Bus Provisional Licence Explained: How to Apply for a Category D Provisional
If you want to become a professional bus or coach driver in the UK, the first administrative step is obtaining a Category D provisional licence. This allows you to begin practical training in a bus or coach under the supervision of a qualified instructor. This guide explains who needs a Category D provisional, how to apply, what it costs, and what comes next.
What Is a Category D Provisional Licence?
A Category D provisional licence is the provisional entitlement that allows you to drive a bus or coach (with more than 8 passenger seats) under supervision for the purpose of training. It is the bus and coach equivalent of the Category C provisional for HGV drivers. You cannot drive a bus or coach on public roads without at least a provisional D entitlement.
Category D covers all buses and coaches with more than 8 passenger seats. If you only need to drive a minibus (9–16 passenger seats), you may need a D1 provisional instead — see our guide on the D1 provisional licence for details.
Who Needs a Category D Provisional?
You need a Category D provisional if you want to:
- Train as a professional bus driver (local bus, school bus, or shuttle service)
- Train as a coach driver (private hire, tours, or express services)
- Upgrade from a D1 (minibus) licence to a full D (bus/coach) licence
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a Category D provisional licence, you must:
- Hold a full UK Category B (car) driving licence
- Be at least 18 years old (though the minimum age to hold a full D licence is 21 in most cases)
- Pass a D4 medical examination
- Not be disqualified from driving
How to Apply
The application process for a Category D provisional licence is the same as for HGV provisional licences. You must:
- Book and pass a D4 medical examination (cost: £50–£120)
- Complete the DVLA D2 form (available from the DVLA website or Post Offices)
- Send the D2 form, your D4 medical certificate, and your current photocard licence to the DVLA in Swansea
- Pay the £43 DVLA application fee
Processing typically takes 1–3 weeks. Once your provisional entitlement is confirmed, you can book your theory test and begin practical training.
The Category D Theory Test
The Category D theory test consists of a multiple choice section (100 questions, pass mark 85/100) and a hazard perception test (19 clips, pass mark 67/100). The DVSA fee is £26. The test covers bus and coach specific regulations, passenger safety, and road law.
Driver CPC for Bus Drivers
All professional bus and coach drivers must also complete the Driver CPC initial qualification. This consists of two theory modules (Case Studies and Theory) and two practical modules (Practical Demonstration and Practical Driving). The CPC must be completed before you can drive a bus or coach professionally.
Next Steps
Once you have your Category D provisional and have passed the theory test, you can begin practical training with a DVSA-approved instructor. GS Driver Training offers PCV (bus and coach) training courses across Surrey and the South East.
View our PCV training course or contact us for a free consultation.
