Bus / coach (PCV) licence theory tests

Types of bus licence

You can drive a minibus with no more than 16 passenger seats and a maximum length of 8 metres with a Category D1 licence. You can also tow a trailer up to 750kg, but if you want to tow a bigger trailer then you will need a Category D1+E licence. The trailer can't weigh more than the vehicle and the gross combined weight must not exceed 12000kg.

You can drive any bus with more than 8 passenger seats with a trailer up to 750kg on a Category D licence. If you want to pull a heavier trailer you will need a Category D+E licence.

Taking your bus theory test

Make sure you get plenty of practise using this website. It works on a smartphone and tablet, too, so you can practise right up until you go into the test. Don't rush the test - it's multiple choice and you can usually deduce which answer is the correct one even if you are not quite sure. Keep an eye on the time, though, as you don't want to run out of time. Make sure you are well hydrated and have had a good night's sleep (dehydration and tiredness make it more difficult to think).

The bus theory test is made of two parts: a multiple choice quiz much like the one you can practise here, plus a hazard perception test.

After you have passed the theory test and hazard perception test you will be issued a theory test certificate and you can then book your practical test using the theory test number. You must take your practical test within two years of passing your theory test.

Taking your bus practical test

The practical test lasts around 90 minutes and includes vehicle safety questions, practical road driving and off-road exercises. The questions for buses and lorries are 'show me, tell me' questions.

During the practical test the examiner will observe you using the vehicle controls, moving away at an angle uphill and downhill, braking, using the mirrors, giving signals, showing awareness and anticipation of other road users, managing progress and controlling speed, dealing with hazards and finding a safe place to stop.

Off-road exercises including an S-shaped reverse into a bay and following the correct uncoupling and re-coupling procedure if you're taking a test with a trailer.