D1 License Minibuses

Minibuses with a GVW over 3.5 tonnes for drivers with D1 entitlement, either inherited or via D1 driver training.

D1 Licence Minibus Leasing Solutions

A lot of our customers don't know the difference between a D1 and Non-D1 minibus. It refers to the entitlement you have on your driving licence. You can drive a D1 minibus (and be paid to do so) if you have D1 entitlement on your driving licence.

The majority of D1 licence minibuses we sell are the factory-built Ford minibus of between 14 -17 seats. These vehicles leave the factory as a minibus and are therefore heavier than converted panel van minibuses.

Having D1 entitlement on your licence means you can drive up to 16 passengers in a minibus with a GVW (gross vehicle weight) over 3.5 tonnes and be paid to do so. There are two ways to obtain D1 entitlement: you may have inherited D1 (101) entitlement on your car driving licence if it was issued before 1st January 1997, or you can complete D1 driver training.

D1 Driver training involves an eyesight and medical check, theory and practical driving test. Anyone with a standard car licence can take D1 driver training, even if they already have inherited D1 entitlement. You can also take automatic-only D1 driver training.

D1 Electric Minibuses

Until recently (June 2025), all electric minibuses with 9+ seats required D1 entitlement to drive, but the UK regulations changed, and now non-D1 drivers can drive an electric minibus with a GVW of up to 4250kg. This change does not apply to diesel vehicles.

D1 Driver training

If you are interested in D1 driver training for your staff, then please get in touch. There are several advantages of training with Rivervale Minibus compared to other providers:

We will monitor your candidates' revision progress on the theory test, if we feel they are not ready, we will tell you.
Our driver trainers are all ADI (Advanced Driver Trainers)
Our ADIs can come to your premises in their own minibuses, so there are no pick-up and drop-off issues, and you will not have to lose a minibus.
We only train one-to-one for the best chance of candidates passing first time.
Our practical training and test takes place over two days, so you will only be without your member of staff for a very limited period.

What is available?

For those with D1 entitlement, Rivervale has lots of minibus leasing options. You are no longer restricted by weight and so you can drive the 14 and 17 Ford Transit Euro 6 and any of the 9+ seat electric minibus coming onto the market.

The ever-popular Ford Transit Minibus, known for its safety, security, and spacious design, now has the EcoBlue diesel engine for an efficient driving experience, and is also available as a 15-seat electric vehicle. We focus on providing minibuses with top-tier safety, accessibility, and comfort features, ensuring your passengers enjoy their journey in a vehicle that meets the highest industry standards.