A D1+E licence is a UK driving licence entitlement that allows you to drive a D1 minibus — a vehicle designed to carry between 9 and 16 passengers — while also towing a trailer with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) exceeding 750 kg. The combined MAM of the minibus and trailer must not exceed the maximum train weight shown on your licence.
The D1 category covers minibuses on their own. The +E suffix adds the trailer entitlement. Without D1+E, a driver holding only D1 is restricted to towing trailers up to 750 kg MAM. For many organisations — schools, sports clubs, charities, and outdoor activity centres — that limit is quickly reached when transporting equipment alongside passengers.
What Vehicles Does D1+E Cover?
D1+E covers the combination of a D1 minibus (9–16 passenger seats, MAM not exceeding 8 tonnes) and a trailer. Common examples include:
- A minibus towing a luggage or equipment trailer
- A minibus towing a wheelchair or mobility equipment trailer
- A minibus towing a small horsebox or animal transport trailer
- A minibus towing a boat trailer for club activities
- A minibus towing a catering or event trailer
Who Issues D1+E Entitlement?
D1+E entitlement is issued by the DVLA and appears on the photocard driving licence. Drivers who passed their car test before 1 January 1997 may have D1 (not for hire or reward) automatically on their licence, but this does not automatically include +E. Anyone wishing to tow a trailer over 750 kg with a minibus must hold the D1+E category, either through automatic entitlement or by passing the D1+E practical test.
D1+E vs D+E
D+E covers full-size buses and coaches (Category D) with trailers. D1+E is the smaller category, restricted to minibuses with a maximum of 16 passenger seats. Most schools, charities, and community transport operators need D1+E rather than D+E.
Do I Need D1+E for a Light Trailer?
If the trailer has a MAM of 750 kg or less, D1 alone is sufficient. The D1+E entitlement is only required when the trailer's MAM exceeds 750 kg. Always check the trailer's plate or documentation to confirm its MAM before driving.
How to Get D1+E
To obtain D1+E, you must first hold D1 entitlement (or be eligible to apply for it), then complete practical training in a minibus-and-trailer combination and pass the DVSA D1+E practical test. GS Driver Training offers D1+E courses at our Surrey training centre, covering all aspects of trailer coupling, uncoupling, reversing, and road driving with a trailer.
If you are unsure whether you need D1+E or already have it on your licence, contact GS Driver Training on 01252 447808 for a free licence check and advice.
