How to get a Bus/Coach Driving Licence (Category D)

How to go through the process of obtaining a category D licence in the UK.

[@richardchapman8690]

An update for you Joel, the website you mention is now 2 separate purchases. Currently £18 for each module - MCQ & Hazard Perception and CPC Case Studies. Still good tools to use

[@JoelsStuff]

That’s great to know!

[@EinkOLED]

The bus company I'm training with (First) will be providing all the tuition for our modules. To be honest I found the modules very easy to study on the website, most of it is common sense and road knowledge and I passed the test with ease. However I will be studying it carefully since the company only allows 1 fail and 1 retry and should pass with at least 95%

[@richardchapman8690]

@@EinkOLED Module 2 is quite difficult I think ( for me anyway)

[@EinkOLED]

@@richardchapman8690 I've left my old job of 9 years and start my training next week. So I have a lot riding on getting through my training. So far I've not had much time revising, but I have at least 5 days of intensive revision before I get to the classroom.

[@leekeenan4853]

75 quid a modeuel over in ireland

[@sergioquezada8127]

THIS IS THE BEST AND MOST INFORMATIVE VIDEO I HAVE EVER SEEN ABOUT THE PROCESS OF GETTING THESE 2 LICENCES TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE A BUS

[@andrewroberts88]

Just come across this video and it’s been so helpful. Thank you Joel.

[@madmikeproductionsuk]

Good luck to you . I did this in 2016 it’s a good career if you’ve got the patience of a saint and can take a lot of stress. Ive moved onto driving trucks now as the public don’t appreciate anything a bus driver does for them it’s just all your fault for being late etc lol. I’d just like to tell everyone as a bus driver I have no control of the traffic on the road doesn’t matter if I’m on time when I leave I will be late at some point because of some ignorant driver blocking a junction or bus stop or preventing busses from leaving the bus stop etc. Soon all bus drivers will be computers because the public are so bad and disrespectful. Give the bus driver a break people he/she is there to get you there.

[@JoelsStuff]

That sounds like a nightmare! I drive a free shuttle bus on private land at a tourist attraction so I have it lucky!

[@JohnXYTX]

Thank you so much! I’ve got my training in 2 weeks and this helped me out

[@NatalieSarahHughesTilley]

Hey there Joel, this is gonna sound funny, but I can't even Drive a Car, let alone trying to learn how to Drive a Bus or Coach, with paying passengers. I am a Bus Enthusiast, though, myself, so I enjoy watching Videos like this, on KZbin, always been very curious as to what it all involves, and how difficult it is and how long it takes, to actually Pass it all, and finally Qualify for Bus Driving Work. As a Passenger, it is both fascinating and reassuring, to discover, all the myriad of pointers/information, you Drivers have to learn about, and prove, without a doubt, that you are well in the know of, in these various Stages of Testing, so thank you kindly, for a very informative, insightful and interesting video, indeed! WELL DONE FOR STUDYING SO THOROUGHLY, AND PASSING EVERYTHING, SO PROMPTLY, AND I WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK, IN YOUR NEW CAREER, AS FULLY-FLEDGED PROFESSIONAL BUS & COACH DRIVER, BLESS YOU JOEL, MAY IT BE A LONG, SAFE, HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL CAREER, FOR YOU, TOO! XXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXX

[@JoelsStuff]

Wow! What a lovely comment. I am glad you found the video interesting. I also love the world of bussing. I currently get to drive a bendy bus on occasions with my job which is great fun! All the best x

[@SafeDrivingSavesLives]

What a lovely comment, I'm just smiling and emotional reading your comment 😊 you must be lovely person! Love ❤

[@petercoyne8300]

I’m about to start my driving school in 2 weeks , done all the theory stuff passed that with ease. Just can’t wait to actually get behind the wheel of the bus and get a feel for it

[@littlefishy6316]

Will be doing bus training in a couple of months, your video and the comment section has been very interesting and useful :-)

[@JoelsStuff]

Thanks 🤗

[@castletransport]

new update Joel. I now have passed my D1 practical exam and the Mod 4 DCPC very excited about my new career. I'm thinking to do the full D maybe next year :)

[@JoelsStuff]

Congrats!! Happy driving 😊

[@thestuff1014]

Theory is easy. More dificult is practical driving test. I did it last year. Now I work for NX. Good luck everyone.

[@garethriley3472]

Very helpful and informative. Thank you

[@Mike-padmore]

Thanks for the advice, just waiting for my d licence, have got a job with first and they are going to put me through my test / training. You video has made things a lot clearer .

[@JoelsStuff]

Best of luck!

[@joecroucher]

best of luck to you ive been invited to an interview and assesment day with first next month

[@Mike-padmore]

snif22 best of luck with it mate, just finished my first weeks training, passed my theory and have been driving a training bus today, it’s different but I’m loving it..my best to you for your interview.

[@joecroucher]

@@Mike-padmore thank you dude so exited but scared at the same time

[@Mike-padmore]

Glow in the dark was laid off from first when COVID hit, DVSA shut down the day I was going for my practical after passing my theory . Not happy but what can I do !!

[@simonearlie8656]

Congratulations and the best of luck.

[@seanmacleod1724]

Very helpful, thanks. I'm just embarking on this journey now. 😊👍

[@billyd9205]

thank you for this. I have my 5 day course this Monday. The show and tell is getting me nervous. This has help me a bit. 🤞

[@JoelsStuff]

That’s great! Don’t worry the show and tell was super easy. Good luck!

[@richardchapman8690]

Thanks Joel, very useful information. Currently awaiting for my provisional D licence to come through and then I can start my bus driving journey 😀

[@JoelsStuff]

You’re welcome, and best of luck to you!

[@sparklelynch7716]

Great video its been really helpfull thanks alot

[@rickjames7532]

Joel thank you for the video. Appreciate your tips and liked following your journey.

[@JoelsStuff]

You’re welcome and thank you too!

[@goilee9716]

dr on wheel is now NOT ACCEPTED for anyone looking to do it in Septerber 2021 onward. thanks for the video mate

[@simonearlie8656]

Very useful tips. Thank you.

[@sergioquezada8127]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO

[@Evileneist]

Nice is helping me a lots, thankyou so much

[@bartomendes4042]

Nice and straight forward. Thanks

[@thomaspalmer1019]

Superb video! I would be interested in working as a PCV driver myself in the future, and this video has taught me loads 😃. Best of luck with your bus driving! You have a VERY pleasant life ahead of you 😁

[@JoelsStuff]

Thank you! Best of luck!

[@kefus66]

Very informative. Thanks.

[@johnhutchinson1368]

Great advice thank you 👍

[@MrMonero]

Thanks mate looking to add the right category onto my license as I am about to buy a bus to convert to live on. It’s not going to be used for any commercial work purposes so I won’t need the CPC and I am not even sure if I am pulling all the seats out and only having the driver seat if I even need the D category or if another will cover it.

[@leslie200903]

Nice video dude.. I'm sure you have put a lot of minds to some rest uploading this video

[@JoelsStuff]

I hope so!

[@julianne040264]

CPC will continue despite not being in the EU. Otherwise we will be refused entry into European countries. Makes perfect sense really.

[@trainswithmark]

So just checking this, If you want to carry passengers, paying or not you have to have the CPC. If you just want to drive a bus from A to B (transporting the bus from place to place) you just need the PCV?

[@y.swedi748]

Very interesting. I'm joining the industry and I was looking for clues like these

[@aidanrosewell75]

next time i see you we should do a crossover youtube vid... you can review me trying to fix a car.. or the opposite of that!

[@JoelsStuff]

Aidan Wheller Podcast and Audio Reviews Haha, my van is never short of things that need fixing

[@EusGeorge]

Hi, I have just cat B on my licence, when I pass cat D, I will receive any other category on my licence?

[@haz2901]

wrong, cpc does involve periodic traing at the 35 hours you mentioned

[@JoelsStuff]

Only when you renew it after 5 years, not when you initially gain it

[@Dongfloppy]

I’ve got a cat C (hgv2) would I have to apply for provisional cat D ?

[@Jaaskelainen1993]

Hi Joel Thinking of doing my D1 license upto 16 passengers. Can i expect the same modules and tests as what you did ? Or is it different?

[@Youtuber-bj2lb]

Great video! I need to ask you What if needs to just convert those qualifications from Italy to UK ? Do I have to reapet the exams? Thank you very much

[@HW-op7pq]

Interesting, well done on the pass. So will you be driving a bus route or more coach trips?

[@JoelsStuff]

HW100 Thanks! I’ll be driving a short park and ride type service. Would love to do coach driving in the future!

[@tellit4678]

Need to become transit bus driver how

[@BikerBearMTB]

Is it true that you can drive a 30+ year old bus on a standard car license for personal use? In other words, you don’t have to get a special license?

[@JoelsStuff]

I’m not sure - surely an older licence is more likely to make a difference than an older bus?

[@abduldeay1580]

very helpful video

[@chrisjamesson9680]

Isn't hitting the kurb a serious fault? nice video!

[@JoelsStuff]

Thanks! I only clipped it lightly so just a minor point

[@chrisjamesson9680]

Joel's Stuff I also noted on your theory it said the pass mark was 85/100 for multiple choice , I’m due to begin mine soon and they said it’s 90/100.

[@abduldeay1580]

Its all depends on the examiner and ur behavior

[@garypritchard6070]

I thought you can drive a bus or coach without passengers on a full car licence without any further driving test ,long as its taxed as private ,like a car

[@JoelsStuff]

I think this is only with vintage buses

[@Samidiza9618]

Helpful

[@michaelmckelvey5122]

I have just watched your video again. How are you actually enjoying the job after a few years of passing your test? Have you stayed with bus driving or have you since moved on? In fact, you are lucky to have clipped a curb and still to have p[assed as in my day it would have led to an automatic fail.

[@JoelsStuff]

Hey! I drove part time for about 3 years but now moved into a different job. I loved every second of it!

[@thourayaoueslati]

What tests were in the POV?

[@zaypeaceIslamstories]

5 days trianj ghow many hours how much does it all cost include test? And what test do you have to do ever 5 years ?

[@JoelsStuff]

Hey! I did 4 hours driving a day for 5 days. The total cost was around £2000 but I don’t know for sure. After 5 years you need to renew the cpc licence but it isn’t a test as such, you just have to attend the training

[@karimshah8535]

Hi mate Thankyou for uploading this video very helpful. Can you please tell me how long did the whole thing take from start to finish?

[@JoelsStuff]

Hi. It took a couple of months, but only really because I had to wait for test dates etc. I could have done it all in 3 weeks if I had been luckier with availability to book in etc

[@TomIngram]

Thanks for vid..v helpful. What if you only want to drive minibuses? Do you still have to do the cpc modules and test in a bus?

[@JoelsStuff]

Tom Ingram For a minibus (up to 16 seats) you need a category D1 licence, which I assume is a similar process but you won’t have to drive a big bus

[@TomIngram]

@@JoelsStuff Yea I'm just trying to get some clarification from the DVSA & DVLA whether teachers who use school minibuses in school time need to get the PCV licence only, or the CPC licence or for the car licence holders (pre-1997) whether their D1 entitlement with the 101 restriction will suffice if their school gets a Section 19 permit. It seems a bit murky as to what is the best way. In any case, if you turned up to the module 3 CPC test in a mini-bus, and passed, do you know how they mark up your licence to show you can only drive minibuses and not buses/coaches?

[@Moshimulations]

So basically, does this mean that I can simply just get the CPC for buses and get a PCV licence?

[@JoelsStuff]

As far as I remember yes - the cpc will cover all

[@Samidiza9618]

Thank you ,but please I have to know how much cost 5 days at training bus???

[@JoelsStuff]

You will have to contact your local bus training company. Expect to pay 4 figures for the whole thing

[@jonesofosu-baah1160]

Assuming a person already has a cat. C+E with CPC and wants a PCV would he have to go through all the procedure you have enlisted? Thanks

[@JoelsStuff]

From what I remember yes - the cpc for a bus is different I think.

[@coachhorses521]

Hi do I have to have this licence to drive a minibus 17 seater, with paying customer, or just a D1 thank you Joel

[@JoelsStuff]

Hi. From what I understand with a D1 & CPC you can carry 16 paying passengers (17 people including yourself). If you are carrying 17 or more passengers you will need a Cat D like me. Good luck!

[@stuartvince2328]

I took my pcv and cpc last year with a bus company that paid for the training I’ve now left and they are after £1700 for the the fees is this right.

[@JoelsStuff]

That’s about how much it costs. I can’t say if it’s right or not that they are chasing you!

[@stuartvince2328]

@@JoelsStuff yes chasing me

[@charliechaz1982]

​@@stuartvince2328 I got quoted this as well recently through the coach company that I will work for. So sounds right mate.

[@gang-gang8325]

On buses when people give u money do u have to work out the change in ur head or does the machine tell u how much to give back like tills do

[@JoelsStuff]

I can only guess! The bus service I drive is a free shuttle service so I have still never done this

[@RadekNiec]

Hi, have you obtained also C class driving licence with your D (pcv) class? Or you would need to do it sparely? In another words are you allowed to drive sorry a lorry?

[@JoelsStuff]

HGV (cat C) is a separate thing, so you won’t be able to drive a lorry with a cat D

[@BianShaw]

I know this is nearly a year old but do you know if a driver who was a lorry driver Cat C who wants to drive buses Cat D. The CPC module I miss is mod 6 the professional bus driver. My question is would I have to redo the theory I don't see why I would have to redo the case studies when I already hold a CPC card and have started the next cycle of CPC modules. (I also hold permit for a bus aswell so from what I remember, I did my CPC case studies when I did my truck permit). Do you know anything around this grey area of holding a dual licence?

[@JoelsStuff]

Hey There. I am afraid I don't know :( My CPC licence clearly states category D on it, so it is specific to buses and coaches. The case studies and theory I passed all had bus-relevant stuff in, so my guess is that you would need to do them all again for category D. I am only guessing though, sorry I can't be any more helpful. Good luck!

[@BianShaw]

@@JoelsStuff no oroblem at all Joel at least I can plan for that now wheras before I thought I would just walk from one to the other.

[@zaypeaceIslamstories]

How comes your company paid for it have you been with them years before ? Or was this part of your retraining? What company do you work for ?

[@JoelsStuff]

I work for a tourist attraction that runs a park and ride service, and they wanted me to have a licence so that I could be a relief driver when they need me

[@kader606]

Hey I have my cpc module 2 plz can you help me for little bit of tips will do I failed 3 time I treyed 3 deference CDs and still couldn't help me plus I tryed the book aswel but I dnt know where is the cpc questions if you can help would be nice

[@JoelsStuff]

Hey! I don’t know what to say other than you need to keep learning and practicing until you pass. If you go to www.drivingtheory4all.co.uk there is a great mock test and practice questions (you need to pay a subscription but it is worth it). Good luck!

[@aidilsyahfuanfirman1102]

Hi Joel.... I want to ask you something... What about the people from foreign country does have a full driving bus licence and to find a job as a bus driver in UK?

[@aidilsyahfuanfirman1102]

Do I need to reapplying the course driving licence for that?

[@JoelsStuff]

You need to double check this but I doubt you will need to get a new licence. It should be transferable

[@Ali-zq4gc]

hi joelsl if you could helpe the link of the cpc where i can prachtice caz i fail 3 times

[@JoelsStuff]

www.drivingtheory4all.co.uk/

[@kenny-kehindelawani2111]

Could I still train for my PCV licence with an automatic only car licence please, or must it be a manual car licence as I know must buses are automatic transmission anyway @joel

[@JoelsStuff]

Good question, I am not entirely sure to be honest! Nearly all buses these days are automatic yes

[@kenny-kehindelawani2111]

Thanks for the response, really can’t seem to get an answer everywhere I have searched lol But will keep trying I think it shouldn’t be an issue but what do I know???😄

[@cebudave]

Can I drive a full size bus with less than 6 seats for my own pleasure on a car licence?

[@JoelsStuff]

Nope 😊

[@JoelsStuff]

You need a cat D licence, but not the cpc. I think you might be able to drive a bus older than 30 years with no paying customers on a car licence, but you’d have to check

[@cebudave]

@@JoelsStuff thank you.

[@handymusic4123]

Joel, i'm also from the UK but i'm doing a D1 minibus licence. I'm so confused about which to believe because some websites say i need a PSV licence to drive for hire or reward some don't. Some people like yourself say it was called a PSV but it is actually called a PCV licence. I don't want to break the law, so what do I do Joel? HELP! lol

[@handymusic4123]

Private message me if you like or email me. [e-mail]

[@JoelsStuff]

Hi Andy. You don’t need a PSV - you need a D1 category on your driving licence so that you can legally drive a 16 seater, and a CPC so that you can drive for hire and reward.

[@handymusic4123]

@@JoelsStuff Thank you Joel. that clears things up for me but what is a PSV for then? is that for bus and coach operators not drivers?

[@handymusic4123]

Joel I wanted to tell you that I passed my hazard perception, multiple choice i.e. mod1 and I've also completed my case studies and passed that too. Next is just the practical in a few weeks

[@Деловкепке]

👍🏻

[@TheNecrosis90]

Hi Joel, thanks for ur vid, its very helpful, now Ive got a question related to wether do I need to obtain D1 first to gain some experience for going for D category buses and coaches, Now im not in UK but in Ireland. I would really like to jump straight to D category buses and coaches but somehow I think those companies wont hire me without previous experience on minibuses or trucks, what do you think about that? And can I drive a mini bus with D category, not D1?

[@JoelsStuff]

Hi Matija. I am not sure about Ireland, but in the UK it is better to go straight for a cat D licence - this will let you drive buses as well as minibuses, so it will cover them both. If you get a cat D1 then you will only be able to drive minibuses, meaning you will have to go through more expensive training and tests if you want to upgrade at a later stage. The general advice is to go for as big as you can because everything smaller will be covered on your licence.

[@TheNecrosis90]

@@JoelsStuff thank u so much, I found out today that full D covers all other D's in Ireland.

[@padraigwalsh9589]

Om

[@-Hooman-]

1 quick thing please I will have my medical in 11 days then I will send d4,d2 and my driving licence to dvla I was thinking to doing cat c and then c+e artic then I started to diggin a little bit most of the firm out the hiring hgv drivers required minimum a year or 2 experience I start to thinking instead of taking that route Im dong my cat D ,my question is , is it easy after passing the test to find a job or will it be like hgv they will require experience , Thanks mate

[@JoelsStuff]

Hi. I personally didn’t have to find a job, as my work paid for me to get a licence so I already had one lined up. From what I understand there are lots of bus driving jobs in the UK, so you should be able to find something as a new driver without experience. Things are slightly different at the moment with covid 19, so it might be tough right now. Good luck!

[@-Hooman-]

@@JoelsStuff Hi my friend thanks for your reply, yes you are right I thought the same I think is easier to find a bus driving jobs rather then lorry in London, I'm not in rush I am currently working I'm thinking to get my category D out of the way by end of the year and next year from January I start to look for bus driving jobs, thanks again for your time

[@JanJan-qq2cb]

EMERY’S AT THE WHEEL TELL ME HOW GOOD DOES IT FEEL WE’VE GOT LACS AUBA SOKRATIS MESUT OZIL HE’S BETTER THAN ALLI Du du du du du du du du du du du du du AND THEY KNOW OUR TITLE IS GOLD WE’RE ARSENAL

[@closethedoornow7538]

May I ask if the case studies element of the CPC includes questions on both buses and HGV’s sorry if the question seems silly but all the training material I can find is labelled as “case studies for PCV and LGV. Thanks.

[@JoelsStuff]

From what I remember it was PCV only

[@closethedoornow7538]

@@JoelsStuff ok cheers mate

[@elliotm]

Superb!

[@hasnankhazmi6908]

This is very good video and helpful thanks

[@thwalesproductions]

Bus in thumbnail is an ex express Motors bus

[@JoelsStuff]

It had a dodgy gearbox and 800k on the clock. Loved driving it though!

[@aidilsyahfuanfirman1102]

Hello

[@TheNecrosis90]

Man Ive got my practical driving test tommorow and feel so scared and anxious, need some bus bro support

[@JoelsStuff]

good luck, it's not that bad!

[@TheNecrosis90]

@@JoelsStuff thx bro means alot!!

[@TheNecrosis90]

Just passed my CPC and driving test, such an achievement, looking forward to my driving career, thanks for your video and support, safe driving!

[@boilaknezzi8974]

@@TheNecrosis90 well done mate, I have mine on wednesday. Shitting myself if I'm being honest