What are the basic requirements to start bus driver training in the UK?

To begin bus driver training, you must hold a valid Category B (car) driving licence, be at least 18 years old, and pass a D4 medical examination. You will also need to apply for provisional PCV entitlement on your licence.

How long does it take to become a qualified bus driver?

The duration can vary depending on individual learning pace and training intensity. Typically, from starting your provisional application to passing all tests and obtaining your Driver CPC, the process can take several weeks to a few months. Our intensive courses are designed to get you qualified efficiently.

Is there a shortage of bus drivers in the UK in 2026?

While the highly publicised HGV driver shortage has seen some improvement (down from a peak of 70,000+ in 2021 to approximately 18,000–25,000 in 2026), there remains a consistent need for qualified bus and coach drivers across the UK. This ensures good job prospects for new entrants to the profession.

What is the difference between a D1 and a D licence?

A Category D1 licence allows you to drive minibuses with 9-16 passenger seats. A Category D licence is the full bus/coach licence, allowing you to drive any bus or coach with more than 8 passenger seats, regardless of weight. Most professional bus drivers aim for the Category D licence.

How much does bus driver training cost?

The total cost includes various elements: the D4 medical (£50–£120), theory tests (£26 + £11 + £23), practical driving test (£115/£141), and Driver CPC Part 4 (£55/£63). Training course fees vary depending on the provider and the intensity of the course. GS Driver Training offers competitive packages and flexible finance options from £30/month to help spread the cost.

PCV Driver Training

Some Important Aspects About the Bus Driver Training

1 August 20250 min readGS Driver TrainingUpdated: 24 April 2026

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GS Driver Training is a DVSA-recognised HGV and LGV training school based at Dunsfold Aerodrome, Surrey. We offer Class 1, Class 2, CPC, C1, D1, and ADR training with male and female instructors available. 7x award-winning school with over 20 years of experience.

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