Category D PCV Training — Bus & Coach Licence
Full Category D — Buses & Coaches (17+ Passengers)
About This Course
Our Category D PCV training prepares you to drive full-size buses and coaches carrying more than 8 passengers. The Category D licence is the highest PCV entitlement and opens doors to careers with national coach operators, local bus companies, and private hire firms. GS Driver Training offers DVSA-approved PCV courses with experienced instructors who have real-world bus and coach driving backgrounds. If you only need to drive minibuses (up to 16 passengers), see our separate D1 Minibus Training page instead.
Course Prices
All prices include VAT. DVSA driving test included in all packages.
D1 Minibus — 8 hours
Includes DVSA Driving Test
Driving Course Only
£875 inc. VAT+ Medical, Theory & Revision
£1,040 inc. VAT+ Driver CPC (All Included)
£1,390 inc. VATD1 Minibus — 12 hours
Includes DVSA Driving Test
Driving Course Only
£1,275 inc. VAT+ Medical, Theory & Revision
£1,400 inc. VAT+ Driver CPC (All Included)
£1,750 inc. VATD1 Minibus — 16 hours
Includes DVSA Driving Test
Driving Course Only
£1,555 inc. VAT+ Medical, Theory & Revision
£1,680 inc. VAT+ Driver CPC (All Included)
£2,030 inc. VAT| Courses | D1 Minibus — 8 hours Includes DVSA Driving Test | D1 Minibus — 12 hours Includes DVSA Driving Test | D1 Minibus — 16 hours Includes DVSA Driving Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hours Taught: | 8 hours | 12 hours | 16 hours |
| DVSA test 3a + 3b included: | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Book Driving course only | £875 inc. VAT | £1,275 inc. VAT | £1,555 inc. VAT |
| Add Medical, Theory, Hazard Perception Test and Online Revision | £1,040 inc. VAT | £1,400 inc. VAT | £1,680 inc. VAT |
| Add Driver CPC (Includes all of the above) | £1,390 inc. VAT | £1,750 inc. VAT | £2,030 inc. VAT |
Use code SAVE10 at checkout for 10% off the training fee — full online payment only. DVSA test fees are set by DVSA and not discountable.
Flexible Financing Available
Make your course more affordable with flexible payment plans. 3 months is interest-free, or choose 6 or 12-month plans with competitive rates.
Monthly Payment
£75.27
Total Cost
£903.21
Payment Schedule:
Apply through our finance partner or call 01252 447808 to discuss options
Finance options available. Contact us for details.
Job Market & Salary Expectations
D1 minibus drivers enjoy good job market demand with competitive salaries:
The job market for D1 drivers is strong in the passenger transport sector, with consistent demand from coach operators, private hire companies, and specialist transport providers.
What You'll Learn
How D1 Minibus Training Compares
| Vehicle Type | 9–16 passengers | 9–16 + trailer | Over 3.5t articulated | Over 3.5t rigid |
| Common Uses | Minibuses, coaches | Specialist transport | Articulated lorries | Delivery, refuse |
| Training Duration | 3–5 days | 4–7 days | 5–10 days | 5–7 days |
| Typical Salary | £20k–£28k+ | £24k–£36k+ | £28k–£50k+ | £22k–£32k+ |
| Job Demand | Good | Medium | Very High | High |
Why Choose GS Driver Training for D1 Minibus Training?
Expert Minibus Instructors
Our instructors have extensive experience training minibus drivers and understand passenger safety requirements.
High First-Time Pass Rate
We achieve a 93%+ first-time pass rate for D1 candidates through structured training and thorough test preparation.
Flexible Scheduling
We offer flexible course dates to accommodate working professionals.
Modern Training Vehicles
Train on modern minibuses with the latest safety features and passenger comfort.
Comprehensive Support
From medical certificates to DVLA applications, we handle all the paperwork so you can focus on training.
Proven Track Record
Over 7 consecutive awards as the best HGV training company in the UK with hundreds of satisfied D1 graduates.
Student Testimonials
"Excellent training for D1. I now work for a major coach operator earning £26k+ annually. Highly recommended."
— Lisa K., Coach Driver
Passed April 2024
"The instructors really understood passenger safety requirements. I felt fully prepared for the DVSA test."
— Emma J., Private Hire Minibus
Passed March 2024
"Great value for money and flexible scheduling. I passed my D1 test and landed a job within 2 weeks."
— Rachel M., Specialist Transport
Passed February 2024
PCV & Bus Driver Guides
Thinking about a career as a bus or coach driver? These guides cover how to get your Category D licence, what the theory test involves, bus driver pay in London and the South East, and how to make the switch from HGV or car driving to a PCV career.
What's Included
Compare what each package includes to find the right option for you
Entry Requirements
Requirements vary depending on the package you choose
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PCV training?
PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) training qualifies you to drive buses and coaches professionally. A Category D licence is required for vehicles carrying more than 8 passengers for hire or reward, while D1 covers minibuses with 9–16 seats.
What do I need before starting PCV training?
You need a full UK car driving licence, a valid D4 medical certificate, provisional PCV entitlement from the DVLA, and to have passed your PCV theory test (including hazard perception). You must also hold a Driver CPC initial qualification.
How long does PCV training take?
PCV training duration varies depending on your experience and the package chosen. Most learners complete the practical training within 1 to 2 weeks. Contact us on 01252 447808 for a personalised training plan.
How much does PCV training cost?
PCV training costs vary depending on the course package and your prior experience. Contact us on 01252 447808 or use our online enquiry form for current pricing and availability.
What career opportunities does a PCV licence open up?
A PCV licence qualifies you for roles as a bus driver, coach driver, school transport driver, or community transport operator. Salaries typically range from £22,000 to £38,000+ per year, with opportunities across the UK.
Are male and female instructors available for PCV training?
Yes, GS Driver Training offers both male and female instructors for all PCV courses. Simply let us know your preference when booking.
Where We Train
We serve drivers across Hampshire, Surrey, and the South East from our base at Dunsfold Airport.
Further Reading
How to Get a PCV Licence UK
Complete step-by-step guide to obtaining your Category D PCV licence.
Bus Provisional Licence Explained
How to apply for a Category D (bus) provisional licence.
D1 Minibus Licence UK 2026
Who needs a D1, costs, training process, and D1 vs Category D.
PCV Theory Test Guide 2026
Multiple choice, hazard perception, and case studies — everything you need to pass.
PCV Show Me Tell Me Questions 2026
All 19 Category D vehicle safety questions with full answers.
PCV Driver Training Hub
Complete PCV resource centre — cost, medical, theory, training, and D1 guides.
Based on 181 reviews
Tony Sherwood
3 months ago
I had the most Amazing experience and support of the whole team at GS driver training. I signed up for the Class1 C+E (car to Artic course 40 hrs ) From having a chat with Gary to book the course with…
David Warren
2 months ago
Had the best day doing a 1 hour experience driving an artic today. Gary was very patient and supportive as I’d never driven something so big. I’d recommend this to anyone who wants try before doing t…
Clare Langrish-Dixon (CLD)
6 months ago
I purchased an HGV driving experience for my husband and he thoroughly enjoyed his time with GS Driver Training today. They are based at Dunsfold Aerodrome so it’s easy to find and on booking, they p…