit of 12,000kg. Use Kent Training's dedicated D1+E course for that route.
Kent Training supports Category D drivers, coach operators and passenger transport businesses from across Kent and the South East with D+E trailer training and test preparation.
Training enquiries are supported across:
Tell us what Category D vehicle and trailer you have available, your current trailer experience and the amount of training you are likely to need.
