Vehicles you can drive

You may be able to drive a minibus with your car licence (category B)

You can drive a minibus with your car licence (category B) if both of the following apply:

  • the vehicle has no more than 16 passenger seats
  • you’re not towing a trailer

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) if you have code 101 on your driving licence. You might be able to drive for hire or reward for an organisation like a school or local authority if 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 be able to drive a minibus abroad. Contact the driving licence authority in the country you’re visiting.

Add category D1 to your licence

Fill in a D2 application form if you do not meet the conditions and want to drive a minibus.

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?
Before 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