D1: Minibus
Vehicles with no more than 16 passenger seats, a maximum length of 8 metres and a trailer up to 750kg.
How to Get a PCV Licence in the UK
Official rules checked 8 September 2026
Understand D1, D1E, D and DE, then follow the provisional, theory, practical and Driver CPC route that applies to your work.
PCV is not one single vehicle category
D1 is for qualifying minibuses, while D is for buses and coaches with more than eight passenger seats. The +E categories apply when towing a heavier trailer. Start by identifying the vehicle and intended use—not by choosing a course name.
PCV licence categories explained
The definitions below follow the current GOV.UK driving-licence category guidance.
D1E: Minibus with a heavier trailer
A D1-category vehicle towing a trailer over 750kg. The combined maximum authorised mass cannot exceed 12,000kg.
D: Bus or coach
Any bus with more than 8 passenger seats and a trailer up to 750kg.
DE: Bus or coach with a heavier trailer
A Category D vehicle towing a trailer over 750kg.
Check your entitlement and restriction codes using GOV.UK driving-licence categories.
PCV licence process: step by step
This is the usual first-time professional route. Check the official rules if you are returning to driving or believe an exemption applies.
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1. Check your current licence and intended use
You normally need a full car licence before qualifying for a bus or coach entitlement. Check the categories and restriction codes already shown on your driving record, then identify whether you need D1, D1E, D or DE.
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2. Arrange the D4 medical report
A doctor completes form D4. An optician may need to complete the eyesight section. Medical providers can charge, so confirm their fee before booking.
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3. Apply for provisional PCV entitlement
Complete form D2 and send it with the D4 and your driving licence using the current DVLA instructions. GOV.UK states that the provisional application itself is free and normally arrives within three weeks, although additional checks can take longer.
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4. Pass the theory tests you need
The Driver CPC part 1 test has separate multiple-choice and hazard-perception sections. A first-time professional driver also normally takes the part 2 case-studies test. Returning-driver and exempt routes can differ.
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5. Complete practical PCV training
Your assessment, existing experience, vehicle category and test readiness determine the training plan. Ask which vehicle you will use, how many practical hours are included and how test bookings are handled.
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6. Pass parts 3a and 3b
Part 3a covers off-road exercises and part 3b is the on-road driving test. Check whether your training quote includes both official test fees and vehicle hire for each test.
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7. Complete Driver CPC where required
A first-time professional bus or coach driver normally completes part 2 case studies and part 4 practical demonstration as well as parts 1 and 3. Once qualified, professional drivers normally complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years.
Official PCV and Driver CPC test fees
These are the official fees shown by GOV.UK on 8 September 2026. They do not include your D4 medical, practical training or vehicle hire.
| Item | Weekday | Evening / weekend / bank holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Provisional PCV entitlement | Free | Free |
| Part 1: multiple-choice theory | £26 | £26 |
| Part 1: hazard perception | £11 | £11 |
| Part 2: case studies | £23 | £23 |
| Part 3a: off-road exercises | £40 | £40 |
| Part 3b: on-road driving | £115 | £141 |
| Part 4: practical demonstration | £55 | £63 |
Recheck the official fee table before booking. Approved part 3a providers may charge up to the published limit, and unofficial booking websites may charge more.
Can you drive a minibus without D1?
Some car-licence holders can drive a minibus in the UK without D1, but only where every GOV.UK condition applies. The journey must be voluntary and for a non-commercial body’s social purpose, not for hire or reward; age, licence-history, vehicle-weight and towing restrictions also apply.
Commercial minibus driving—or a journey outside those conditions—requires the correct entitlement. The organisation may also need a PSV operator licence.
PCV licence questions
What is a PCV licence?
PCV means passenger carrying vehicle. It is the broad name used for bus, coach and minibus driving entitlements. The category you need depends on the passenger seats, vehicle length and any trailer: D1 and D1E cover minibuses, while D and DE cover larger buses and coaches.
What is the difference between PCV and PSV?
PCV describes the driver’s licence entitlement. PSV means public service vehicle and is also used in the rules for operators running passenger services. Holding a PCV driving entitlement does not remove any operator-licensing requirement that applies to the service.
Can I drive a minibus on a car licence?
Possibly, but only if every condition in the current GOV.UK minibus guidance is met. The main conditions include voluntary, non-commercial use, no hire or reward, limits on seats and weight, no trailer and age/licence-history requirements. Check the official guidance rather than assuming an exemption applies.
How much does a PCV licence cost?
There is no universal total. The provisional application is free and the official DVSA test fees are listed on this page. The D4 medical, practical training and vehicle hire are separate variable costs. Review the current GS PCV course options and request a written quote for your route.
How long does it take to get a PCV licence?
The timetable depends on the provisional application, medical, test availability, your training needs and whether you need the full Driver CPC. GOV.UK says a provisional licence should normally arrive within three weeks after DVLA receives the application, but additional health or identity checks can take longer.
Does every PCV driver need the full Driver CPC?
No. You need the full Driver CPC when driving a bus or coach is the main part of your job, but returning drivers, approved vocational routes and some exempt uses have different rules. Use the current GOV.UK guidance for your exact circumstances.
Confirm the right PCV route before booking
Tell the GS team which vehicle you need to drive, how it will be used and the entitlement already on your licence.