If you want to drive a bus or coach in the UK, you’ll need to learn how to get a Category D licence. This licence is required for driving vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats, excluding the driver. Whether you’re aiming to become a professional driver or just want to operate a larger vehicle, this guide explains the process of obtaining a Category D licence, also known as a Cat D licence.
What is a Category D Licence?
A Category D licence lets you drive large vehicles like buses and coaches that carry more than 8 passengers. It’s essential for anyone wishing to drive professionally in the transport sector. If you’re asking, “What does a Category D licence entitle you to drive?”, the answer is that it allows you to drive large vehicles such as buses, coaches, and other vehicles designed to carry passengers.
To obtain a Category D licence, you must meet specific eligibility criteria and pass medical, theoretical, and practical driving tests.
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements
Before you can learn how to get a Category D licence, you must meet the following requirements:
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 24 years old to apply for a Category D licence.
- Medical Fitness: You must pass a medical examination to ensure you’re fit to drive a large vehicle. The exam typically includes tests for vision, hearing, and overall health. A GP or another healthcare professional will conduct this check-up.
- Valid UK Driving Licence (Category B): You must already hold a valid Category B licence (the standard car licence) before applying for your Cat D licence.
Step 2: Apply for a Provisional Category D Licence
Once you meet the basic eligibility requirements, you can apply for a provisional Category D licence. This provisional licence lets you begin training and preparing for the practical test, though you cannot drive the vehicle on public roads yet.
To apply for your provisional Cat D licence:
- Complete the Application: Fill out the D2 form, available on the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) website or at your local Post Office.
- Submit Medical Information: Include your medical details as part of the application. You may need to submit a D4 form, signed by your doctor, as part of the medical check-up.
- Pay the Fee: There’s a fee for applying for the provisional licence, which you can pay online or at the Post Office.
Once DVLA processes your application, you’ll receive your provisional Cat D licence that allows you to start your driving training.
Step 3: Complete the Driver CPC Training
If you plan to drive a bus or coach professionally, you must complete the Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) training. This qualification is mandatory for anyone who drives large vehicles for hire and reward.
The Driver CPC includes two parts:
- Initial Driver CPC: You must complete 35 hours of training before you begin driving professionally. The training covers topics such as road safety, vehicle maintenance, and customer care.
- Periodic Driver CPC: After completing the initial training, you must complete 35 hours of training every five years to maintain your Driver CPC.
Step 4: Pass the Theory Test
Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll need to pass the theory test, which is a critical step in how to get a Category D licence. The theory test consists of two parts:
- Multiple-Choice Questions: You must answer questions about road safety, traffic rules, and other driving-related topics. You need to score at least 80 out of 100 to pass this section.
- Hazard Perception Test: In this section, you’ll watch video clips and identify potential hazards while driving. You must click the mouse when you spot a developing hazard.
The theory test plays an essential role in how to get Cat D on your licence, so it’s important to prepare well using study guides and practice tests.
Step 5: Take the Practical Driving Test
After passing the theory test, you can take the practical driving test. This test is the final and most important step in how to get a Category D licence. The practical test assesses your ability to drive a bus or coach safely. During the test, the examiner will evaluate you on the following:
- Vehicle Safety Checks: You must demonstrate your knowledge of the vehicle by performing safety checks.
- Road Driving: The examiner will ask you to drive the vehicle on public roads, obeying traffic rules, speed limits, and demonstrating vehicle control.
- Manoeuvres: You may need to perform specific manoeuvres, such as reversing and parking in tight spaces.
The practical test evaluates your readiness to drive a bus or coach safely. If you pass, you will earn your full licence.
Step 6: Receive Your Full Category D Licence
After successfully completing the practical driving test, you will receive your full Cat D licence, which authorizes you to drive large vehicles such as buses and coaches. If you’re driving professionally, you’ll need to maintain your Driver CPC qualification by completing periodic training every 5 years.
How do I get Cat D on my licence?
To get Cat D on your licence, you must pass the medical, theory, and practical tests, as well as complete the Driver CPC training if you’re driving professionally. This process involves several steps, starting with applying for a provisional Category D licence.
What does a Category D licence entitle you to drive?
A Category D licence allows you to drive large vehicles that carry more than 8 passengers, such as buses and coaches. This is a key requirement for those wishing to work as professional drivers in the transport sector.
Conclusion
Now you know how to get a Category D licence in the UK, the steps involved, and what you need to do to become qualified to drive large passenger vehicles. From medical checks to theory and practical exams, this process ensures that you’re ready to drive buses and coaches safely. Whether you want to work as a professional driver or just want to operate a larger vehicle, following these steps will guide you through the process of obtaining your Cat D licence. Good luck on your journey to becoming a qualified driver!