What Is the D1 101 Restriction?
If you passed your driving test before 1 January 1997, you will find Category D1 with code 101 listed on your driving licence. This is not a penalty or a problem — it is an entitlement that was automatically granted to all drivers who qualified before that date. Code 101 means "not for hire or reward", which restricts how you can use your D1 entitlement.
In practical terms, D1(101) means you can drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats (excluding the driver) with no maximum weight limit, provided the driving is not for hire or reward — that is, passengers are not paying for the journey and you are not being paid specifically to drive.
What Can You Do with D1(101)?
| Activity | Permitted with D1(101)? |
|---|---|
| Driving a school minibus voluntarily (no payment) | Yes |
| Driving for a charity or voluntary organisation (no payment) | Yes |
| Driving a sports club minibus voluntarily | Yes |
| Driving as a paid minibus driver | No |
| Driving for hire or reward (passengers pay) | No |
| Driving commercially for a transport company | No |
Why Do Pre-1997 Licence Holders Have D1(101)?
Before 1 January 1997, the UK driving licence system automatically included D1 entitlement (with the 101 restriction) for all car licence holders. This was because minibuses were less common and the rules were less stringent. When the UK adopted EU driving licence standards in 1997, the automatic D1 entitlement was removed for new licence holders, but existing holders retained their D1(101) as a grandfather right.
How to Remove the 101 Restriction
If you want to drive a minibus for hire or reward — for example, as a paid driver for a school, care home, or transport company — you need to remove the 101 restriction and obtain full D1 entitlement. The process is:
- D4 Medical Examination: Pass a DVLA medical examination (D4 form) completed by a GP or approved medical practitioner. Cost: £50–£150.
- DVLA Application: Apply for D1 provisional entitlement using form D2. DVLA fee: £55.
- Theory Test: Pass the PCV theory test (multiple choice: 85/100 from 100 questions; hazard perception: 67/100 from 19 clips). Cost: £26.
- Driver CPC (if driving commercially): Pass CPC Module 2 (case study, £23) and Module 4 (practical demonstration, £55).
- Practical Training: Complete practical training with a DVSA-approved instructor. Duration: typically 3–5 days depending on experience.
- D1 Practical Test: Pass the DVSA D1 driving test. Cost: £115 (weekday) / £141 (weekend).
Once you have passed the practical test, the 101 restriction is removed from your licence and you can drive a minibus for hire or reward.
Do I Need to Remove the 101 Restriction?
Not necessarily. If you only ever drive a minibus on a voluntary basis — for example, as a school staff member, charity volunteer, or sports club driver — you can continue to use your D1(101) entitlement without taking any further tests. The 101 restriction only becomes a problem if you want to drive commercially or for hire or reward.
If you are unsure whether your driving counts as hire or reward, see our guide: Can I Drive a Minibus for Hire or Reward?
What If I Passed My Test After 1 January 1997?
If you passed your driving test on or after 1 January 1997, you do not have D1(101) on your licence. You can still drive a minibus on a car licence under specific conditions (voluntary basis, under 3,500 kg MAM, not for hire or reward), but you do not have the automatic D1 entitlement that pre-1997 holders have. To drive a minibus commercially, you must obtain a full D1 licence from scratch. See: D1 Minibus Licence Explained.
D1(101) and Medical Renewal
If you hold D1(101) and are approaching your 70th birthday, you must renew your driving licence and meet the Group 2 medical standards to retain your D1 entitlement. This involves completing a D4 medical examination and submitting it to the DVLA with your renewal application. After the age of 70, licences must be renewed every three years.
D1 Training in Surrey
If you need to remove the 101 restriction from your D1 licence, GS Driver Training can help. We provide D1 minibus training across Surrey and the South East, including Guildford, Woking, Farnham, Camberley, Aldershot, Redhill, and Reigate. Our instructors are experienced with candidates who already have D1(101) and understand the specific skills needed to pass the full D1 test.
Call us on 01252 447808 to discuss your training requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does D1(101) expire?
Your D1(101) entitlement remains on your licence as long as your licence is valid. At age 70, you must renew your licence and meet Group 2 medical standards to retain it.
Can I drive a minibus abroad with D1(101)?
Rules vary by country. Contact the licensing authority in the country you are visiting for specific guidance.
How long does it take to remove the 101 restriction?
Most candidates complete the process in four to eight weeks, depending on medical appointment availability, theory test booking times, and practical test availability.
