Vehicles you can drive

You can drive a minibus if you have category D1 entitlement on your licence

Check if you have a D1 entitlement on your licence online.

You may still be able to drive a minibus with your car licence (category B) as long as all the following apply:

  • you’re 21 or older
  • you’ve had your driving licence for at least 2 years
  • the maximum weight of the minibus is 3,500kg (or 4,250kg including specialist equipment for disabled passengers, such as a wheelchair ramp)
  • you’re not towing a trailer
  • the minibus is used by a non-commercial body for social purposes
  • you do not get paid except for expenses, for example fuel and parking costs
  • you provide the service on a voluntary basis

Being paid to drive (driving for ‘hire or reward’)

You usually cannot drive a minibus for ‘hire or reward’ (for example, as part of your job) unless you’re driving for an organisation like a local authority and you meet certain conditions.

You might be able to get a permit if all of the following apply:

  • you’re driving for a non-profit organisation (such as a charity or school)
  • you need to charge passengers to cover the costs of driving the minibus
  • you’re not making a profit

Read the guide on permits for more information.

You might also be able to drive a minibus abroad. Contact the driving licence authority in the country you’re visiting.

Driving a minibus professionally

You must take a D1 minibus test if you want to drive minibuses professionally. Apply for a provisional D1 licence by filling in a D2 application form.

You must also ask a doctor to fill in a D4 medical report.

Your answers

Start again

1. What kind of vehicle do you want to drive?
Minibus (category D1)
Change 1. What kind of vehicle do you want to drive?
2. Do you have a full UK car driving licence?
Yes
Change 2. Do you have a full UK car driving licence?
3. When did you pass your car driving test?
On or after 1 January 1997
Change 3. When did you pass your car driving test?

Part of Learn to drive a car: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check you're allowed to drive

    Most people can start learning to drive when they’re 17.

    1. You are currently viewing: Check what age you can drive
    2. Requirements for driving legally
    3. Driving eyesight rules

  2. Step 2 Get a provisional licence

    1. Apply for your first provisional driving licence £34 to £43

  3. Step 3 Driving lessons and practice

    You need a provisional driving licence to take lessons or practise.

    1. The Highway Code
    2. Taking driving lessons
    3. Find driving schools, lessons and instructors
    4. Practise vehicle safety questions

  4. and Prepare for your theory test

    1. Theory test revision and practice
    2. Take a practice theory test
    3. Theory and hazard perception test app

  5. Step 4 Book and manage your theory test

    You need a provisional driving licence to book your theory test.

    1. Book your theory test £23
    2. What to take to your test
    3. Change your theory test appointment
    4. Check your theory test appointment details
    5. Cancel your theory test

  6. Step 5 Book and manage your driving test

    You must pass your theory test before you can book your driving test.

    1. Book your driving test £62 to £75
    2. What to take to your test
    3. Change your driving test appointment
    4. Check your driving test appointment details
    5. Cancel your driving test

  7. Step 6 When you pass

    You can start driving as soon as you pass your driving test.

    You must have an insurance policy that allows you to drive without supervision.

    1. Find out about Pass Plus training courses