To drive a minibus over certain weights (3.5 tonnes for diesel, 4.25 tonnes for electric – with an additional  750kg allowance for specialist equipment) or/and be paid to do so, you need to have D1 on your driving licence.

There are two types of D1 entitlement.

  1. Full D1 entitlement, where you have completed the D1 theory and practical driving tests. A full D1 is required if you are driving for an organisation with an Operator’s licence
  2. Inherited D1 entitlement. If you passed your driving test before January 1st 1997, you will have D1 (101) on the back of your licence. This means you can drive a 9-16 seat passenger minibus (and be paid to do so, under a Section 19 Permit).